Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ok guys here is my first system which I am very proud of because it took me weeks to build!

It makes the most of limited space and now I can expand with more GBs, very excitied.

...continued.

...lastly.

Yep... they sure do.... especially for barrels and small bins... simple as...

nice work

Do you have taps on the inlets or the loop siphon can normally handle the water flow fine? What size hose are you using

Looks real tidy

I have a backflow tap on coming out of the pump if that is what you mean.
The siphons can handle the water fine and it flows into a 50mm PVC pipe, they are just the normal garden hose size very cheap.

Just have a problem with timing the water in to flood and drain, do you have any tips on getting a timer where you can set your own intervals on a 24/7 basis? Currently I'm using small timer with the plastic gears that runs at 15m intervals. It would be good to get a real controller with unlimted programming or maybe one can be made. Don't imagine they would be hard to bang together.

Stick a ball valve on the outlet to each barrel...





and...




Just run the pump continuously... no need for a timer on a siphon system...

And the subject of programmable timers has arisen many times... most of those that have been "banged" together... or are available.... work out at around $200-$300

Really neat looking setup Mick, weeks well spend I say

Shade that fish tank though, make sure no direct sunlight hits it or you'll have major algae issues.

Put up those extra grow beds too, or stock at very low levels using the grow bed to stocking ratio, 20-25 fish per 500liter grow bed I think.

Thanks for replying with those pics Rupert, I fully understand now and will readjust.

And Abdul, thanks for the encouragement mate I will shade it as part of a larger shade structure when I put the other half barrels into circulation. Do you know why the sun on the pond creates algae? Thanks in advance.

Mick

I can see a pretty major problem, look at rupes pic's, you can see the drain point pvc guard, I cant see a drain protector on yours mick?

You are going to need to support the walls of the barrels as well, as the rock settles they will bow more and more.

Sorry to hijack, but Rup, I've noticed that you distribute the water throughout your barrels with the long pierced pipe. Is there any reason for not just putting the water in straight?

If you get a smaller pond pump you can run it 24/7. Saves playing around with a timer and helps with DO.

Not really... I just prefer to distribute the water more evenly...

Apart from having a drain guard to stop the media from falling in... it's handy to be able to clear any roots that might eventually grow into the drain...