Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've been interested in aquaponics and hydroponics since I discovered them in late 2010. This year (2011) I ran a pilot test with a hydroponics DWC system and since I enjoyed that I've started planning my aquaponics system for next year.

For a FT I will get a 275 gallon IBC and most likely a 35 gallon drum for a swirl filter. Initially I'll probably only have around 100 gallons of grow bed and a small DWC raft system; that way I have plenty of room to expand grow beds later and up the fish stocking without getting a new FT.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions.





I put the DWC where it is because I figure the sump will get a lot more aeration from the siphon directly than if I ran the siphon into the DWC then to the sump. I may put crawfish or something in there eventually and definitely want the aeration.

Looks good to me! Can't wait to see the finished setup. I use the same loop siphon that is connected to the growbeds via a common manifold, from my experience it is better to have the loop siphon on the middle of the beds instead of at the end. I evens out the drainage flow from each siphon and makes them easier to break when the GB are drained evenly. However it might not be as critical. Make them a swiveling loop siphon like mine then you can adjust the water level by simply rotating the loop around the pivot point.



The good thing about a siphon is that you can use it as a siphon or you can also use it as a standpipe when you reduce the inlet flow lower than that is required to start the siphon. The good thing is that it is easier to troubleshoot with compared to a bell siphon. Done right, you don't even need to add any breather holes. Here is an article on my blog about fine tuning these type of siphons. http://mahfudzaquaponic.blogspot.com/2011/03/fine-tuning-swivel-siphon.html

Goodluck buddy! Can't wait to see your setup, I'm gonna have a similar design too sometime next year.

Thanks, definitely good ideas and I'll check out your blog as well.