Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,

Anyone have any simple but effective ways to provide protection from the wind and driving rains this winter. Perhaps something the could double as a summer shade cloth framework too? My system just got smashed in the storms and needs to be more protected. I have little option for moving it so have to work with its current location. Thanks in advance for any comments. The growbed is a BYAP 500L.

Just a simple wind break would be benificial... maybe made from shad cloth or even a plastic sheet like used on hot houses or polycarbonate sheeting which is a bit stronger.

I recall someone attaching ag pipe to the legs of the frame so it arched over the growbed and than putting shade cloth or plastic over it.

Also in one of gnash's systems I think he put star pickets in the ground and did the same thing.

.

Indeed he did... and I've done the same myself... quick and easy... and works...

Got a pic of it Rupe?

since my 10 bed outdoor system wasnt that wide.... I used pvc and made
a tent type setup......

it can have shade cloth on it or I can completely enclose the beds in clear plastic
and make a mini greenhouse...

jT

Another good idea - and well executed too.

Hi Greenhorn,

I have rigged up a simple system using 20mm PVC and shade cloth. I have recently modified it so that it just goes over the FT and not the GB. My previous (summer) set up covered the whole system and was similar in that I used the PVC pipe work so that it was fully bent over in an arc.

The shade cloth now is just to keep full sun off the fish. They seem to be happy with it.

My new set up over summer however will be a full shade sail instead over the whole system.

Shade cloth is a brilliant product. Tough as and cheap. Having said that, it won't stop the wind from storms. My veges in the garden bed don't get wind & rain protection and after a storm they look a bit battered but seem to bounce back quickly.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice and pics guys. Definitely given me some ideas. Think I'll need a solid storm proof wind break coupled with a lightweight summer sun & winter rain canopy (20mm PVC frame) that can be taken down if wind gets up too much. Will send pics of the final outcome.