Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

What's an "access port"....

Perhaps deck plate would be an easier term.

I believe inspection port is the correct term.

It's a sort of round plastic port found on flotation tanks on dinghies and boats Rupert. So you can screw off the cover and check that the flotation tank is all dry and good inside. The thing I use to gain access to the bottom of the worm bin which is now a BSF bin in need of modification.

I have noticed now mature larvae heading up the walls of the bin. Probably just escaping at the top and going off to become flies wherever they do that.

I was thinking to slit some PVC pipe length ways and open it out a bit with the heat gun, but not all the way. Then have that go down into the food and maggot mix, and at the top have it go through the side of the bin and into a collection bucket. Then just drill a 25mm hole in the lid to let adult flies in to lay eggs. This is not really necessary as they seem to be able to gain access at the back of the flip down lid where there is a small gap. I can see this as there are lots of eggs laid there...

These critters are much faster at devouring food scraps than worms!

Wheelie worm bin no 2 is now a full on BSF larvae colony. Lots of adult flies about the bin now. Going to need to get may butt in gear and make the auto harvester. Lots of mature dark coloured larvae about...

Wheelie worm bin no 1 is going strong with the worms. Masses of worms in this thing!

Some pics of the BSF







The last one is of the eggs in cardboard that I hung in there. Lots of clutches of eggs

Sorry about the bad pics... My ixus has vanished

Now to turn my attention to the harvesting ramp issue. I have found the grubs on the roof of the bin so not too sure how this all works.... have some plumbing fittings to make the ramp exit the side of the bin using 40mm pvc...