Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

tall one was free, shorter 1000 gallon was $50.00. Can't wait to get started on my new build! Once I get sketch up, I'll post for comments/suggestions. is it OK to run the pump into first tank and then gravity feed into the others and then to filtration and then back to sump? Is it better to do the RAS system this way, or to have separate plumbing for each 1000-1200 gallon tank? Cost wise, the later doesn't seem very efficient. I can have a smaller fry tank for raising the fry until they get to 1-2" and then add them to the larger tank after harvesting fish. Will be using bottom drains, and am hoping to raise appx 1000 fish, roughly 333 in each tank. Hoping to harvest 3-4 times per year by draining down 1 tank every 3-4 months. I am going to add a 4th tank when I find ones and then use that for Koi exclusively. After the RAS is built, will start plans on 1200 sq ft GH, and hopefully, I'll be able to expand it as I go. It will be a Caterpillar tunnel, and I can either add to the length or add another tunnel. The UVI system uses 6" pipe on it's tanks, but their tanks are twice as large. Should I safely be able to use 4" pipe for mine? BiG difference in cost of fittings! Even at wholesale, it's hundreds of dollars more to run in 6" vs. 4". I'll do it, if I have to, but was hoping 4" would work.

Nice score. I wont insult you by questioning the metal pluumbing or what was in them beforehand because i am sure you have a plan in mind for those.



what type of fish are you planning on doing? you can probably do this with tilapia but maybe not with trout or HSB. I would try very hard not to send exit water from one tank to another tank, especially high density fish tanks.


not sure i understand the question. both ways would be RAS. Have you considered plumbing the fish tanks in parallel instead of series?



My shoot from the hip guestimation math says yes, 4" pipe will be plenty, i believe 2" would be enough but i would use 3" if it was my system.

good luck and i look forward to seeing what comes of this system.

brian

thanks for the response Brian. Tilapia and Koi. Considering future hydroponic expansion, I'm still shooting to turn over each tank every hour. Figuring on a 90-100 GMP pump, so yes, parallel plumbing would be best. I know flow rates and velocities for pipe from my irrigation experience, but don't know the rates for flow rates with gravity only. Would 3" be adequate to drain 1200 gallons of water per hour? Drain the tanks with 3" into a 6", then into sump?

Theres and online calculator that should get you in the ballpark on gravity flow through 3" pipe based on length and drop. I am away from my computer so cant easily link url.

Nice score!

Very nice! (and a little jealous)

I found 2 - 350 gallon cone bottomed tanks with poly stands and plastic bottom drains already installed. Now just have to get the guy to give them to me...in exchange for free tilapia/salad for life.lol They are perfect for an RFF with very little modifications. That would complete my tanks for the project. Am planning on getting pump this month and blower next month, then order piping.

Look at those beauties !!