Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello from Kingman, Arizona.

Been reading everything I can find before I jump in too deep. Any help offered would be appreciated. My proposed system is:

2 FTs, 150 gallons each (total 300 gallons)
6 GBs 75 gallons each (450 Gallons)
Media: local volcanic rock
CHIFT-PIST with a SLO
Timed F&D using solenoid valves to sequence the flood of 4 of the GBs 15 min on, 45 off.
Remaining 2 GBs will be constant flood from sump.
Pump is rated for continuous use, 750 gal/hr at proposed head.

Wondering what size pipe to use for the SLO.
Was going to attach a drawing but I the site does not support microsoft publisher (.pub)

For CHIFT-PIST and SLO normally the larger the better until you get out of your fish tank then you can reduce.

What size is your sump?

To upload pics I think they need to be GIF.

Oh! And welcome to the forum and the addiction of Aquaponics.

Welcome... nothing smaller than 50mm/2" for the SLO....

Sump will be a intact 375 gallon IBC.

converted file to .gif

Will your beds and tanks be against a wall? Not too sure from your pic. If they are you may need to move them out a bit so you can gain access to both sides.

Looks to be a well thought out system though.

Arbe,
Right side of diagram will be against a wall. Most of the plumbing will be topside. Should be enough room underneath the GBs to access drains. All tanks and GBs are IBCs. I like the size consistancy (and I can get them for free) Might put a bell siphon in one of the sump supplied GBs just to compare plant growth between the three systems. May even add one more GB to the sump side and run it timed. Will have to see when I get it up and water moving around. I don't want to lose too much volume from the sump to the FT by running too many additional GBs. I got a good deal on the pumps due to the fact that a friend closed his pet store and still had some stock lying around. So buying a bigger pump right now is not an option. I think my biggest challange will be finding a source for fish.

naw, your biggest problem may be getting the solenoid valves to work on gravity pressure.

What kind of solenoid valves are you planning on using to sequence the flow from your fish tank to the 4 sequenced grow beds? Most standard irrigation solenoid valves require a differential pressure to work and that pressure it likely to be far higher than you will get with a standard CHIFT flow unless your fish tanks are like 12 feet above the valves.

Thanks TC,
I remember that from reading one of your previous posts. We use several different types of solenoid activated valves at work. I have been picking the brain of the head electrical tech to see what he thinks. I will find something. The pump I got will not live long on a start and stop basis so a ratcheting style of sequencing valve won't work.

And most solenoid valves just don't hack the buildup of bio-film associated with aquaponics... or uneaten pellets... or any other "foreign" materials...

Wow, low pressure solenoid valves are a bit pricey, but I did find some that would work. (Automatic gate valves for RV septic dump, designed specifically to cut through poop ) Think I might go a different route. Do the aquarium pumps have enough pressure for an irrigation valve? (Pump is a Catalina Aquariums CA-4000) If so, I will split the feed from the sump through an irrigation valve to the FT 15 min an hour to flood the GBs and recirculate the drains from the sump fed growbeds back to the sump instead of to the FTs.

Rainbird has some low pressure irrigation valves intended for use with drip irrigation systems. They have a video up of it doing a good job handling solids too. You might want to check them out. Where did you find the RV ones? I've been looking for something I can use on two inch pipe. If I cannot find what I am looking for, I will likely just use a bunch of the rainbirds.

Deja,
Barker Mfg makes a unit that converts a standard RV gate valve to switch activated. It would take a little playing around with timers and whatnot, but I think it would work. They come in 1.5 inch and 3 inch. Best price I've found was $120.00 each at Dyersonline.com.
Solenoid actuated ball valves for 1" or bigger pipe were in the $300-$500 range. I'll check out the rainbirds but still think I may go with revised plan of diverting the supply to the FT instead of at the growbeds. Less valves, less things to go wrong.

Talked to my local Game & Fish guy today and he will not approve a stocking permit for tilapia. He did, however, give me some contact info for getting bluegill. Would have approved catfish also, but my wife won't eat them.

i live in tx on a lake, so i figure catching catfish is easy and relaxing enough, so i have really been leaning on bluegill. still alot of research to do. i think there is a hybrid bluegill, grows bigger maybe.

anyway i can imagine it, dinnertime, two pieces of fish, shaped differently, taste differently, but oh soooo good.

a cat from the pier caught using a few kernals of corn on a hook, and a good slab bluegill filet. now what veggies from the GB will i saute tonight... hmm.


great hobby if you love to tinker, ive been through so many ideas, just helps you see the big picture

"newer" studies are showing that with a good feed, you can grow out regular bluegill at the same rate as hybrid
check out bigbluegill.com