Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

My name is Corey, I'm 22 and have been interested in the production of plants since before I can remember. I also enjoy a good fillet so when I came across aquaponics, it almost seemed to good to be true. After having read countless manuals, guides and articles that I've found on this site, the only question that sticks out more than the rest that I have is..

Why hasn't this system been picked up by the US Government?


The others, however, are the more obvious ones. Which type of water flow should I use, which grow medium, the list goes on!

I will be purchasing 2 IBC Containers today and doing extensive research before anything is said and done. Measure twice, cut once type of deal.

Thanks for reading!
CG

Welcome, it is addictive. Not sure what you mean by what type of water flow? Grow bed medium I use river rocks, but what ever is near you and is ph neutral.

Sorry for the misunderstanding, I'm not sure what I meant myself.
Bell/Siphon - Ebb/Flow - etc

Attempting to find detailed descriptions of each so I can choose which would benefit my IBC's. I will be cutting off the top, flipping it upside down and placing it atop the fish tank (lower half if the IBC).

I use the Afnan siphon's and they work great. No issues with them at all.

Just checked out your thread, really impressed by the info inside it! Haven't read the whole thing but i plan on it.

My personal preference is to skip syphons. Go time flood and drain or constant flood/flow. Check out the BYAP trail thread which compares all three type in identical systems over a long period.

Care to link it?


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Scratch that, trial was the word I was missing.

Are there any suggestions as to how to set-up the flood and drain system with the IBC system that has the grow bed propped up on the fish tank?

The way I imagine it working is this.. The pump kicks on and pushes water into the GB at a faster rate than it drains out, of multiple holes drilled into the bottom. Which would fill the GB (eventually) and then kick off. Allowing the rest of the water to drain down along the entire FT and disrupt the surface, also providing more oxygen.

If I'm wrong, please tell me.

Yea thats basically it. You want to aim for about a 15 min on (pump on) and 45 min off (pump off), this is only guidline and not set in concrete.

The standpipe only needs 2 x 6mm holes drilled in the base for draining the bed. This allows approx 45 min drain for a 500L GB.

welcome.....to the madness

good to see another southeastern APer

looking forward to see your designs and pictures

JT

You can also extend the drain to the bottom of the FT which will pick up and carry air, this will be released at the bottom of the FT creating an upwelling effect which will stir the water maximising the oxygen exchange between the air bubbles compressed in the water column and at the surface boundary.


Scott

I think it is important to note that bunson and Charlie are probably assuming you meant multiple holes in the bottom of a STANDPIPE not the bottom of the growbed itself...just double checking this is what u actually meant. The standpipe will allow you to set max water height easily.

Note the small holes in the bottom of the standpipe in the GB allow the GB to drain down into the FT when the pump is off.


Scott

Well i am now the proud owner of 4 IBCs that were used to store some kind of chicken feed ingrediant unfortunately only 1 has a lid that screws on tight. i suppose i will be placing a thick glob of silicone along the lid to seal it up. I'll also have to drill holes for the pipe that will drain into the FT. I've decided to use a bell siphon style of drain/flood. 20 bucks a piece for the IBCs

With four IBCs: One IBC as FT, one IBC as ST, chop the other two IBCs vertically to create 4GBs and you wont have to worry about the drain or lids. CHIFT PIST (CHOP) configuration.