Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm totally new to aquaponics, but I have spent some time watching videos and reading webpages on the internet, have stumbled upon some free equipment with the hopes of setting something up, and was wondering if you all would like to give me some input on it all, specs to maintain, and what-not.

I'd really like to make sure I select the proper GPH (I realize there's a height the pumps must clear), but in general, for the system as a whole, if I do end up setting it up as a whole. I'm also wondering what the proper amount of aeration would be, and how to accomplish it, as if there is such a thing as too much aeration, is there?

Ultimately, I'd like to hear all sorts of different ideas as to what is possible with it all, as I'm wide open to suggestions, if you all would...


2 X 10 gallon tanks
1 X 20 gallon tank
1 X 50 gallon tank
1 X 30? gallon tote box
I still need to get a growbed


Feel free to go ahead and answer now, but to hear more on my ideas and spec concerns, read on. Thank you so much!

My idea, which occurred before I found the 50 gallon tank, was a 5 level vertical set up on a shelf, with the pump and sump at the bottom...

1. On the top, the 20 gallon tank with like a dozen neon tetras, or something, waterfalling down to

2. the 10 gallon tank with like half a dozen neon tetras, or something, waterfalling down to the 2nd

3. 10 gallon tank, partitioned into two sections, with a couple little crabs or crayfish on one side and a bunch of filtration and aeration going on in the other side, which then, would dump into the

4. growbed, which would have an auto-siphon, or something, that then dumps down into the

5. sump, with the pump needing to get the water back up around 6 feet, or something.

Is this ridiculous, what would you do?

Hi Hedone, and welcome to the forum. If I was you I would look at and read as much as I can. Form a basic idea or design as there are a thousand different options. Happy reading.