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Returning Member - IBC's galore
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Author:  Stangas [ Feb 19th, '15, 08:32 ]
Post subject:  Returning Member - IBC's galore
Howdy all..

I have been away from aquaponics for a few years now after a failed attempt.

I have revisited my attempt and decided that it failed due to over engineering, and insufficient volume.

So after now moving house after building, I have allocated a nice spot for mark II.

Investigation at work had spotted me an unlimited supply of IBC's for free..

My theory:

KISS - Keep it simple stupid, and let gravity do the work with only moving parts being the pump!

2 x IBC fish tanks
1 x IBC cut in half to make 2 sumps
2 x IBC's cut in half to make 4 grow beds
1 x IBS as water storage from shed gutters

Thinking CHIFT PIST system

So.. the highest fish tank will cascading into the second fish tank. Then, with an overflow, cascades to the grow beds.. all grow beds then flow into one of the sumps, which cascades to the second sump. The pump then returns the water to the first fish tank. Timer operate the pump.

The reason for separating the fish tanks is A) availability foremost B) separation of different sized fish
The 2 sumps will be used for marron

I am thinking about cutting and welding the grow beds and sumps ibc frames together to make one solid formation.. Then clad around the whole structure to make if visibly pleasing for the wife's sake.

The fish tanks will be stored around the corner tucked away behind my shed.. so they will be 80% shade and not visible from my entertaining area. I will clad these with insulation and then cladding.. The fish I will be using are silver perch.. and minnows or gambusia as feeder fish for the marron (in either the first sump or the second fish tank.

Grow beds will use simple blue metal.. again due to ready availability. And use a simple standpipe, to steer clear of the siphoning methods.

I should get the IBC's in the next few days.. so I will keep you posted!

Cheers for listening
Author:  skeggley [ Feb 19th, '15, 21:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Returning Member - IBC's galore
Hiya Stangas, welcome back. :wave1:
Keeping it simple is a great idea.

A few suggestions.
Having a split feed from the pump to both ft's, ft's each feeding to a common drain.
More sump volume, if possible (stability), would be good.
And collecting rainwater from a tin roof may not great for fish health.
Just suggestions.
:thumbleft:
Author:  Zak [ Feb 25th, '15, 09:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Returning Member - IBC's galore
2000L of fish would probably cater for 8 growbeds if enough space.
I would be tempted to add a 2" pipe connecting both sumps from around 3" from the base so as to keep the levels the same and to mix up all your ammonia and balance it.
With different sized fish you could otherwise wind up with different amounts of nutrient.
Split the feed from sump to fish into two as mentioned above.
Thats just my thoughts
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