Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Greetings from North Carolina.

Thank you for this forum. It has been inspirational to see the various systems working while researching how to build my own.

I am getting close to up-and-running with one leaky tank holding me back.

I purchased an AQ system from a gentleman more than a year ago. The system comprised of five rows of PVC for shallow-draft plants, two half IBC totes for gravel beds and two half IBC totes for floating beds and a pickle container to be used as a solid waste filter. the fish tank was a whole tote with 2" PVC plumbing and a large hole cut out in the top to access the fish.

I had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that it would be difficult to see the fish in the IBC Tote and I found a 400 gallon plywood/glass fish tank. I ended purchasing this with the attempt to integrate into the system. Turns out the fish tank is a custom build for an indoor business and it leaks - pretty bad. In fact, not only does it leak but the front of the take starts to bow outward about a quarter-inch. This is not good! I had a friend who used to build acrylic tanks look at this. He gave me advice on how best to fix and prevent the bowing - but it the same time he said it's best to let it go.

After hearing this advice I'm thinking that I will revert to using the IBC tote as a tank. It seems that I'll stay more sane by using the tote with an easy option for expansion (include more totes).

Some pics

Welcome to the forum. Good start.

@aqmon - Hi and welcome to the forum

There are a few threads that give instructions on how to put windows into the IBC's, you can do that if you really want to keep any eye on them.

Looks like a great start though.

Thanks for the advice. I'll check into this!

Aqmon

Welcome to the forum!

I am also in the NC and am currently setting up my system. Sorry to here about the new tank not being good. I think that the Totes work well for fish tanks, just be sure that your plumbing is setup for adding more tanks as replumbing takes forever and causes down time for your current system if you do not have valves or proper piping in place already. As Colum said there are some DIY window build on the forum and also youtube.

Good luck on your build and cant wait to see some fish!

Thanks LCD!
I'm located in Wilmington, NC where are you in NC?

I'm considering the possible solutions:
- RubberizeIt (already purchased 2 gal)
- Silicon (I have enough to get started)
- Fiberglass/resin (already purchased)
- 3M 4000 Polyurethane.

Any advice from veteran AQ-ers regarding fixing wood/glass tanks is appreciated.

If it doesn't work, it's great to know the IBC tote is a good solution. I have even considered using 6" clear PVC pipe with Uniseal gaskets to connect multiple tanks.

Many thanks!

Anything Clear that is out in the sun is likely to grow Algae. But your Idea of connecting one tank to another with a uni-seal is viable. That is how I have my 2 IBCs plumbed together to form my ST.

I am in charlotte. good luck with your build! cant wait to see it complete!