Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I am a High School Biology teacher in San Diego, California and I just began working with the Eco-Engineering academy at my school. This academy is under a grant to prepare students for career readiness. I am really trying to inspire the significance of aquaponics as a trade, a business and a way to solve global nutrition, water and land scarcity issues. Long story longer, I am interested in everything!!!!

Unfortunately, (joke) students are now inspired to enter the world of aquaponics and I do not know what I am doing (no joke). Students have been working with the civil engineering teacher and are now designing three concrete tanks. Since this project is sponsored by a grant, we need to order the material by the end of this month.

Everyone is super excited about building these tanks, but they do not understand the biochemistry between the building material and their effects on living things. The engineering teacher wants to do tile instead of buying the pond paint, since when they priced it, the a cost was $250 / per gallon. From what I have read, when using concrete, pond paint is crucial. We have the money, I just need to have a strong justification for spending it.

It was the students' choice to build the concrete ponds. They really wanted to showcase their talents, instead of buying the plastic bins. My goal is that the food they grow will pass the organic certification process. I am not planning to apply for it any time soon, but if they are building from the ground up, then I want to eventually get to that full certification.

The biggest question I have right now, is what is the best option, cost not withstanding, to use as a food grade material to cover the concrete? Food grade liner or pond paint. Are there any of either that you would recommend?

Thanks everyone!!!

Welcome to the forum Ginak .

Welcome.

School projects are a touchy subject, not that they are in any way bad but more to the tune you may find it difficult to get advice. This is mainly because there is so much at risk for the advisor. Especially if there are govn grants or many people involved invested in its success.

I don't have much experience with concrete tanks, nor do many members here. But they are around and it can be done. Search concrete tanks, cement tanks and alike on the forum and you might run into some helpful information.

Personnel I think its much safer with proven water tanks, IBC's, aquaculture tanks etc etc.

But please keep us posted.