Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Was your original liner EPDM or something else? Firestone EPDM liner is usually strong enough for this use.

Well.. it almost lasted a year. I wouldn't call that a total failure. I am sure that the people who have liners in there GB's have the same type of problems. This is the one major disadvantage of using rocks/pea gravel. But the hydroton is just WAY too expensive for me right now.

Yeah thats not too bad, but not to great either.
Get some River rock, it worked great for me. Only problem is its heavy...
I found some at a local landscaping company for cheap, like 12 cubic feet for 40 bucks.

With hindsight taking into consideration the work involved, the different things you have tried and unfortunately being back to square one the hydroton might have worked out cheaper in the long run. I have found a similar stuff to hyroton, its expanded clay the same and inert, its used for insulation for floors and walls, inside concrete mixes(sort of added in part place of the sand/gravel) its cheap compared to hydroton 50ltr bag costs 9€.

The drawback, it comes with a PH of over 9, although inert/nuetral its initial ph is very high due to the residue left from production, after a good repeated steeping and washing its now clean and stable and in my system.
they also make/sell one for hyroponics but the price goes up and still has an initial ph of 9+

Probably not much use where you are but this is their website http://www.argex.pt/en/flora.php might be handy for anyone in europe reading

I bet you can keep the beds you made and just line them with this: http://www.webbsonline.com/Category/Pond-Liner-Underlay

I haven't heard whether you used this kind of liner the first time, or maybe it was PVC instead?

For those in Australia, I've found this water based non-toxic rubber bitumen excellent:
http://liquidrubber.com.au

Meets 4020 standard for potable water and has been used by Sydney water to paint inside their massive water tanks

Worked out about $18 per litre from memory including postage, buying it in 20 litre quantities.

The same mob sell reinforcing fabric/guaze you can lay down with it to add extra strength which makes an end product like flexible rubber fibreglass. But its one part application so no messy mixing 2 part hardeners and limited curing time etc

The bed frames will stay. Just have to dry them out for a few days. Decided that, given the weight involved, I'm just going to fiberglass the bed and be done with it. Not that I mind the workout, but plants and fish are going to suffer enough as it is so I don't want to have to do this again... Planning on the toms being a total loss but I've got more seedlings started and ready to go once I've recycled. Keeping a few buckets of wet stone and water aside to help kickstart cycling again as well. Now I just have to get psyched up to do it. Probably wasn't the best time to get the back piece re-inked but when your tattoo artist says they've got a cancellation..... Ah well. No pain no gain.