Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey guys,

I'm building my first system using a full IBC fish tank, full IBC sump tank, and three half-IBC growbeds. I plan on burying the sump directly beneath the growbeds (leaving about 6 inches above ground) and using bell siphons for drainage.

I'm not sure what size plumbing or water pump to use. Can some of you experienced builders give me some input?

The attached jpg is a screen shot of the design I made in SketchUp. If it would help, I can email (or attach, if allowed) the actual SketchUp file so someone could take a closer look at what I'm trying to do.

Thanks,
zp.

I like the concept as shown in the drawing.

You'll need more supports under the GBs as each will weigh about 500kg when flooded; you can never have to many braces and supports!

My thoughts on siphons has been well posted, so whilst still "learning" siphons can be problematic and in your design, aren't absulolutely necessary.

I'd be using a common distribution manifold concept to deliver equal volumes of water to each of the GBs, this will also simplify the plumbing as you should be using something like 90mm in your SLO anyway.

The height of the SLO outlet should be as high as practicable to maximize the water volume in the FT, remembering that the water level will rise to a height fractionally above the height of the horizontal part of the SLO.

Keep us all appraised of your progress, and post some pics as you go!


Scott

Same setup as my ibc system and yes it works well. I have a 9000L/hr pump in the sump with 40mm pipe to the fish tank and run it constant flood. 90mm SLO in fish tank and 40mm outlets at the growbeds

Hey,

Thank you both for your input, much appreciated.

zp.