Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Has anyone ever tried using a utility sink as a grow bed?
I'm referring to the white ABS plastic utility sinks that they sell in Home Depot and Lowes.
They hold about 18 gallons and costs roughly $54 bucks.
I thought this was a really good grow bed bc:

Pros:
1. It has a depth of 12" (I hear this is the optimal height for a grow bed)
2. It has a drain already built into it so you don't have to drill your own. You just have to buy some PVC fittings to connect your downpipe to. They also sell a another type of PVC that will fit into the drain that can act as a stand pipe.
3. $54 bucks for a this much volume is pretty damn good I think.

Cons: (??? not sure if they are cons, but you can call them questions)
1. Not sure if this type of plastic is food safe
2. Not sure if $54 bucks for a grow bed is too expensive for people

I will be attempting to get a 25 gallon AP system running on my deck using this utility sink, a 27 gallon tote, and 2x4s as a framework. Pictures to follow soon. If anyone has already tried please let me know how it went.

Not a bad idea but it seems small.

It has to compete with storage tubs that can be had for say $7 for 18 gallons, but it does have the appeal of being sturdy so you wouldn't need to build supporting frames and whatnot and probably much safer plastic there too.

I like this one from Lowe's but I haven't gotten one, it's nice and square:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_337471-230-R280 ... facetInfo=

I used to compare possible bed and FT containers by figuring the $ per gallon ratio. I don't consider any container that is more than 1$ per gallon. For example a 300 gallon Rubbermaid is <$300.

Damn, so I found out you can get a similar utility for about $30 at ace hardware. The only difference is this one doesnt have the 3 holes for the faucet. Face palm moment
!

Everything is a prospective grow bed through my eyes....

The cats aren't even safe at my house..

That's what I'm using for my FT since early April. No bulging and no issues so far without any extra supports.