Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey everyone,

Has anyone had any experience using a large pipe diameter for inside the FT for high LPH pumps and then reducing the size of pipe that goes to the GBs?

I was thinking about 150mm inside the FT and reducing to 50mm with ~3,700 LPH pump. In my case the pipe that runs to the GBs is ~22m long, I wanted to have the pipe reduce to 100mm, but it doesn't fit as well between the GBs. I would imagine it will work but will need more frequent cleaning. A overflow pipe is also in place in case of flow being backed up.

Any input is always appreciated, thanks!

50mm isn't very big for a 22m run of water flowing under gravity. What about 90mm stormwater pipe?

I ran 90mm pipe for my SLO and all the way to the growbeds as a 'backbone' reducing 25mm at each bed.

I never had to clean it but that may have something to do with stocking density.

I'll run it with the 90mm to stay on the safe side. I'm going the same route arbe. I'm thinking maybe stocking around 150 tilapia.

I also forgot another thing, for the farthest GB, is it better to have a bit of extra pipe after the GB inflow (ball valve, 90 deg elbow, etc) or have the inflow at the very end of the mainline pipe?

Thanks!