Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey all, I've got a couple quick questions.

I wanted to add a sump tank using a 55 gal barrel. However the barrel I have right now I'm unsure of the suitability. It is a green barrel used to hold Bio circle; A de-greaser using bacteria and water to eat away at grease. They say that it is eco-friendly, but I'm not sure if it would be usable in AP.

Here is a link to their info for you.
http://www.biocircle.com/en_US/about-us/nature-boost

Would this be safe to use?

Also, I have some adult bullhead catfish and chubs in an IBC, and some perch and bullhead fingerlings in a smaller tote. I would like to add a divider to the IBC with mesh and pvc so I can put the fingerlings in with them. What sort of mesh would work best? I do have some military grade mesh lying around, but I'm not sure if that has any harmful properties when submerged.

Thanks for any help!

Hey Kuro,

The 55gal:
Just open it up to the sun for a few days and give it a good rinse with water. Then fill it up and see if any algae grows. If it does, throw a fish in there and give it a shot. I've had luck with some old construction cure totes that clean up just fine.

The Mesh:
I use a standard mesh laundry bag and make a PVC frame and pull it around it. Nothing fancy. Just float that in the Tote and the bigger fish cant get into it.

Hope that helps.

Many thanks CJ! I never thought of a laundry bag.
I'll get that barrel opened and give it a shot.

Cheers!