Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

As title stipulates , I'm trying to find a Cheapidea for grow beds. Problem is they need to be 350mm wide and have near 8 linear meters to run. Intend on building wooden frames to suit.. ideas? ?

..
I assume you mean COST effective..

The most cost effective is likely to be making the lot from reclaimed lumber from house demolition and then line with EPDM pond liner..

you probably need to describe your situation more...because like everything it depends....

some initial things:

(a) what are you going to use for media - that will define the weight and risk of puncturing

(b) can it be on the ground or do you want it at a specific height
which raises question of a/the stand ?

(c) how you going to do your pipes and what you want (siphons or just F&D with overflow ?)

>> Problem is they need to be 350mm wide and have near 8 linear meters to run.
>> Intend on building wooden frames to suit.. ideas? ?

depending on above and seeing you live in Perth (I think?)


Option A - on ground (then would have to have a buried sump and go CHIFT-PIST to pump water up to FT).

Use heavy duty concreting/builders plastic. Thickest you can get. Probably have to have at least 2 layers. That will be cheap (relatively speaking).
Use whatever supports your media for the sides - sleepers, blocks anything that works.


Option B - on a frame

I would go with galvanised steel as a frame - I use 32mm NB for lengths and 40mmNB (50mm outside) for uprights. Then I would source wooden pallets and put those on top - if you get twice as many pallets as you need then basically you can use the wood to make a solid floor for your bed, else buy some concrete board - the pallets will provide enough support either way. Then nail you sides to pallets and go the builder plastic as above.

Best prices for galv posts are likely to be DJ Palmer in O'Connor. They sell most in 3.6m lengths.
You can go with the standard joiners or else bolt in some DIY fashion or weld plates on them.
But you would be up for a few hundred.

for builders plastic - I think Colum does that - see these threads... http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/vie ... =1&t=21207 - pic first post + collapse on page 2

[edit] Colums video series below...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZKGg7mHjPk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49wAbSiwJYQ

the other option would be blocks with 2 rails (wood or steel) and then pallets on that.
The pallets have inherent strength so just look to reasonable block spacing to suit.

Then use something neater looking for the sides to brace and hide it all.

I'd recommend against the builders plastic. The first bed I made was with that (labelled differently, but it's quite thin), and it punctures easily, and doesn't hold up against time. Get proper pond liner, check out ebay, there are plenty of sellers, and they can cut it to what length you want.

For the very cheapest, dig a trench, line it with pond liner, and constant flood it (not something I'd recommend).

Thanks for the links Darren!

If going builders plastic you need to go the thicker stuff (200um+) - which is what industry use (extra heavy duty), not the cheap 50-100um home DIY garden stuff. Have used 200um before with no issue and we use it all the time at SES for damaged roof protection in storms.

Plastic might be an issue if you are using blue metal with weight and edges, but would be fine with clay provided sharp edges/screws etc within the bed are properly addressed.

Having said that, +1 for the pond liner being a better option (bit more cost for the decent stuff).


>> Thanks for the links Darren!

must be due for a spotters fee.....

I have edited the title for you.

We must have been thinking of different stuff. The only stuff I've seen in the shops here is like a plastic bag (thinner than the first plastic I had all the issues with), and would rip quickly. But I'm sure there are different types around.

And I can share the portion of youtube revenue with you that comes from the site going to that video!

Well as usual i was a bit broad. . It will be on a stepped ground so I'll build a wooden or steel frame. It seems like I'm back at using the blue barrels which will just step onto my deck by 150mm,so not end of the world.

These will run bell siphons to common sump (2xbarrels joined) and overflow back into main sump of the existing system

I would build beds rather than use blue barrels. You have a neat system with the patio etc.
Unless you have a free supply the barrels will cost you $100 or so anyway ?
(I presume you were putting them end to end as only 350mm wide)

Yeah Darren end to end. . I still have plenty of left over decking so will look something like this. .but following the same colorbond/decking idea. Just thinking by time i buy the extra materials to to build beds and then line them it might destroy the budget. .. in saying that I've never had a crack before either

neat little setup. The ideal thing would be a rectangular stock trough but they are not inexpensive either.
I once had a couple of 2nd hand fibreglass planters that I got for $15 each at a market - would have been ideal.
(maybe have a squiz at GumTree).

The only thing you might find is running the siphons and getting pipe access etc.
may be easier to run as constant flood (and drain every now and then) or timer F&D if a separate pump.
It might help keep the profile lower than you might be able to with a siphon.

at end of day lots of BYAP'ers grow stuff in blue barrels.

Wow that's the sort of bargain I've been hunting for. . Might be worth stalking gumtree for a while longer then.

also maybe a bathtub or something. Few of those often bobbing around.
You would only want a small one which is generally the ones people can't sell.

The various tip shops often have some good stuff as well.
If you are SOR the Armadale tip shop has a lot of stuff - that is Sleepes haunt.