Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

We were in Wally World the other day and that reminded me that the XMas tree storage tubs are good for beds and tanks, if anyone is starting out or wants to increase capacity. The tub I was looking at was 50 gallons for $12, clear either Rubbermaid or Sterilite brand.

these are exactly what im trying to us. so far i have 7- 70L and 3 that im guessing are approx. 85L

i thought i had more tubs but they had been fouled with motor oil from when i last moved and im scared to use them.

so for now its 10 GB back into the 1000 gallon behlen poly tuff pool FT.

now if i can just figure out how to plumb it all up correctly

"lost" is not just a show on tele

a couple of pics of what i got done today. i built another stand and got everything as level as a semi sighted me could get it.

i will add many more concrete blocks when i can find more. darn bank put a hold on my influx of AP funds

pretty whacked as it was social security check. i guess they dont trust each other anymore hahaha



i do plan to add at very least two more runs. i tried to leave enough room between the runs i did get set today.

once i get the 2x4 bands around them they will be one less tub of course. the top parts i built are 2x4 framed with 1/2' plywood screwed to each side

its not pretty but will work after i add more blocks. then ill order my uniseals. so far i have purchased nothing, was all stuff i had



i need to find others posts using the tubs like this so i can see how it was plumbed.

im so slow in my work now that im happy to even get this far. but its comming along and makes me very happy. AP is good for the blind boy

Rubbermaid-everytime i read that name it conjures a strange vision of a maid in rubber tending to the growbeds lol

Johnny,
try using a 'Top Hat Grommet' or sometimes called a 'Top Hat Washer' you have relatively low volumes, so the flow rate wont need a pipe over 3/4" in diameter.


Check out this thread I posted ages ago.

as for where the pipes go and how to plumb it, usually ppl with a system that looks like yours run a drain pipe 2" or larger (larger if you can afford it... overengineering never hurt AP) along the bottom of the pots.
a smaller pipe 1" to 1.5" runs along the top, and this is the pump output. At each pot, have a cheap ball valve, so you can regulate the flow into each pot.
Then a loop siphon is most commonly used, however if you wanted due to the shape of your pots you could do a slow drain or even a small bell siphon.

Here's a pic of how Steve S plumbed part of his system.

You think that's bad? because it's always Americans talking about RubberMaid, all I can think of is what they call 'Rubbers' and a maid handing them out or worse...

kuda thanks mate! i like how you fastened the barrells together in that pic too. and the trim on the ends is a nice add man

ball valves on input side for GB regulators FTW!

i see the section of pipe in the barrells bottom. it keeps the medium from fouling the siphon drain, yes?

how did you attack your siphon drain hose to the pvc thru the barrells botoom? uniseal?



you know im thinking a longer GB run will save me a huge amount on fittings. if i could just find a section of 24" culvert pipe and split it that would give me 40' of GB. almost cheaper to buy the culvert pipe than plumb multiple small beds

ima learning hehehe

Whats Wally World ???????

"wally world" is a term coined by those that are not so fond of the walmart corp.

i have heard other terms for them too but i cant post on a family forum

poor little puppy needs ubuntu

Check out Steve S's thread, I posted a link in my last post. It's his system, not mine...
I use 3' x 7' square GBs...
I don't know exactly how he's plumbed the siphon... not without re-reading his thread anyhow
Siphons can come out the side or the bottom of the GB
if using a bell siphon the pretty much MUST come out the bottom, slow drain and loop siphons are flexible, side or bottom. Whatever's more convenient.

The culvert idea's a good one, if you can get the ends sealed, and also make sure that your drain is fast enough to pull oxygen down through the bed. if it's too long, I fear that the flood and drain speeds may be a little wimpish.
Too long imho would be more than 10'...

A bell siphon can come out the side as well KP, and can also be made inverted.

Diagram OB? I have 1 loop siphon remaining, and that's cos I can't get a pipe out the bottom.
Love to change it to a bell.
What exactly do you mean by 'inverted'?

Through the side siphon

ahhh... ok to my thinking that's just a slight mod of a loop siphon, but I get your point.
Thanks..

Kuda , do you think 12' would work? they come in 24' sections is why im asking. and i could elevate the run slightly also. i was hoping for longer GB runs to cut down on fittings and stands. culvert is heavy duty and structural too so im hopeful

what if i added big drains , i dunno 1.5 to 2" drain or up? might just add a 4" close nipple and reduce as needed to get drainflow/retention yes?

sealing the ends will be will be pretty easy, just welding sheet steel over end and tack proper nipple in while doing it.

ill make sure to clean insides well before adding any medium too. and i might just run full length tube inside thats perforated to protect drainage flow. whatcha think my brother?