Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm building my first small system to learn on and will use two blue barrels for the fish tank, they will be standing upright and next to each other, I want to join them near the bottom and will have a pump inside one of them. I am planning on using 3 or 4 inch pvc, has anyone done this, any problems or suggestions, any hints on getting good water tight seal where the pvc attaches to the barrels?

Thanks

TX

Hum, if they are complete barrels I'd probably lay them on their sides and cut them open as in the barrel ponics manual. This way you just need to make sure the bung with the threads that match the fittings you want to use is down near the bottom. The bung holes are 2" and one of the two uses the same threads as pvc fittings. You could also cut a hole in a flat part of the bottom of the barrel and use a bulkhead fitting. If they must be upright, then here is a link to the part I'd probably use to plumb them.
Aquatic Ecosystems Uniseals
Actually these fittings are really quite good for many things. I've used the 3/4" ones through liner and 1/2" plywood with good results. I didn't use windex to push them through as I was unsure if that would be safe for the fish. I used a little aquarium silicone as lubricant to let me push the pipe through the fitting.

For a new learning system do check out the barrel ponics manual. It is really a nice primer to AP plumbing where one can learn some tricks and gain some experience.

I like to use the pvc male and female fittings screwed through the side and use lots of silicone. You can also run a U shaped pipe or hose from one tank over the top to the other, just make sure you remove all the air in the line and it will auto level the tanks without cutting holes, Just make sure you don't get air in the line.

trying to join them on the curved walls would be difficult

J- it'll flatten out with the fitting when tight!

Oh, righto

Uniseals it is, thanks all.

TX