Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Dan is :

http://www.youtube.com/v/MugQDD2FcKQ&hl=en

I kill you

If you can find a supplier of the blue barrels that can tell you what was in them, then you can probably find safe blue barrels. For instance, the feed store right near me has a number of blue barrels but they have no idea what was in them so I don't buy from them. There is another guy around here that works for a chemical company and re-sells the barrels for $15 each and can tell you exactly what was in them. The blue barrels I got head food grade glycerin without any added stuff like detergent or soap so they were easy to wash out and didn't suds. Lots of blue barrels hold drink/juice concentrate and those would probably be great to use once rinsed well. There are some barrels that hold stuff that would be safe for us but not for the bacteria. Like Iodine, it would need an extra long time to rinse/leach before cycling would really take place.

As with anything in life, there may be some risk involved and eventually you will just have to build something. Plastics should always be washed well and rinsed very well before use as sometimes there is a residue from manufacturing left on the surface (I've noticed this with bins mostly.) Food grade is good but often you can't tell (many times the "food grade" bin is exactly the same as the ones not marketed as food grade just with a different price tag.) A major thing to be aware of, many plastics don't hold up well in the sun. You wouldn't want you fish tank or grow bed to burst apart or crack 8 months from when you start the system.

I've got plastics in my systems. I've used the poly irrigation pipe in a few places. I don't stress too much about the PVC pipe, go for the solid stuff not the foam core. I have the firestone pond guard pond liner all over in my system. It is fish safe though they recommend rinsing it off before use. I have in the past even used garbage bags to line styrofoam containers for hydroponics but who knows what might come of a long term entire diet out of a system lined with black builders plastic. I've got a couple plastic storage bins even in use in the systems.

So, plastics should be thought out a bit to decide what you think is safe enough.

Metals other than stainless steel are to be avoided in the system. The ones that are safe enough like Iron will rust away so you don't want iron or steel pipes. Aluminum might no hurt the fish but might not be as good for humans and it is likely to corrode away too. Copper and Zinc (as in galvanized tanks) are not good to have in contact with the water as they can build up to dangerous levels for the fish and heavy consumption of such can be bad for humans as well though very small amounts are needed by all life.

On to the true dangers of Aquaponics.

Of course be careful with electricity around water. CGFI circuits are a good idea. Make sure air pumps are positioned so they can't fall into water or siphon water out of the tank, etc.

Be careful when lifting. Especially when washing gravel, smaller loads are safer and easier on the back. Set up your gravel washing station so that you can stand straight instead of bending over the barrow. Your back will thank you.

Water and gravel are heavy, make sure the supports for your tanks/grow beds are strong enough for the task and on a firm level secure base. A big bin full of gravel/water tipping over or collapsing is pretty dreadful.

Be very careful and research additives before using in your system and same goes for anything you might spray on or use around the plants. Remember that anything going on/in the system will also affect your fish and eventually you. Definitely don't use any soap or detergent in any spray for the plants around your system since soap/detergent is deadly to the fish and probably not good for the bacteria either.

Finally, if you are just not feeling quite right or having an unexplained illness that isn't being diagnosed very well, Make sure to let the doctor know about your fish keeping activities. There is one member that was quite ill for some time and didn't get better till the Doctor was informed about the fish so that the illness could be diagnosed and treated properly. That member now wears big gloves to handle the fish.

Good info TCL

Blue barrels ,, cheap as ????? fish poo ,, I can get almost unlimited supply at about $10 dollars each plus delivery.. Anyone interested in combining an order??? I can arrange transport , mate with a large trailer can drop anywhere in Sydney on petrol cost plus pocket money. I'd say a minimum of 5 per drop-off point to make it economical OR pick-up from Miranda 2228.

Barrels previously contained sugar.

Beware the hidden costs of using barrels. multiple blue barrels each require plumbing and support compared to larger grow bed options.

I get them for $0 Chappo which means my mates get them for $0 also

AGREED,, but some have acess to cheap pipes / connectors ,, NOT me.
I'm looking at a 1.4 metre wide , 4 metre long 30cm deep Stainless steel grow bed for under $250. Combined with a stainless tanl of 3,000 litres and it should be very balanced.

gnash06 ,, Please deliver 1,000 units to Sydney , post code 2228.
Cheers

Free ????

Your on the ball TCLynx, yes they do cost extra to plumb ( mine came to $134au for the next ten ) BUT the stands cost me nothing as I got the steel from OBO.

Best thing you can ever do IMHO is have a mate with whom you can share resources with. I supplied OBO with barrels, he supplies me with steel.

(he supplies me with knowledge, I supply him with a headache, and a good laugh )

And the quote for 1,000 units to Sydney is????????

Shouldn't be a problem as I get them for a national company, you have a better addy than 2228 (street & number)

3 jean Ave Miranda 2228 ,, free sounds GREAT ..... roflmao

Is that left right off the boulevarde

That would depend which way one was coming from?
If heading east toward cronulla it would be left , just past sylvania Rd.