Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

very interesting thread, Ryangus
I am building something similar

having sold for over 30 years high pressure cleaning systems in the agricultural world an in the food industry, I am a strong advocate of keeping all systems separated

as that is the evolution I saw over the years in all fields of intensive animal rearing: keep your systems compartmented as much as possible to avoid cross contamination

but you must realize that calls for an enormous amount of discipline:
nothing whatsoever can be used in more than one system lest it be disinfected each and every time

that includes buckets, nets,... up and unto the most iùmportant: your own hands
for good practice, they should be washed and disinfected whenever you move from one system to another

I think that the future will prove this to be the best system

but it is not practical for 1000 liter systems

I agree with Ozzie that each system should have its own pump
but I wonder how 1 pump per IBC/Bed combo all connected = total redundency can be achieved: if one pump breaks down, TMO you will still be left with one fish tank and the adjacent growbeds without recirculation
I am very curious as to how this riddle can be solved unless with very complicated piping.
The mere existence of this or any other connecting piping will eliminate all possible quarantine efficiency.

To me the idea of each system its own pump allows mainly for standardization: to have 10 same pumps allows you to have one pump and maybe two impellers on the shelf for emergencies.

frank

Thanks for the comments Frank. A bit curious why you think "but it is not practical for 1000 liter systems".

I indeed intend to have separate pumps, but standardisation is the key. I would definitely intend on keeping at least one spare pump on standby. Also, i intend to keep the systems entirely separate - no interconnecting plumbing or irrigation. Perhaps it would be a bit more costly, and maybe more duplicated maintenance, but I like the modular concept.

I just need to find some cheap IBCs!

Regards,
Ryan

only because of the rigorous discipline needed to avoid cross contamination, Ryan
all other arguments stand even for 100 liter systems or less
or for a set of aquariums for that matter

frank

I agree that if you are merely trying to avoid cross contamination then it is probably a fruitless exercise. If you are just trying to keep the fish seperate (different sizes and species) then you could do that with the water still mixing between the IBCs.

It was reported that polyculture does not work well because of the difference in gut bacteria between different species, but I think for what we are doing this is not something you can get too caught up with. Anyway, in the end you will probably settle on 1 (or maybe 2) species of fish that you like and suit your conditions and will probably just be dealing with different batches.

It's one thing wanting to be able to add IBC's as you get them, and another to duplicate every part of the system for each one.

You will only have around 200 liters of media, so 20 x 1/2kg fish per IBC at the most. A 1000 lph pump per IBC will do the job nicely.