Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

A mate is considering setting up a barrel system comprising of a half blue barrel cut lengthwise for a GB, and barrel cut around the middle - half being for FT and the other half for sump. He intends to add more as he goes, utsing a separate pump for each unit.

Would this system work, factoring in the ratio of FT/ST to GB? I assume he only intends keeping goldfish, as I think SPs or anything else edible (except crays) would be not possible.

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| GB |
| |
|______________________________|

| | | |
| | | |
| ST | | FT |
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|______________| |_____________|

well, that diagram worked good!

Cut the barrels in half for the GB they need less support. And use the other half as well. Twice the GB for the same barrel.

he's keen to cut them lengthwise for the GB, and build a frame for support.

Ultimately, he will start with 3 barrels. 1 cut lengthwise for 2 GBs, and 2 cut in the middle for 2 FTs and 2 STs.

I think the biggest concern is what sort of fish will be suitable for the FT, as it will only be 100L. Any suggestions?

IF he is going to have 3 barrels and build a support for the longwise cut ones, I would suggest building following the barrelponics manual and skip the sump tanks.
This will provide a larger single fish tank.

If he can be convinced to cut the grow bed barrels in half around the middle, then I would push for the CHIFT PIST set up but probably still make the fish tank like the barrel ponics manual fish tank unless only goldfish are desired.

To tell the truth, I don't much like blue barrels as fish tanks since if cut in half around the middle, they are quite small (remember gotta leave some space between water line and top edge or the fish jump out too easy.) If on their side with a hole cut out for access, they hold more water/fish, but are difficult to see into and are just translucent enough to grow algae on the inside.

Perhaps you friend can use the barrels for beds and sump and get a stock tank or something for the fish tank?

Good luck with whatever design is chosen!