Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,

I've built my grow beds using blue barrels cut in half. The barrels are a little larger than the standard, about 40 liters larger. The barrels are supported on their ends. The problem I am having is that when the barrels get filled they bulge on their edges and cause a small waterfall. As far as I can see, the barrels don't seem to be bulging underneath, its just the edges.

I currently "fixed" the bulging by tying rope around the barrels, but it looks untidy. I am thinking of cutting a groove in a plank and placing it over the entire length of the barrel's edge. Alternatively I could use a pvc pipe in place to the plank.
Does anyone have a better solution?

Thanks
Rob

I've found the Barrel Ponics method of supporting blue barrels cut the long way to be pretty darn good.


There are other methods that people have managed to make work but simply supporting half way up the sides with the 2x6 and 2x8 screwed together is simple and elegant provided you have the space and the lumber.

I've seen metal strapping used around the top edges and riveted I think to keep them from bowing and that seemed to be working.
I've even resorted to using string around the barrels but then the barrels try to bow at another point.

A pallet flipped upside down might make a good barrel cradle but it isn't quite the right size/shape for two barrels side by side and I've not tested it out for more than a gravel washing station.

I have only cut two barrels in half the long way, one for the barrel ponics system and the other I wish I had cut around the waist but I have managed to contrive stands for them on my quarantine section of my big system. In the future if I ever go for blue barrels again, I will probably avoid cutting the long way unless I am building a barrel ponics set up for some one else. I find the blue barrels cut the long way are often harder to get a loop siphon to balance right but that isn't a problem in the barrel ponics set up with the flush tank.

good Luck.

OK, cool, thanks. I'll weigh up the options and make a plan tomorrow. The system is almost up and running now, i'll upload pics one of these days. Thanks for the help, cheers rob.

May father in law reinforced his in a a way a few ppl liked. Kept them all nice and tidy.
See pics here: http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1400

Cut them the other way

sounds like it's a bit late... don't think he can uncut them
anybody got a plastic welder he can borrow?

VB

What about just drilling two holes in the center near the top (right where it bulges) and putting a rope through with knots on both ends. Would do the trick I think.

Rope will work till it breaks. Steel straps have also been used. And building a frame around them.

Thanks for the input everyone. I weighed up the options, and decided to go with the option of cutting a grove down the length of a plank and placing the plank over the edge of the barrel. It looks pretty neat and seems to be working. I'll hopefully upload some pics tomorrow. Cheers Rob

How would a rope break with so little water. Just use the yellow synthetic types we're not talking about clotheslines.

check ss barrels thread

yup, suggested that



guess I could have given more info in this thread.

Rope out in the weather tends to break down over time.

lasts longer if you salt it, or use a silver old rope off of the a vessel..hard as nails