Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This is the Beginning of something big, I'll post some pics shortly, when i figure out how to make them smaller in size.
Stage 1 - I've started with a 2500l tank and two beds totaling 1450L
Stage 2 - I'll add 4 more Beds
Stage 3 - Add another 2500L tank and 4 more same style beds + 4x 500L Beds.

He's got it bad
Glad I am no orphan

Ah it all started one quite Sunday arvo watching Gardening Aust, it all went down hill from there.

Last 3 pics from day one of construction, i have taken into account the 2 years planning!!

Flash.........and so just keep adding.... I want one

The Grand Plan!

Is that just pop riveted galvo sheeting? I assume your going to line it. Great idea, haven't seen that before (but I probably missed it).

Can I ask about how much that stuff costs (galvo) these days? Might be cheaper than all treated timber, but I wonder how long it will last especially if a little salt gets added to the water.

Hmm, got me thinkin' about added another grow bed...

Beat me to it.
If it was going to be coated you could use mild steel and spray the outside and go think on the inside. Not sure how much more the gal is. Got to etch the gal to get a good bond if you are painting. Plastic liner would be okay.
Has anyone used heating and plastic particles. Its how they get the plastic or rubber on to tool handles. Just heat up and blow the rubber/plastic particles around and they stick and mold to the hot surface.

Just straight Galv, Dunno cost will find out, over lapped 100mm tec screwed and silconed. Had the workshop at work bend it up for me, 2400x1200 sheet bent at 38mm Lip, 300mm deep and around 540mm wide. Not lined at all just chuck the 5mm pea gravel in.

The gal will dissolve and the zinc will kill your fish hopefully first before you get a chance to eat them. You have to line the GB's so the metal does not end up in your fish or you. AP water is acidic and will dissolve metal. Copper also disappears in AP water. There are paints or plastic you can line the GB's with.

Agreed, line the galvanised areas that will be in contact with the fish water.

Total fish deaths have been seen in systems with galvanising touching the fish water after around 6 months. With no other reason for the deaths.

Bugger, but all is not lost, when i add the next two beds in March i'll line them and then empty these ones and line them. That gives me time to work out what to line them with.

This is the grand plan, to be built over the next 10 months or so. I already have a few additions to make which i'll post later for comment.

Day 2 of Construction, Washing gravel Yay!!

Oops not washing gravel digging whole for Tank, Much easier.

Stage 3 is my favorite, keep it coming!