Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi. I'm new to aquaponics. I'm reading past posts as quick as I can to learn the basics. I'm learning that there seems to be several different operating systems.

I am renting where I currently live. It is an old 2 story farmhouse in the country with a full basement. A system would need to be on the small side, 50 to 100 gallon fish tank and several 1/2 barrel grow beds at most. What suggestions do you all have for such a system. I need it to be as inexpensive as possible.

Any input will be welcome. Thanks.
Blair

My suggestion is to familiarize your self with the nearest recycle centre.
If your in the country then there would be some Agricultural supply stores...
Ask where or to whom they sell barrels of molasis or other farmy stuff...
Stock troughs that are damaged ( do a Veebs and accidently break a corner off) then ask if you can have a discount for damaged goods

I've got a house for rent that comes with an aquaponic system if your interested

Sea change at the best

Hi Blair,

My first system was a removeable one in a rental property. My advice is keep is small and keep it simple.

I used 3 blue barrels cut lengthways and a 500ltr tank. I reasoned that the tank will always be useful so didn't mind paying for one...

I also scavenged a lot. For example, the barrels were placed on an old Computer Server Cupboard frame that I managed to save from being taken to the tip. It was heavy, but really sturdy while also allowing easy access underneath the barrels. Cost me nothing too.

Also, just remember the golden rule. Everything must be removeable. I even went to the stage where, I had to strap a treated log to a pole. To ensure that the log didn't stain the pole (which would mean repainting etc) I placed plastic between the log and the pole.

Here is the link to my system.

http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1755

When I moved, I was able to pull it apart and there was not trace (other than a bare patch of soil where the tank hole had been (I even had to fill in the hole).

Good luck with it.

Simon

Hey Simon... how did your demo day go???

Thanks Simon.

I would suggest downloading a copy of the barrel ponics manual and building your first system with that guide.

Another option would be to cut the barrels around the middle instead of lengthwise for your grow beds and avoid the cost/issue of supporting the beds to keep them from buldging. This might make supporting them easier and you might not even need to empty them completely of the gravel when time comes to move. Moving barrels cut the long way with gravel in them seemed nearly impossible to me.

An even easier container to move with gravel might be 5 gallon food buckets for grow beds. It would require more plumbing though so cost could go up that way though you can usually get the buckets for free from the bakery.

Good luck!

TCLynx

I've downloaded the manual and reading it. So much to learn and so little time. Aquaponics fever grabs hold of you and really affects a person!