Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I am getting close to setting up my system and a visit to Murrays place this weekend to pick up a grow bed (plus stand) and a pump should get me APing within the next two weeks. I am initially trying to keep the system very simple and it will be flood and drain using one IBC and one 'Murray Grow Bed'. By utilising one pump I will be relying on gravity to drain water from grow bed to fish tank...so I am a little concerned about DO. Most of my questions have been answered by religiously logging on each evening and surfing the forum.

In EBs book he suggests adjusting water flow to the grow bed via a ball or gate valve. Instead of restricting the water flow to adjust I am keen to use the pumps power for additional aeration in the fish tank. What I am envisaging is:

Plumbing from pump to grow bed: pump (with float switch) - non-return valve - removable coupling - T joint which directs water to the grow bed and via a gate valve back into fish tank (hose connection fitted for draining purposes) - gate valve - grid system.

My thought process is to use the power of the pump for additional aeration rather just restricting its flow. In this way I should still be able to adjust flow to the grow bed by redirecting the water force. The second gate valve (just before grid system) will also be able to adjust water flow if required. I am also installing a 6Volt air pump with DC back for power outage.

Any Thoughts

Sounds terrific andy, if you have heaps of pump power, send a t piece with a garden tap just above the water level, so a bit of water never makes it to the grow beds, just helps with DO. Great to hear it's all happening in your neck of the woods

Sounds like a good plan. Going to be using a MGB eh? Another excellent choice! I of course want to see pictures when its overflowing with veggie growth if not before.

okay GF, it is 07:50am in New York, what is your time?

Hi Andy:
So you'll put a venturi attachment on the flow that's diverted back to the tank? If so then I'm all for it!

Thanks all, mental notes are to add venturi and direct water to create water circulation. Will post some photos in a couple of weeks.

I'm on central time Ell, think New York is an hour ahead. The fish do like the current AW, least mine do.

A few photos of the system. Has now been cycling for about a month and I have a feeling it is close to being stable as the plants are starting to grow very quickly...like overnight you can see the difference. Anyway, only have 10 Spangled Perch at the moment and will have another 30 Silver Perch in the next week or so.

...and some more

and one more.

Looking good AW. Very neat setup there.

Yep looking good mate. How much sun does your growbed get each day? BTW - I like the lid you've made for the IBC - Is the bike lock to stop the kids? Good idea...!

Simmo, yeah the lock is for the kids and I get full sun from around 7am through to 1pm and then dappled shade through to around 4pm...lots of tress in our estate. The side closest to the wooden fence is North.

Eat your heart out guys - I've got an invite to inspect it personally, thanks for that Andy

AW, looks superb, no mucking around there. So, continuous flow, or a fast flood and then drain straight back into the tank?

Loks great!!