Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Yeah, I could see a Rubbermaid 300 doing sump duty.
Two hundred bucks plus some heavy anchors screwed or concreted into the ground.

thanks for all the input......

looks like I will go with a 150 gallon stock tank, the 300 is just to wide to fit
the area....

was thinking about using the ground screws to hold it down....


my GB volume with media is 108 gallons so I should have 42 gallons left when
GB's are full.....

jT

That should work then

got a lead on a used one.... for 40.00......

but got to check it out and see what kind of condition its in......

jT

Cool that would be great!!!!! Provided it is still water tight.

Can't imagine what would accidentally damage one of those. Short of bullet holes or meteorites or something.
I have seen them take abuse from horse hooves over years...

was a nice day today so decided to do a little work.....

I have to get the GB frame leveled up and then
I get to start plumbing......

I noticed that the oval pond was bowing a little on the sides
so will add some supports there....

got to add a couple brackets and such and then I will be ready to
get the stock tank and get it put in.....

I think Im going to build a sort of small deck to cover the ST and make
it big enough for a bench...

JT

What ever you do over the sump tank, make sure it is easy to move or open it up to access the sump and pump.

right TC it will be a floating deck.... in sections, so I can just lift it up....

Good I know I have cursed myself whenever I made things difficult to access.

yup been there dont that LOL.....

the existing AP system.. cant get to the ST......

the new and improved AP system starting end of march will be easy access
to the ST... I will be able to get down into it if needed...

JT

started some of the plumbing today..... its a little cold and getting overcast and calling
for freezing rain by morning...... brrrrrrrrr

anyway.....

Im doing something different on this outdoor system, it will be CHIFT PIST but instead
of filling the GB's from the top, it will fill from the bottom...... it will be on a timer....

water will find its own level.... the bottom pond will have a higher level then the GB's so
when water is pumped into the ponds it will fill the GB's and a siphon will start draining them before they overflow..

I havent read of anyone doing this and am looking forward to seeing how it works....

I may have to add a stand pipe in case the pump sticks on.....

jT

The only thing I can think of that I would consider when filling from the bottom, is that you have garanteed all solids removal from fish tank will collect in the bottom of the grow beds. Not sure if that is a good thing, bad thing or indifferent thing. Worms may not like to go down into undrained water to eat.

Mark

got a question.....

is the krylon plastic paint safe for fish?

I would like to paint the plumbing inside the ponds black, so then dont show up
as much

jT

true.... one thing to think about......

the GB's shouldnt leave more than 1/2" or so of water in the bottom.....

I could reverse the 90 and bring up the input to close to the top....

will look at it and see.....

thanks
JT