Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Sorry for the duplicate in Hardware, but I'm keen to get my IBC systems up and running.

I'm buying 2 x 80W solar panels for camping, and when at home intend on using them to run 2 isolated IBC systems.

When I'm camping, I hope to take the panels and possibly run the systems off the battery, or if necessary 240V power.

So, I need to know if these panels will provide enough power on a daily basis for the pump, and how long will a decent battery run the system for.

Also, any recommendations on 12V pumps would be appreciated.

Finally, I plan to run flood and drain on a 15min on 45min off cycle (pumping ~150L). Anyone know of a 12v timer that can do this?

Thanks!

OK.

Forget the 12v pump. Run an inverter.

So you want to be able to run the system for 3 to 4 days on battery alone.... that leaves two options. Big batteries or little pump.

I think a little pump will run your 1/3rd IBC system fine. So lets go with a 50 watt 240 volt pump, running 15 minutes in the hour.

This equals around 300 watts per 24 hours, which translates into about 30 Amps per 24 hours. So to run for 4 days, you need at least 1200 watts, or 120 Amps. 200 Amp/Hour of battery capacity would be safe. This can be achieved with 2 good quality landcruiser batteries, which if they arwe only being discharged a couple of times a year, are way better value than deep cycle.

Thanks mate. I considered an inverter but was lead to believe they're a bit inefficient. I'd rather stick with 240V, as timers are cheap and easy to find, so an inverter is what I'll use.

I imagine I'd only need a fairly small inverter - any suggestions?

150 watter from dickies, around $50