cover for system

skipd

Hi all.
Another newby question,
I am setting up my first system. As far as covering the system, what are the consequences of not covering. I do intend on covering but there is a shed in the way at the moment. Once I remove the shed I can build a nice cover.
I live in Perth WA. Are there any tricks to draining off rainwater as it enters the system?
I can temporarily cover the FT but GB a bit more tricky.

phred

Legally you'll need to cover the FT or fence it off from children (just like a swimming pool)

Around mine I've put in 4 x 2.4m posts + cross members and wire across forming an X. Then I'll cover it with shade cloth. i couldn't justify the expese of a full metal or wood framed building
I'm intending for 1 grow bed to be under partial sun for those plants that tolerate full summer sun (not sure what yet)

skipd wrote:

Hi all.
Another newby question,
I am setting up my first system. As far as covering the system, what are the consequences of not covering. I do intend on covering but there is a shed in the way at the moment. Once I remove the shed I can build a nice cover.
I live in Perth WA. Are there any tricks to draining off rainwater as it enters the system?
I can temporarily cover the FT but GB a bit more tricky.

earthbound

Not quite Phred. So far as "legalities" of fencing:

Quote:

For the purpose of fencing laws, a "swimming pool" is a place or premises for the purpose of swimming, wading or like activities on private property, containing water that is more than 300 millimetres deep. Spas, wading and bathing pools that hold more than 300 millimetres of water are considered to be swimming pools.

Construction of barrier fencing surrounding swimming pools is governed by the Building Regulations 1989 and enforced by local government. The fencing laws generally involve restricting access to swimming pools from either outside the property or from within buildings on the property.

So it seems that so long as your not using a spa or wading pool as a fish tank, it does not fall under pool fencing regulations. But, I strongly recommend covering any fish tanks, and it's essential if you have young kids...

skipd

I will certainly be covering my FT as I have 2 little children.
I am more concerned as to how rainfall will effect my system as far as flooding it and loosing nutrients out of the system. With summer coming on it may give me some time to build a shelter before next winter.
Wadayarekon?

Outbackozzie

Rainfall in Perth is not a huge concern AP wise. A simple overflow directed away from the tank is all that is required.

I live in Kalgoorlie, and we sometimes get up to 100mm of rain in a day (cyclones) and none of my systems have been covered. Rain dilution is such a small thing, I dont see any reason for concern.

But definately cover / fence of your fish tank. I prefer fencing, because being able to easily net a fish is part of the fun of AP

Taking a cover off is a PITA.

skipd

Thanks OBO,

when you say an overflow, is that at the same height as the top of the standpipe in GB and is it open all the time. Not sure if you can sketch a picture for me but it might make it more clear.

Outbackozzie

An overflow out of the side of the tank, at the highest you can make it. Lets the excess water drain away without actually overflowing the top of the tank. Usually even a small 13mm poly fitting with a bit of hose will do the job.

skipd

Sweet, Cheers OBO. :thumbright:

ivansng

Skipd, in my case, I have a galvanised mesh over the fish tank that I cable tied aviary net under it. So the mesh stops people fallling in to a certain extent, and the aviary net stops the fishes escaping even if the tank was full and overflowing...

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cover for system

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