Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I think you should seal those plaster walls b4 you start, the warmth and moisture will probably make them mouldy and rot, I have seen this happen alot

Im with TCLynx,
I dont know why people bother with swirl / bio filters when you can GB filled with media growing plants in the GB. Just looks like more maintenance and messing about to me.
IMHO.

I also think TC's suggestion is sound, just put some media in the top bed. There is a trend on here to try filtering out solids with first systems rather than just sticking to the tried and true gravel bed setup. Maybe that is from the influence of other web forums where maybe it's suggested from the outset? That said I understand the allure of solids filtering (don't look now but I intend to do it this year too). Actually I want to do solids "digestion" not removal so it's still good.

Usually solids removal follows digestion...at least for me.

I too would recommend what TC said. Its sounds familiar

Can you put in a few skylights or a window.

Great responses. I didn't think about if the pipe clogs! that would be bad. I may just make them both media filled (hydroton), that would solve alot of problems.

With a constant flow media bed, How deep should I make the beds?

And how deep should the water be, and how much media should be above water level?
Concealed, I too think that movie was pure genius!!! It was a masterpiece!! I laugh just thinking about it.

I will paint the walls with a high gloss paint before I finish the build.

I may be able to put in a skylight, but no windows.

I used Adobe (Macromedia) Flash to draw the sketches. I used to be in advertising, and was pretty decent with flash, but my skills have faded over time. I could have animated the whole thing and made it look really cool 10 years ago!

Wolgie, seems like a much simpler plan. Simpler=better in my book.

Here is the revised sketch after feedback. Now it's time to get off the couch and build it.

Rock on, long weekend so AP time!

Gday wolgie.............

I wonder how many indoor AP setups the feds have busted by mistake you guys there seem to have a knack for really nice indoor getups climate controlled and all!

Love what you've named the system wolgie, looks like its coming along great too. Hope you get those fish in according to your plans.

Remember to check the media you use in the GB, anything iwth limestone/marble in it will be unsuitable.

How are you powering all this by the way?

abdul, I was just looking at pumps today, was thinking of a 900 gph submersible pump which would be more like 450 with a 4' head. Do you guys think that is sufficient. The FT is 275gal (actual water) two growbeds about 150gal each? (6'x30"x15")and the 45 gallon swirl filter.

steve, I must say it's tempting, but no fully legit here. Heaven forbid growing a weed, what a crime!

wouldnt have assumed any thing else

just saying it WOULD be funny...getting a warrant on based on all the tell tale signs, bust the door down to find an AP system.........er, sorry, our mistake. LOL

Sounds like it should do fine

And what kind of lights are you using? There is some debate about that...