Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,

I am in the ongoing process of designing a Chift Pist family sized system and have some specs and questions before proceeding.

Fish tank is fibreglass 2.4 x 1.65 x 1.15m high approx 4,500 litres. Assuming maximum water level is 100mm from the top of tank there would be approx 4,160 litres.

Using the "Aquaponic media bed sizing" spreadsheet with feed rate 1%, 12kg/m cubed fish density, 45% protein feed and using gravel, the results states a flow rate required of 1,095 L/Hour. Surface area required for solids mineralisation of just over 10 square metres at 300mm depth GB's. Suggested tank volume of 5,125 litres. Does this mean I could use a 1,000 litre IBC as an adequate sump (5,125 - 4,160 = 965) as the beds would not all drain at exactly the same time (auto siphon) and the sump would be continuously pumping to the FT. I estimate at 40% water volume that the GB's completely full at the same time would hold max 1,200 litres, or is this just wishful thinking and I need a larger sump.

Also, can the FT to GB gravity fed plumbing be buried between the two banks of GBs to allow a walkway without too much loss of pressure?

That's all for now.

Uncompleted sketchup of layout.

Dunno if i would risk it Sab, safer to go with a bigger sump just to be sure...

Yeah, one day the moons will align, and they will drain at the same time.

Your sump MUST be able to hold the complete volume of all your beds.

If all beds fill at the same time then your sump will probably pump dry.. Not good.

The bigger a sump is, the less often you have to top up the system..

Just get 2 of the fibreglass FT. 1 FT and 1 ST. Problem solved.

I'd be interested in where your getting your fibreglass FT from. And cost if you dont mind discussing.

Or you could run some of your GBs as constant flood.