Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Anyone here ever use a garbage can for a FT? I found this huge one at Lowes the other day and it got my gears turning. It's very solid and has no seams. I could easily get 90 gallons in this thing after pluming, and it's at a perfect height to feed my 3x50gal GB's. Here it is: http://tinyurl.com/3tk4syp

I also found the manufacturer's website has some good info on how this thing is engineered... pretty cool. http://www.toter.com/toter.htm I read that MDPE is food safe and is used in some pipes/hoses so does that mean this one would be too?

Thanks,
Sted

We call them a "wheelie bin" here in OZ... and there have been several members that have used them for systems... indeed, there was once a great "wheelie bin" challenge/competition... and thread...

Ahhh, Thanks Rupert! Wheelie bin... LOL! I was banging my head against the search engine looking for garbage can, trash can, rubbish bin but couldn't find anyone using one specifically for a FT. I found the thread you mentioned and have been inspired.

Hi Sted:

I don't like the smell that comes off most of the trash cans because I think the plastic is not the greatest for raising edible food. The Rubbermaid Brute cans that are gray are food safe apparently, though they are a bit smaller. There are 30 gallon and 45 gallon ones.

Hey Dave,
I have those concerns about the plastic too. I'm very impressed with the construction of this bin though. It is extremely solid and the new one in the store doesn't really have a strong odor at all. I've read that the way to prep plastic is to wash it down with a mild detergent and let it sit in the sun for a few days... well I've got plenty of sun in North Carolina right now.

I've got 100 gallons percolating in what will be my sump tank and I'm thinking I'll go ahead and get this bin, wash it, sun it, and fill it up with that water. Will there be any indications when testing the water if the bin isn't any good?

Are you sure u can't get an IBC tote for that price? That's 270 gallons, around here they're only 85$ shipped to my house.

though i guess a smaller system isn't a bad thing (though i find that at least for me I keep trying to find a way to build me a bigger and bigger system).

Silkcom, I did look at IBC's but I need something that will fit into my porch (more of a Sun Room), so going through a standard door is a necessity. All of the IBC's I looked at were huge and definitely wouldn't fit.

... and I know the feeling, I'm not even finished with this build and I'm already thinking of the next Plans for my outdoor system are already forming in the back of my mind (who am I fooling, I'd be doing it now if the Boss would let me )

Sted

yeah one of my cousin is recently buy garbage can for FT i am agree with you he also say the same about its durability.