Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

My First system comprised of a IBC and a 200L blue barrel (hospital / fingerling tank).

I have got 4 IBCs and i am using my old system as 1 GB and the ST.

I will be using 1 IBC as the FT and 2 cut down IBCs as additional grow beds.

I have been thinking about lots and lots of different designs for the space i have (3.6m2) but it came to me this morning.

No cutting up of the IBC cage or anything, KISS!

Some pics for the peeps

4 IBCs - one to the right of the 3. Too bad the top had holes


Cut 2 IBCs for additional GBs


How im going to lay it out.


One main problem is that i cannot access the back 40-50cm. I will need to turn it on its side i measured it and should have 3.6m so i should be able to turn it on the side and still work.

Can anyone give me a idea on pump size? I have a 1m head and 1600-1700L of water. Would 10,000L/H be too much?

The usual rule of thumb is to turn over the FT volume every hour. if you're working on F&D 15/45, then you need 1700 * 4 = 6800L/hr.

However, some contributors suggest that you don't have to have complete water turnover.

Yeaah around 6000L/h would be plenty for what you have in mind...

You could go bigger and divert some flow back to the tanks... allows for expansion later...

I reckon 10,000 is a little crazy, thats huge... We use 4500 on a system with three big beds...

Thanks guys.

Probably 6000L would be the go considering im thinking about getting 2-3 more Gb later hopefully.

Any ideas on a good brand thats not too expensive and energy conscious? Also Rupert you got them backup air supplies yet?

Very nice idea for the growbeds. Would you have 2 of those IBC cage set-ups?

If i understand your question then yes. They will be 3 Gbs in that last pic, 1 GB in each cage and 1 in the middle.

Oops sorry I meant will you have two of those 3GB set-ups in your system.

Thinking about it.

Right now i dont have enough IBCs so will do 1 for now.

I really like what you have done here...and I have every intention of stealing this idea!! Due credit will be given)

Cheers,
Nom

HAHAH Nom feel free mate

I actually got the cages and painted them with the rust solution. Will let them cure for 2 days before i paint them.

It said 24 hours at 20 degrees so will leave it for 2 days at 10+ hahah.

I also washed the FT and got the wife to wash the GB yesterday

A little longer than that wouldn't hurt...but the waiting might!

HAHAH true, depending on how long it takes to paint the GB i might leave it for a bit.

Its been a week and alot has happened.

I painted the GBs and IBC cages with the outdoor paint.



Then at night condensation %^@%ed me over.





As i spent 3 days painting and repainting the GB due to the condensation (painted 7-8am but still not dry) I couldnt be stuffed doing it again.



GB in place to check if there is enough room.



FT in place, plumbing 1/2 way done.



Test trout for the FT died, still have to get water readings.




12.5 CM too.