Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So...I think I've been lurking on this site for about two years. Finally starting my first system. This will be a combo IBC FT, IBC sump, and a custom made grow bed (plastic lined wood). Hopefully the image comes through.

My first question is what size pump should I buy? This will be a flood and drain system with the pump in the sump (hey that rimes) with a venturi valve. At least that is the theory. The second question...do I have decent ratios between sump/FT/GB?

Thanks in advance,

The Surly Fisherman

Hey

great to see your getting started.... no turning back now....

Your sump tank is a little to small.... your GB will use about 250 gallons... so you may pump
your sump dry... so add about 25 - 30 percent more to keep from draining it

jT

but you need at least an 800 gallon pump * 4 (3200 gph pump) if you're going to do 15 on 45 off. And, always go a little larger than u need cause in a few months your system will be larger .

Does anyone have thoughts/suggestions on a good pump? Right now I'm looking at the Laguna Max-Flo Power Jet 4200 and the Laguna PT360. What is the difference other than the price (about 30 dollars US)?

You could go for a pump that's about 600-800 gallons/h and keep the same sump if you make it a constantly flooded system...

Welcome to the forum, Surly!



Another Florida member, TXLynx, has stopped making any AP stuff out of wood, even treated wood, because it gets destroyed by termites very quickly. Might you have that issue? Her threads are well worth reading: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7656 and many more.

earthbound...

I've read a bunch about flood and drain systems but not much about constant flood systems. How common are they? Does the constant flow of water effect the plant growth one way or the other (negatively or positively)?

swanburg...

Thanks for the beer. And yes I do have termites but a bigger issue is dry rot. I'm hoping that a good couple coats of paint will make it last longer.

Surly.... read the BYAP Trials thread...

Looks like a CF system for me. Cheaper pump and less moving parts.

First, thanks to you all who post regularly. The information you provide is invaluable to me. I've been doing plenty of lurking and no posting so I figured it was about time to show you my completed system.

I did go with a wood grow bed for now and made it a CF PIS system. I'm happy with the result but already want to make changes and expand. The first problem I noticed was the lack of sun light in the area I chose for the system. Now I'm battling silt buildup in the pvc lines but this is a minor issue.

The system ran for about 6 months without fish. At first I worried about mosquitoes but that though was quickly dashed when breading season for the local toad population came around. I ended up with a large population of tad poles that ate the mosquito larva and feed my basil plants so well that the leaves were as big around as my fist. I've never seen basil like it.

Now that my yard is full of young toads I though it was about time for some real fish. I found some tilapia on Craig's List for a dollar a piece. They have been in there for a week now and are growing fast.

Thanks again for your help!

Surly

It's always a happy feeling when you get fish...

Great system surly!!!

Here are a few more photos. Inside the FT is a venturi valve. I went with 1 1/2" PVC piping which seems to work just fine.

I'm not sure if there is anything to improve or if you guys see any major issues in the photos...any suggestions?

Surly

Looks fine to me, What pump did you end up using?