Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I start by drilling a hole then use a Jigsaw to finish it off... Is the easiest/fastest way I have found to do it... The first one I started with a hand saw, only did it that way once..

HTH


Edited to add...
Made up a new configuration for the reservoir section of the barrel...

Circular saw with plastic or metal cutting blade will work, if you drill a big enough hole a sawsawl with metal blade will work. Angle grinder will work. Zip saw will work. Whatever you have, just use proper safety precautions when using power tools or even hand tools for that matter.

I found a hand held circular saw best for me...

Drill a hole big enough for a jigsaw blade and then use a jigsaw to cut what you want...

Hiya Glad I found this topic..

Just tell me if I'm wrong Please..

the Outline of the Project..

Raised Garden Bed..
3 sleeper high.. 3m x 1m [60cm high]

Using Heavy duty Plastic make a Tub[Water Proof] about 30cm deep..
- Fill this section with Rock/scoria..

- Fill the rest of the bed with a mix of Compost[Straw] soil, mushy stuff

- Plant the bed with Plant's..

I don't know What I have Forgotten..

Also was Wondering Could you Grow Bamboo in a wicking Bed.. I have to make a retaining system so the Bamboo I plant Does not Spread out from the area I want it in..

Juergen

Hi SnowT

Your general idea of wicking beds is correct. I'm contemplating changing one of my
aquaponic growbeds into a wicking bed as I believe they are more productive.



That's really hard work and the water reservoir is minimised. I'm going to use
lengths of 90mm agricultural pipes then cover with geotex.

I learnt about wicking beds from this group as I think the have worked it out very
well.

link:
http://www.earthbox.com/resources/about/

I sketched out what I mean on google sketchup but can't seem to upload their file
format and haven't found out how to change it yet. Any help will be appreciated.



Yes you can, I took my trailer to the local nursery and got good quality bulk potting mix
It's been in my wicking beds for 3 years and still outperforming my AP system.



Yes you can, better make it a very big wicking bed.
Why don't you plant clumping bamboo instead of running?


cheers Lou

About the Bamboo yes I do Want Clumping, and the Box is to help in the Final Presentation of the whole system..

I'm planning on making a Pond/Garden[Japanese] in the front yard and Bamboo suit's..

For the sump of the Wicking Bed If I could get Water Cell's I would do that..
- Was just think'n I need a few Dozen Milk Crates to Form the Water Cell..

Juergen..

I worked out how to post google sketchup, so this is how I'm going to do
my wicking beds.

Your idea of using Milk Crates to Form the Water Cells is excellent but my understanding
they always remain the property of the milk supplier. But if you can get them go for it.

cheers Lou

One warning about bamboo, if it is a runner, the plastic has to be really heavy duty and the level at which the drain is must be above ground and easy for you to inspect since it will send runners out any holes or breaks in the plastic liner. And if the plastic liner is not really strong, it will simply punch through. I have clumping bamboo growing that is not contained in a barrier but the running bamboo can even escape plant pots if it is near enough to the ground and you don't catch the runners heading out the drain holes.

I picked this 100 + year old claw foot bath up on gumtree it's now my new wicking bed much to my wifes discust

Redbeard, don't know if you realize this or not, but some of those old clawfoot tubs with the feet intact start around $500 and some hit the $2000 mark. Depending on the condition of the tub and it's parts, of course.
Still, it makes a good wicking bed, eh.

Seems like you learn something every day As most of you know we are moving to a smaller place theres lots of concrete
i have a lot of troughs and tubs on wheels and have been wondering what to do with them and then along comes this link '
http://www.earthbox.com/resources/about/
shit my brain has just gone into overdrive [bugger]

Hi Lou,
I ended up using small plastic tub from Bunnings that looked like mini solid milk creates. Didn't want anything flimsy as there was going to be a bit weight on them.
I like your idea for a thinner bed, I was using very tall GB's so the creates were perfect.

Heaps of DIY earth bucket clips on you tube as well as the bucket version called "global buckets"... Tried to do an Amish paste in a Global bucket & couldn't keep the water up to it...
Great looking Wicking bath Red Beard Puts the one I did yesterday to shame

I was going to try bread crates wrapped in weed cloth & placed upside down in the reservoir of my next few beds... I saw Cost put one together & he used commercially manufactured water cells...

Been using a homemade version of them for my tomatoes for years now. They are fantastic
Back on page 3 of this thread I have pics of them