Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I would not imagine they are not too cheap, but then it would be better than getting multiple glass drill bits... I leave the hose on very slow and let the water run over the hole... I only need a 25 mm hole so it wasn't so bad.. But it did chip a little on the last bit. I used a drill up to 1.2 mm and then scoured a circle and broke little bits off with the glass cutter. Not the neatest job in fact.

they ARE expensive, depending an what size hole and how often your gunna use it ...or how many uses you have for it

don't all crucify me, but there are some reasonably cheap ones on ebay.

Probably not good if you want to drill holes every other day but if you want a few in a couple of aquariums then i'd pay $35 odd bucks

Or compare that to what a glass cutter would charge you... I did it once, It was scary (I hate working with glass, unless it is molten) I would get a pro to do it next time.

Might be safer to cut the holes on individual panes then make aquariums out of them than cut/break an already assembled aquarium:

http://www.kokosgoldfish.com/BuildAnAquarium.html

Or better yet make the floor of the tank out of clear acrylic and use a proper glue to attach it to the rest of the tank... i don't think silicone works... Use 4 mm think Acrylic. Makes drilling holes a hell of a lot easier...

now tats an idea!

I think silicone will bond acrylic to glass ok. (if perspex is a trade name for acrylic and i haven'r gotten confused )

You need the proper stuff. My first sump tank fell apart once I filled it up... The silicone gave way. And yes perspex is the leading brand of Clear acrylic, then you have polycarbonate and PVC. Plexiglass is also a brand name for clear and coloured acrylic. It gets confusing sometimes.

OR Why not make the whole tank out of acrylic...? You can go nuts then...

Actually guys, I wasnt planning on glass tanks at all. I made them transpanent in the drawing so that it was easier to see what i was up to.

No, I was planning on using plastic tubs. Much easier to work with and cheaper.

Yes i used google sketchup, great program and VERY easy to use. There is short simple video tutorials to get your started as well.

Ill post the video as soon as I can.

This is my web page if you want to go take a look. It hasnt updated for me yet, but ive placed in on the web site.

http://www.eftel.com/~yingyang/

Ah nuts... a well if anyone needs to know how to cut holes in glass, or acrylic it was a few posts ago... Otherwise sorry for the tangent MCPHRO...

Ok guys. This is the right link to my website. Its got Video and more pictures of my aquaponics design.

http://www.eftel.com/~yingyang/

In the pictures, all containers are plastic, not glass. I saw 125 ltr containers today for $20.00.

The number of containers used for the growbeds totally depends on whats available and are they appropriate. In my system, im looking for containers that are large and wide, but around 25 cm deep.

I might only need 6 instead of 10 growbeds. Its about the volume not the number of beds. But i am aiming for 25cm deep beds at 300 litres (for 1 * 150 ltr tank).

Is there any calculators out there for these types of calculations?

Roy, try this place http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/dlo ... file_id=15

Ok, Here is another concept idea using PVC Pipe.

1. Fish tank is down the bottom. Pump pumps the nutrient up to the top holding tank which then gravity feeds all the way down each tube down to the bottom.

2. Plants are in polystyrene holes cut out of the say... 150mm pvc pipe.

Id like to hear if anyone has tried this, or knows of any issues do do with it. The reason im thinking of it atm is that i think it may be cheaper then doing it in my previous set up. The reason for this is mainly the cost of the gravel.

Does anyone have any prices on how much they were able to pick up gravel for and what type?

Also, i think this sort of system might do better with a biofilter that makes the bacteria grow, including duckweed in both tanks...

Whats your ideas/s comments/

Macca

Roy, our gravel is about 10-15mm and was $15 per bobcat scoop. 3 scoops per cubic metre
Interesting design

I didnt realise it was that cheap...

Anyone have any prices on PVC Pipe. One of the things I was thinking is that it is available at the local dump second hand shop, they have some there, but dont have a price on it.