Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys! been reading for awhile, first post though.

so i'm gearing up to start my first aquaponic project. i've decided fiberglass would be the best for my budget and the ability to make custom pieces. but my head is spinning from all the types of fiberglass, and what should be used for what. i've read the fiberglass posts from this board and others, but it's hard to find a definitive answer.

so i've read the epoxy resin is the best for water tanks since it's stronger and doesn't absorb water. i've been looking for ones that are for potable water tanks. found this one

http://rhinoliningsepoxy.com/products/r ... re/356/359

it has the NSF 61 approval for potable water tanks, that one looked like a potential.

then, i've been reading that polyester resin isn't as strong and can leach chemicals more into the water. but then i found this one

http://www.fibreglast.com/product/Isoph ... ter_Resins

it says it's food safe, that sounds good to me too.

but then some of the posts i've read say that all fiberglass is inert as long as it's cured... it's all very confusing. i just don't want to inadvertently poison myself while i'm trying to eat more healthy.

any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated

Hi Jim

All fibreglass is good as long as it is post cured.

Method of post curing:

Heat the product to 80 Celsius ( 176 Fahrenheit)

maintain at that temperature for a minimum 4 hours (six hours recommended)

Then steam clean thoroughly.

These are the Australian standards for making fibreglass potable water containers.

The poor mans method (not recommended)

make the tank and leave in the sun for at least one month (preferably mid summer)
then steam clean the hell out of it.


fibreglass has styrene in it and that's the product you try to off gas.

Theoretically, after the tank has been filled with water a sample should be sent to
the dept of water quality.

hope this helps

cheers Lou

Well I agree with above post, he really expose the idea very well.
Hope it is done and no need to further elaborate it...
Thanks man.

Thanks Trout and Tulip. appreciate your help

Hit up Butch at www.pondarmor.com, tell him aussie steve pointed you at him. Check out the blog on the site "you want to build a what" endless opportunities