Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys,

I am brand new to aquaponics, just heard about it about a month ago. I am going to set up a little IBC Tote system in the next couple of months to play with and get some hands on. Eventually I would like to have a fairly good size system like 3000 gallon fish tank or something close. I have a wife and 3 kiddos that will be helping me through the process aswell. I am here to learn and find a community of like minded ppl. Would really like to meet ppl close to me so I could check out there systems and see what works and does'nt in my specific area. Thanks in advance for any help i will be recieving. Hope you all have a good day.

Welcome, what part of east Texas. I am near Crockett, and Palestine.

Henderson

3000 GALLONS?!!!?

Wow, that is like a kazillion litres.

Good luck with this, I always like big plans.

My main fish tank is 1500 gallon, but I will also have 3 IBC's for a total of about 2400 gallons of fish tanks.

I am going to start with the small IBC tote system. The 3000 gal. system will probably take me years to get to, but it is the end goal. I also want it all solar powered in a green house. The IBC totes are going to be delivered next Saturday. I am also trying to finish my chicken coop right now.

Welcome to the forum Jayawarrior. We love to see pics here, before, during and after

it will be about a month before I start building the IBC tote system and I will def. be posting pics. I do have a question concerning the grow media. I plan to use gravel. Can you just buy regular construction gravel and wash it or do you have to hunt down some special gravel? Also, what size gravel should it be?

Media should have neutral pH, be the "right size" i.e. small enough which provides a large surface area for the bacteria, but large enough such that a reasonable void exists between the media to facilitate water flow, but not so large a gap that inhibits the media filtering the solids... a fine balance; it's also desirable that media should also be smooth as sharp edges can be harder to work with, light-weight media is also easier to work with and requires less support-engineering in the GB design; but then again specialist media such as expanded clay balls are more expensive than gravel ($30-40 for 50L vs. $30 per tonne, locally!)

There is a discussion of media types and sizes in the IBC of AP


With a month to go before construction, this is a good time to start collecting some media candidates and placing them in buckets of water to test their pH levels for the month.




Scott

wow that IBC of AP was a good read, thanks Scott.

The IBC of AP had a few systems with Yappie added into them. Everything I have read on the forum says this is not possible do to them killing each other. The system with the red claw seemed to be doing really well. So, is it possible to raise these guys in a sump tank. I was also curious if any one had info or a link on breeding tilapia. Do you have to provide them with a special place or will they do it on their own? Thanks guys already learning alot from here.

I didn't write it, but you're welcome anyway.

I am sure Joel, Faye and any others who had a hand in its production will be chuffed that you liked it too

yay got my Totes today, to bad I have to wait a month for the money to start construction. Ah well, gives me time to finish my chicken coop and maybe rabbit hutches.

Jee! Start of construction day! Or isn't it?

Nice, I am still looking for some IBC's. I need a bunch of them.