Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

In order to maximize flow and minimize pressure, try to use the largest diameter you can for as long as your system design will allow, only using smaller diameter at the very end of flows. This also helps prolong the duration of operation between cleans.

Nice I'm trying to squeeze everthing into a 10x17ft space. As soon as I figure out Google Shetch and posting pictures here, I'll share what my plans are so far.

Thanks... Does that go for both output and return to the FT. I have 3/4", 1 1/2", 2", and 4" pipe available at my home. From what I have read, I understand outflow from a tank should be double the input. I also have a 3000gph waterfall pump for the system.

here is a sketchup layout of my GH.... it was a great help in making sure everything fit...

jT

If your return is gravity fed, you'll have to balance that with the flow under pressure from the pump. To be safe, within reason, use a wider diameter drain than input. There are plenty of flow calculators and parameters online or available from most pipe manufacturers. Again, a pencil and paper is a great tool for aiding these computations.


Scott.

What are the associated volumes? Do you have enough water in the FT to flood the GBs? Or, are you going to run CF? Is there a sump in there under on of the GBs (hard to see on the phone)? If so, how are you going to access this?

So far I have used the old school drafting and scale paper cutout methods for my design.

hey

whatever works...... the main thing is to be able to see it to build it

I'm looking at around 200gal of constant hight FT water in the IBC, with a 275 IBC sump.

My growbed volume without media is 250gal. The pump will be constant flow from the sump, with ball valve flow controls where needed. The GBs will have Bell syphons for flood and drain.

Why are you planning to have sump capacity larger than the FT capacity?

Even if your media holds 50% water (clay is about 28-36%) then you'll only need 125gallons in the sump, plus some depth for the submersible pump.

bunson,
I understand... I just happen to have two 275gal IBCs. I'm assuming the FT will not be filled to capacity because of the overflow pipes. My guestimate at this ponit is it will fill to around 250 gal.

The sump IBC has that 275gal capacity, I'm not saying it will be filled to that point when the system is under operation. Just that I have that size tank available. I also am building in the ability to expand the grow beds, with out having to increase the sump tank at a later date.

It seems to me you're dedicating a lot of real estate to a sump that in a CF system will hardly be used? Or am I missing something? Have you considered simplifying the design and connecting the two IBCs as FT and pumping them to the GBs which just drain back to the conjoined FTs?

The increased volume of water will help keep things more stable.

Also gives more flexibility (want to switch to flood and drain - easy) and allows for expansion.

Hey Kenny,

From your avatar it looks like you do some juicing?

If so, can you post some recipes and comments?

Sorry Kenny for the diversion, not meant to be a hijack

Bunson,

I'm interested in your use of Skype. Would you be interested in starting a new thread on how to implement it?