Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ok

So after doing some research I have a few questions if anyone could answer them it would be greatly appreciated.

If I bury my Sump tank and keep my FT above the grow beds this way I will only use a pump in the Sump. So hence would I be collecting solids in my sump tank?

Or will I get an accumulation of solids in my fish tank? That might not be removed by gravity?

Hmmm.

The ST is at the lowest point and has the pump which lifts water to the FT, which is at the highest point. The FT gravity feeds water through a SLO (solids lifting overflow) to the GBs which filter the water and drain back into the ST. There shouldn't be any solids in the ST.

Scott

Ok. Sound! I cant think about it any longer as its going to start driving me mad. Any tips on working out how much plumbing pieces I need? I think tomorrow morning ill go buy all the pipe work and try put it together and construct my auto siphons.

Did someone mention siphons ?

You should also look at Constant Flood (CF). Basically, you run the pump continuously and it's set up the same as the siphon system so all you need to do is remove the siphons and switch to a standpipe that doesn't need a hole at the bottom. The water just overflows out of the growbeds through the standpipe and no messing with siphons.

Advantages of running Constant Flood
1. Constant level in Sump Tank (except for evaporation). You might be able to use this more easily for fish.
2. You can use a smaller sump tank because you don't have to plan for fluctuations caused by the siphons.
3. You don't have to futz with the siphons or worry about them not kicking in.

Disadvantages
1. Possibly not getting quite as much oxygen into the system but I haven't seen where anyone has actually tested this yet or where it's actually been an issue.
2. Electricity used by running the pump continuously. This is usually not that much different if you size the pump correctly.


One last note: If you don't already have your pump, pay close attention to the efficiency of the pump. Better, more efficient pumps often pay off the price difference within the first year. If you look at the wattage and at what you pay per KWH you'll get the idea.

Idea + pencil + paper = design plan