Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all,

I was in the process of diggign a big trench 4x8' and 3' deep in my veggie garden for my hugelkultur + wicking bed+ vertical farming hybrid. However during the research process I convinced myself to convert to the drudgery of AP . The reason I have stayed away from AP is the traumatic memory of running a Saltwater coral + fish aquarium for a few years until the day my toddlers decided to be generous with fist full of food every day . However compared to saltwater aquarium I think keeping the AP fish alive and healthy is much simpler . And the kids have grown a little more. Am I correct to assume that yield and plant growth on a good system is 2-4 times vs. soil at least ? I am big time into veggies and I love fish of ALL kinds .

The question is for folks who have done this enough with IBCs to ponder if they were given this choice which path would you take. So the question at hand is what would u do with the grave I dug ? whether to drop two IBCs or make a 500 + gal concrete pond lined FT? (half in ground). I will have another two-three IBCs at least for secondary parallel FTs for seasonal cycle .

I can buy 5 unwashed (veggie-oil) IBCs for $85 each delivered. If I dont buy 5 - price goes up to $125 each. Pondliner is at least $150 for a 12x20 + concrete blocks and concrete + labor. In either case I will be building a greenhouse cover. The trench runs NE-SW and will get good sun to heat up the thermal mass in winter.

I am personally leaning towards two IBCs connected to drop in the trench. Since it is much less work than to make a concrete FT. + it is easy to remove is I wanted to change layout.

If I drop two IBCs where can I buy the accessories for the 90mm straight (if not elbow) , washers and screws for the interconnect?
PS: I well aware and read threads on the Pros and Cons of connecting IBCs over 4-6.

Sudeep Khuraijam

Welcome to the forum Sudeep

Sounds like you've given this some thought - that's good !

We tend to shy away from claims like "yield and plant growth on a good system is 2-4 times vs. soil at least ?" as there are many variables and each system tends to be unique in some way making comparisons hard. Let's just say that AP systems are very productive !

I've never used IBC's so I can't help you there. However, I would say that at that price, buy the five IBC's. You'll either find a use for them or be able to re-sell the ones you don't use for at leats the same price.

Welcome to the forum

If you only need 3 then you should buy 5. You will want to expand

I like this unanimous advice