Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I already have kids, so perhaps the best use for my testicles is as a bump stop

That made me cringe!

Hows the system coming along Fuzzy??

Life got in the way for a bit Charlie. It's going slow (heck, Rob would've built a geodesic dome in that time!), but it is moving along.

The staves have dried out more over the months and shrunk, causing the bitumen coating to crack. I spent the weekend reinforcing with gauze and re-coating - hopefully that'll stop any further cracking.

I've cleared the site and will be getting some limestone blocks for the standoffs next weekend. I'll post some pics once it is in place.

Finally made some progress over the Christmas break.

The barrels are in position, sitting on limestone blocks. The low voltage electrics and plumbing are done. However when I filled the barrels with water they leaked like a sieve, despite 4 coats of bitumen and a layer of gauze. Shattered

After a few hours the leaks seemed to slow down, probably due to the staves re-hydrating. Hopefully after a few days it'll stop leaking completely. If not, I'll put yet another few layers of gauze and bitumen.

Comments/criticisms/suggestions welcome!

Next steps:
- Fix the leaks!
- Paint the outer pipes black
- Hydroton
- Fish!
- Landscaping (ie hedges & side plants)

Lookin great as usual Fuzzy!!

Mate you cant leave us hanging like this all the time!!!


In relation to your leaks (hopefully a timberman chimes in!) but is temp an issue when you are lining these types of things?

Ya know, expansion.... retraction etc etc

Like a wooden boat, the leaks will clear up once the timbers swell.

Even after it's painted and sealed on the inside?

The bitumen rubber is supposed to have some flex, but maybe oak expands and contracts too much as Charlie suggests. I wanted seal it 100% so that the nutrient-rich water didn't soak into the wood, but that may be unavoidable.

I'll let it run for a while and report back.

Thermal expansion should be fairly minimal in timber, like Mr Maggi suggests, those barrels (like wooden boats) generally rely on the swelling of the timber to get a good seal. Worst case scenario I guess you might have to resort to pond liner, but I would wait a week and see what happens.

Good call guys - after a few days, the leaks sorted themselves out. Woohoo!

I've made a few minor modifications. I've used pot feet to keep the barrels off the ground. I've also painted as much of the plumbing as possible. I don't think the paint I have is safe for fish/plants, so will have to look into potable-safe paint.

The GB clay is from my 3 y/o BYAP courtyard system, which I've re-stocked with new clay bought from BYAP (of course ). The water is also from my existing system, which should help it cycle up quickly.

I've gone with goldfish to begin with. I might need some fish in the sump to keep the mosquito larvae at bay, maybe pigmy perch or whatever the local aquarium place recommends.

The plants are different types of chillis.

So finally done! Thanks for your help and support with this one - much appreciated!

Hooray, looks sensational FM!

Wow! Looks fantastic:o

+1 pretty!

Very pretty Fuzzmonkey.