Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

so, i just started to build my first AP setup. new to the whole thing s im expecting to be posting some questions.

i picked up a 275 gal IBC. for the first small growbed im going to build to get everything running and whatnot, ive decided im going to just build a 2 foot X 4 foot base using a coule 2x4s and a piece of plywood. then i will source a container for the growbed.

this growbed foundation is going to be placed on top of the IBC metal cage, i the backside of it leaving the front half stil exposed for access.

my question is pertaining to the wood. should i put a sealant of some sort on it? im worrid that between possible fish splashing and water returns that water will splash up on the wood an possibly start it to rot.

and if i do use a sealant, which one? i worry that as water splashes up, it might bring chemicals with it into the fishtank when it drips back down.

PS: im not using the top part of the IBC for the growbed because it was already cut off when i bought it, but it only cost 30 bucks so it was worth it.

thanks to the seller if hes on here.

here is a picture to see what i am refering to.

Hi dcsr20:

FWIW I used spar varnish to seal some wood I had over my FT, I figured it was safe enough for the occasional splashing. Or, if you leave the wood unfinished it will hold up just fine assuming it isn't getting rained on. Or, if it is getting rained on let it wear I'm sure it will last until you build a second or third system haha.

I would at the very least paint it. If that ply is exposed to mosture it will turn into a banana.

The plywood is supported by 3 2x4s, but I'll probly find some non toxic paint for it. Im in the process of building an 8x8 grow house for it so rain shouldn't b a problem. And I live in so Cal.

Sent from my DROID SPYDER using Tapatalk 2

The cheapest is probably outdoor acrylic, I have also used bondcrete slightly watered down but I don't know the US equivalent.

If I were you I would put 2"x4"s on the ends connecting the three main 2"x4"s. Might just be me wanting to over engineer my supports but I can see a potential problem.

i thought about doing to but thatd be 4 foot of 2x4 and i know i got more to spend on this setup, trying to budget it somewhat.
i dont realy see it presenting a problem, if so, it wont happen again lol