Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Can't the same thing be done with a continuous run pum and a rainbird yard irrigation control center? Simply have a main manifold, with outlets. each outlet would have a solenoid controlled by a timer. When all the solenoids are off, water would circulate back into the tank to produce DO. Maybe this has already been deemed a bad idea.

I think there is a general concern over solenoids clogging with fish poo.

That could happen I guess.

I could say "I was referring to using a single pump"

Costing was the big issue along with solenoid valves requiring 70kpa for water flow - zero pressure valves were rather expensive, so Steve suggested power door actuators and it went from there using a flap on the inlet and a push/pull arrangement at about $30 each.

Aussie - the other possibility is to have your beds at a couple of different heights and have one set siphon into the next before going back to the sump. My solution for my big system is to have a 2300 litre sump and operate the system the same way I do my current system (single pump system with pump in sump). This will of course not be suitable for most because of the added costs of the sump and also having to dig it into a biiiig hole. The multiple level thing is definitelly an option though.

les, i'm kinda spewing you didn't use an IR remote instead of an RF one.

MY PDA has a cool little universal remote that is fun when i'm bored and sitting in the car next to the TAB..............funny to see the staff scampering for the volume remote though the window.

it would be worth the trip up to "play" with your solenoid signals and see the look on your face!

Sorry for the tanget (quickly checks forum title for the word "formal" )

Thanks for all the advice everyone . I will think about this water level issue and get back to you all.

AussieP

VB Just looked a VP Structures and realized the waterproof poly film comes in these shades.
Polyfabric Waterproof Films (available in shade factors from 70% to 93%)

AussieP

I'm not sure what that means Aussie. Is that shading of light or shading of UV? Anywhere in this range (70-93%) seems to be a high shade factor if it refers to light. Do plants grow okay in that sort of shade - particularly if getting some extra incidental shade from trees, structures etc?

Is it true that if it was UV that would be all good? Is it right that plants need very little UV to grow and flourish?

My design for my outdoor system is sequential using different levels, mostly because I have 7' drop going around the corner of my house that I need to terrace anyway. Having GBs doesn't cost that much extra, and gives me an excuse....
Serial sequential growbeds do have a risk: If the bed above is smaller, you can have the autosiphon stop filling the next bed in sequence before the next autosiphon kicks in, potentially having multiple beds filled, thus leaving your fish tank suffering. But I plan on having 3 sequential beds going down to a single tank.

I have put it all in a screened room and double encrypted - tempest hazard protected

faraday cage style, huh? smart. There will be nuclear aramageddon and after the winter has passes and the skies clear a lonely "click-thump-gush" will be heard...................LOL