Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Gunagulla


Apologies - i should have included that i use a charge controller (connected to the solar panels) to charge deep cycle batteries and run the DC pumps.

I do not know of any large volume DC pumps that can be connected directly to solar panels. There are small volume DC pumps and panels available (Google "solar power pond pump") but these are to small for my purpose

Regards

Gabe

Gabe- I didn't mean running directly from panels- typical monocrystalline "24V" panels can go as high as 45V at low loads.

The battery (for Lead-acid) voltage in a 24V system usually ranges from 24.5-30V, controlled by a charge controller, although some sealed battery type systems only charge as high as 28.5V. If you are running batteries below 24V all the time, as the seller of those pumps suggests you should, then they are probably just about stuffed!

I have yet to find any suitable pumps that will run on 26-29V (LiFePO4 battery), so am planing on using small PM brushless DC motors I have to run a washing machine or similar pump, as my backup and maybe one as an auxilliary pump during the day for extra aeration/circulation in the FT when I have excess solar or wind power available.

You could always add a Dc-dc converter.

Good quality ones with sufficiently high output power that regulate at 24V are quite expensive, commonly available from elecronics stores (but low quality) ones die early, which is not what you want for a reliable backup when you have a lot of fish.
I'll stick with my plan for now and reconsider other options if the pump isn't up to the task.

Thanks Gabe,

thats good to know about the dirty water - I had my suspicions about the solid pumping ability of the brushless DC pumps so have designed the system CHIFTPIST so that the water pumped should be pretty clean. I'll add a pre -filter onto the pump as well...

Wow Gabe i am speachless lol what a set up you have there i sure have a long way to go lol feeling like a total noob

Your system is beautiful! Like an oasis.

Did I read the picture correctly it only uses 76W/h and is solar powered?

Hi Nikenik

Thanks for the compliments!

Unfortunately you read it wrong! I currently run 2 X 75W pumps and one 180W 240V pump.


I have 750W solar panels with batteries so most of the power is from Solar.

330W/h makes more sense then 76W/h. Unless you're a plumbing genius or magician...

May I ask how much your setup cost to build? Would like to know but you don't have to answer. Or pm me if you don't want to disclose it publicly.

Some people use a broom to clean their tank.

I use a dog!

Wow Gabe! looks great

Ok

So this isn't really an aquaponics update but yesterday i finally realized a childhood dream by getting a swarm of bees. Granddad use to keep bees and i have fond memories of helping him lick (correction - clean) old frames.

Now i have my own. They went into their "home made" (from old pallets) hive this morning. Only two stings!




Whilst i was playing with the bees, the birds were watching the whole episode in amusement!

As all things are really connected, a swarm of bees is very AP related!

I have found a great way to start of my seed for the DWC rafts. Here is a picture that explains the sequence.



#1 - The netpot
#2 - Netpot half filled with hydroton
#3 - Topped up with perlite/vermiculte mix
#4 - Seeded and placed in raft
#5 - One week later
#6 - One week later - Thinning out
#7 - One week later - ready for the final place in the raft

And the final result about 8/9 weeks after sowing

Nice work!