Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This is my first go at AP. After reading a lot and using what was between my ears I decided it was time to make my vision a reality.

First things first. Find a location to put this thing. I choose the following spot because of the deck already creating a tiered setup. It is also south facing, which iirc is very good for plant growing. The grow bin will be on top and the fish barrel down below.




The barrel and some tools.




I took the 136L grow bin (rubbermaid) and drilled a hole in the bottom and put in the drain spigot. This will accept a 3/4" PVC pipe for the drain.




Bin on the deck, sitting on 4 cinder blocks that I had laying around. 3/4" PVC put in place.






Some 2" PVC to slide on top.






I then took the barrel and sunk it into the ground about 10". I drilled a spot in the side for the return line and a small overflow hole just in case.




I built a brace for the rubbermaid as it was bending as the water increased. Drilled two holes, one on either side for the water to get into the GB. Water flowing




This is it filling up for the first time, I have since removed all the grey coils of tube because of them collapsing and the new pump I got doesnt flow a boat load like the last one.









And now with 3/4" drain rock. I choose this because if SHTF in our area I would like to work with something I can pull out of our local creeks and rivers. I dont think I can find clay balls around :p






So now I have my new pump in, I have lowered the water level in the GB by about 1". It is now on 24hrs of cycling. I will be adding my seaweed extract tonight to the system to get things going a bit more. The benefits of our area is the water we have. I take water from my tap straight into my current fish tank with no problems, I have been doing this for years. The ph is great and very low chlorine content. Benefits of mountain run off and not aquafir (sp?).

The system is a continuous flow setup, it doesnt not flood and drain. I will be looking to add a filtration system shortly that includes a small pail and a sump for the pump. But I would liek to make sure this currently works before I invest anymore into it. I am currently in to it for about $125.

Good to see your progress.. Just need to get some plants in there now.

Yea, thanks for all the pics. Looking forward to your progress.

I just added a large tomato plant, some beans, peas and green onion. Im hoping they do okay. I think the deck might be a little hot, we are hitting in the 30 degree range this week

Update: Plants aren't dead! woot!

I have done a few small changes to the system, as I believe having a good enviro for the fish to thrive I added some small gravel to the bottom of the fishy tank. I also put in an aeration block and lowered the drain tube to create more of a flow then just air bubbles from it splashing in.

I planted some more pea seeds and bean seeds to see how they sprout in the 3/4" crush. I put them in at different levels of the water and under specific depths to see where the money spot is.

Tonight I will be testing ammonia and pH, also getting a temp gauge for it.

Tests were done on the water, I couldnt find a nitrate test. I will have to look at another store for one.

Water temp: 75F
pH: 7.6
Ammonia: 0.25ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm


I bought 10 feeder gold fish and put them in there. New lease on life



The beans large leafs died off I think due to shock from transplant. The tomato and peas also look a bit shocked, but good news is that all three groups have new growth on the top

Eureka! I think it all has turned for the better

It has been about a week since I added 10 goldfish. All are doing great, no deaths that I can see. 2 seeds have finally sprouted, both are near the water source. This leads me to believe I need a water bar for both runs at the front and back so all plants get the fresh water.

I do need to build the enclosure around the bin on the deck because I am getting some pretty good fluctuations in temperature from day to night (About a 10-15 degree swing).

The bean plants that I transplanted now have some healthy green growth (all came out in the last 3 days). The tomato plant looks a lot better than it did a week ago. The peas are still sitting idle, but are still green, so I know they are not rotten

I will grab some pics this weekend of the water bars. Im thinking just some 3/4" pvc with a cap and a bunch of small drilled holes in it and an adapter to water hose line.

Last night I made the drip lines. I had a bunch of stuff laying around so it did not cost me very much. I made 2 of them 32" long. They had a coupler on one end and a regular hose end on the other with a cap off. Then I drilled holes in the tube to let it drip. Connected it up and it works perfect




Here are the plants. I bought a 3" cap to go on top of the siphon.

Thought I would give an update on my system.

The beans that I transplanted are "holding on" and still producing small amounts. The peas died off. The tomato plant is growing really well, I can see the roots have spread really good through out the media. Flowers are now coming out, soon to be fruit! woot!

I put some pea and bean seeds in about a week ago and so far I have 3 beans sprouted and growing very fast and 4 pea plants sprouted and they are starting to come a live.

I only lost 1 gold fish feeder and I think that was due to a swing in water temperature or just a weakling. The others are doing good and the tank has a definite fishy smell to it now

I will get pics tonight of the new sprouts shooting up

Hey EHeye, that's a great little system that you got going there. Nice work.

I wanted to make 2 comments:
1. On the gravel you sourced locally did you do a vinegar test? If you do a vinegar test you can see if your gravel contains limestone. If it does it will constantly raise the pH in the water and you will have pH problems. Better to use pH neutral media.

2. The gravel you put in the fish tank is not a good idea. Fish waste will settle there in the spaces and it will become a source of ammonia which is toxic to fish. Rather take all media out of the fish tank and use an SLO (solids lift overflow) to move the solids out of the fish tank into the grow beds to be converted to nitrates for the plants to feed on.

Regards, Martin.

Woop, woop, woop, woop - woop.... woopa barrel style!



hurmph... cant believe I just said that.

Diva.