Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've been looking at doing a system, was thinking of starting with a couple of IBC tote units but now I'm thinking small galv stock tank for fish and building custom size grow bed. Looking at a little 6x6 greenhouse and because of the temp thinking about a little heat/air unit to keep the temp constant. I've noticed at least two others from the Amarillo area on this forum, suspect there may be more. Haven't figured out a way to get fish in the area yet.

Still pulling it all together.

Terry

unless the galvanized stock tank is lined (aquaplated) or you have a liner, don't use it.. aquaponic water will tend towards acidity (low ph) - which will cause metals to leach into your system, these metals can and will kill your fish

Good tip- I'm clearing ground for the greenhouse today

OK, I went away from the galv container and went with a 100 gal poly container. I just about have the ground prepared for a small 6x8 greenhouse and I understand the tank will handle a couple dozen fish and a couple of moderate size grow beds. Sound about right? I made a connection with a store called fish pro that should be a good source for fish, pump, material and expert assistance. Making progress.

This is kinda like putting a message in a bottle. Ordered the greenhouse so I guess I'm on hold until I get it up. I think I have some expert advice on fish issues but still flying blind a bit on expert system advice. I ordered the magazine special and have found quite a bit of info on the site though. I'm looking at a continuous water system that feeds two 2x6 beds with a standpipe drain that goes directly back into the FT. Gonna have to get electrical run to the greenhouse once I have it up. I guess I'll just keep hunting info to increase knowledge and make me more comfortable with what I'm trying to do. I do have a pretty comprehensive video and manual for a IBC system, but I'm trying to go a little bit larger now. I guess the principles will be the same.

The greenhouse kit just arrived but I can't work on it this weekend, will be out of town. Did get the site prepared though so can get on it the first of the week.

Greenhouse going up. Can't find what I want for grow beds so I think I am going to have to make my own and line them with poly film. Anybody done that? Any tips?

If poly film is another word to describe pond liner then yes, there are many home made GB's here on the forum that use liners. Tips would be to lay a sheet of carpet in the bottom of the bed before the liner goes in and also choose a media like river pebbles or clay balls or basically anything without sharp edges to prevent piercing the liner.

Good - I plan to get what I want at the Fish Pro store so I can be sure it will be ok for fish. Thanks for the carpet tip. I'm liking the tip about starting with a bunch of minnows until I'm sure I have the bugs out to introduce other fish.

The greenhouse will be protected on the north side but should still give me plenty of sunlight hours.

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Don't know if I'm doing it right to post a picture of progress. The fish tank is sitting on it's top and will soon be mostly buried on the back. Pretty tough digging. Grow beds will go down both sides. You can see I have a pretty limited space with which to work.

Apparently that isn't the way to do it.

Apparently you've found the right way...

Guess so

Getting ready to build the grow beds - planning two beds two foot wide, six foot long and 1 foot high. With a 100 gal fish tank and planning continuous flow I'm trying to get a handle on pump size needed. The beds will drain directly back into the fish tank. I plan to distribute the water via a pvc collar around the GB's. I've been reading the thread on pump sizing but haven't reached a conclusion yet.