Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I believe you are right, PJ. Just been out in the shed inspecting the pump. There is a constant magnetism... I learnt something tonight. Interesting. There is a bit of play between the shaft but Im unsure that is the reason, I dont think so. The rotor looks a little battled but not too bad. The main ceramic shaft looks in great condition. The rest of the pump look fine. I cant see a failure point at this moment anyways.

So it isn't working at all or you just don't trust it at this stage?

I used to have a Rio with a similar ceramic shaft setup and while I like them they really don't seem designed for solids. Mine used to get bits of expanded clay under the wings on the impeller. Sometimes just lifting the pump out of the water would free up the impeller but I had to take it apart many times. I still have the pump and use it for backup. The problem could be caused by impeller wear, I used this pump for hydroponics (no clay) without any problems for over two years before I used it for AP. I've noticed the pump is cranky about starting so the impeller could be the issue - they do sell new impellers. Hope you get it figured out fast.

Cheers

PS - over two years running with Laguna Maxflo 2400 pump in AP and no problems running or starting - one is CF and the other is used for an assortment of tasks..

Hey Charlie, mate i am building a FRS and using a liner, just wondering what liner you used and lickness? And what fitting did you use ie STD bulk head or a special one? Has it leaked at all that you know of?
I see Murray has a liner product and it seems the cheapest i have seen, any idea how good it is?

cheers

@Scotty - yea, the pump had stopped completely. I let it rest overnight and it started the next day so it must have been too hot or something, or, when I was messing around with it the next day a piece fell out that may have jammed it. The small plastic piece looks like a locking tab and it fits into a recess in the impeller so maybe it came adrift. It has a 12 month warranty and Ive had it for 8 so I have emailed the supplier and waiting to hear back.


@Ktacooch - I used a pond liner from Bummings, Im not sure what thickness it is but its made by aquapro. The liner is 4m wide off the roll and about $40 per metre. I just used a standard bulkhead fitting through the end but I used a bit of silastic on every mating face to make sure it sealed well. It hasnt leaked yet.
I hadnt seen Murray's liners before but after a quick search I see he has a white LDPE for a good price, says it has a reinforced mesh embedded in the plastic and is also weldable. Sounds pretty good. I wonder if its the same stuff TCLynx uses.

All systems... and fish... fine then Charlie?...

So far so good, Rupe. Good thing I had some spares lying around.

DWC is still offline but I suppose I might just loose a few plants so all good.

Just bucket some water into the DWC to refresh it Charlie... run it to waste...

And/or an air stone to keep the DO up...

Good point, cheers.

Put the pump back together tonight, plumbed it back in and its as good as new. The locker I mentioned must have came adrift in there and locked it up. Anyways we are back in action.

good onya, Charlie.

Had a great fathers day today.

BBQ breaky followed by a trip to the camping shop and bunnings to grab a few bits and pieces. Beautiful day here and FT temp is up to 20deg and the SP are fighting the trout for a feed.

We only have 5 months left in Kal so bought our last plants for summer crops. Planted some corn in the dirt garden some tommies in the AP. Also stripped down the wicking bed so I can get rid of it and finish of repairing the garden where the bird cage was to restore it to its original status.

Knocked up a couple of wicking buckets for an additional two heirloom tomato varieties so I hope they do well.

Also pulled the Hailea aerator apart, looks reasonable inside and no parts damaged or falling apart. The bearing sleeves at each end look to be worn so I think its just a simple case of 'done its day'. So I got about 1.5 years out of a $70 pump so Im not too fussed. It has replaceable bearings so I will price that up but I think Ill end up throwing it in the spare parts bin for another day.


A few pics..

what varieties are the tomatoes?

Seen those 20L wicking buckets work a treat growing tomatoes on tomato forums

Tomato's are Green Zebra, Tigarella, Tommie Toe and Princepe Borghese. Also have some Grosse lisse that I will plant tomorrow after I get some more buckets.

Cheers, Mantis, I think they should be ok. That spot gets full sun between 9am - 2pm so with a bit of luck should give them a break from the summer afternoon sun. See how e go.

I've grown tomatoes in those buckets. I would aim for 1 or 2 stems.