Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I haven't heard much bad about Laguna. Mine is still running strong.

For a 12v pump you might like one of these http://www.acousticpc.com/laing_d5_water_pump.html they are mainly used for watercooling PC's, mine has been running 24/7 on my weather server for 4 years without problems, no idea how they would cope with solids though. they are also NON submersable and must be fitted inline

'frostyboy wrote:
I have a pondmax 8000l from BYAP which works well so far (a matter of weeks) but was 295, this aquapro from B is 200

http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_pro ... 10102.aspx'
Hi
I am new to aquaponics and will have lots of thick questions! Im trying hard to educate myself on how to put a system together inexpensively. Partner not keen on the idea at this point so I need to arm myself with lots of info. Would the pump above run on a solar panel with a battery as a back up?
Thanks
Rue

Rue,

You could run any pump from a solar panel with battery backup. The pondmax will be a 240v pump however and will require an inverter. You would also need enough panels to generate power to not only run the pump but charge the battery to keep the pump running at night and when there is no/little sunlight.

Thank you. I thought so but panicked when I read the 12 V post. I then got confused with our camping stuff. Hard ware isn't usually my area so this aspects of aquaponics is a steep learning curve.

Whats inexpensive to you, rue? Do you have a budget you would like to adhere to or would you like a best case scenario to take to hubby to (hopefully) win a case?

Im sure we can help you out with the numbers.

well inexpensive would mean keeping the cost of all the hardware in the hundreds zone and NOT thousand(s). I have seen an IBC tank for $80 which I would be happy with as a starter. The tank is 1000lts and obviously after being cut down would be less the cut off/grow bed one. He is very dubious about growing fish to plate size quick enough and also that we might need to add chemicals/fertilisers to enable plants to get what they need to grow. Also that it is a closed system and therefore vulnerable. After hearing that the Japanese nuclear plant is now leaking radiation into the Pacific I am even more intent on trying to get a system together.

Hiya rue, ibc's down the rd from a guy in Forrie frequently for 75. I bought an eBay cheapie pump that has been running for 3 months straight and hasn't let me down, poor head head height however it is my back up which I'm testing. The main is not so cheap but I need the reliability for piece of mind.
From what I understand you are too late for trout and barramundi is bought plate size to begin with.
You need to get the system up and cycling before worrying about the fish anyway.
I reckon you could get an ibc system up and running for a couple hundred.

"He" doesn't know much about aquaponics....

You won't be able to build a solar system for under $1000, but go here and check things out if your planning on going the IBC path...

www.ibcofaquaponics.com

I wouldn't hang your hat on that one EB.

Hi,
I currently have a BYAP 3000 - little black one.

I'm thinking of getting a new pump for my greenhouse system (in my sig)
Mantis initially said a Laguna is a good pump.

My question is which model for my system in the thread below
Its going to be buried 500mm and have to pump up to the fish tank which is an IBC on top of level ground - so my guess atm is about 1.5-2.0 meters. But the sump is quite a distance from the tank and will travel in 40mm pipe with about 4 elbow to get there.

Anyone know anything about these pumps http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tetra-Pond-CFP-11500-Fountain-Pump-Brand-New-Waterfall-/350099122656

Looking for an upgrade as the one i have is just enough I put a daft start bid on one that started at 35€ as it seemed to be in the wrong section anyway i won it for 35€($50au) , arrived today and sure enough its brand new never been wet or seems that way, Works 100%. The cheapest i've seen is about 150€ so i think i got a bargain.

Thing is its 11500l/h which is far too big for my system the way it stands so what would be the best way to pass the excess volume, i have a basic CHIFT PIST system, 1000lt FT but +3 x 650lt sumps, the pump i have at the mo is just keeping up with little spare as its a 1250l/h Eheim

1, leave in sump and T outlet recirculating to sump and adjust volume to FT via ballvalve(sump stays clean)
2, pump all to FT and let surplus directly back to sump(some dirty water to sump from FT)
3, Electronically slow the pump down to a lesser volume and probably saving some of the 140w rating

any other ideas welcome

It gives you about 82 lph per watt at zero head, whereas a Laguna pt-348 gives you 90. Granted it is only 9000 lph, it only draws 100 watts. If you do the math, ie you know your power prices which are probably much better than California prices, than you can figure out if you really saved money.

laguna sounds slightly more economic energy wise but is more than 4 times the price i paid, not to mention the postage.
Also looking at the volumes its almost the same as the $229 pt350 model which is 130w-10977l/h- 2900g/h vs 140w- 11500l/h-3037g/h wouldn't be suprised if its the same but re-badged/re-cased

I still think its a good deal for $46 US, time will tell

Anyone have experience with this pump? I believe that it might be just right for my indoor plans. 5' head height, 26 gallon fish tank.