Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Would it make sense to add a new IBC above ground...making it the highest point in the system and then use the current pump (45 gpm Aquascpae) in my sump to go to this tank? My reasoning is, I could then use gravity to feed both the FT and also a RFF for my DWF beds(and possibly additional DWF beds). Currently, my 250 gal sump pumps out to GB's, towers, and FT, and I'm running low on pressure to expand due to having to use pump to run whole sysytem. Thinking this might work, but don't know hydraulic loss and if it's feasible. Rupert, Charlie, Ryan??? Anyone think I could do this? Or more precisely, will it work?

How high are we talking?

Before you goto all the effort, might be worth running the pump whilst holding a test hose connected up to the planned height to see what sort of pressure you get up there?

I'd try keep all inlet pipework as large as possible to reduce further losses

The current sump is about 9' lower then the top of the towers. The pump will pump to a 10'head, but the other issue is I'm using the pump to feed all GB's, the FT,and the towers. If I can get the proposed higher tank to gravity feed the GB's, as well as the FT, then the pump would have plenty left for my towers and DWC, and possibly future DWC expansion! It's working the way it is, but is about maxed out.

Use a separate pump for the towers...

Thought about that Rupert. Trying to keep the 1 pump philosophy...but it would be pretty easy to drop a small sub in the Ft to do the towers.

I'd keep the towers separate... you may find you might benefit from being able to manipulate the water delivery by a timed pump....

Depending on media... and temperature...

+1 separate pump for the towers IMO