Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm new to the forum and to aquaponics. I am very motivated to start my first small system but I have so many questions. I was hoping I could get some input and hopefully get this thing built by March or so.

My plan consists of a steel tool shelf with a 55 Gallon Barrel as the tank laid horizontally under the shelf. Above that on the shelves themselves would be the grow beds. I think 3 beds, about the sized of the shelves to the 1 barrel. A single pump to the top shelf, then gravity does the rest until it gets back to the tank.

The Shelf I'm looking at is the Edsal UR-364BLK Heavy Duty Steel Industrial Shelf. Its 36" Width x 60" Height x 18" Depth and Amazon has it for $36.
I have access to 55gallon and 30gallon drums. I was planning to used the 55 gallon accross the bottom of the shelf. If the internet is correct, the 55Gallon drum is 34.5" Tall x 24" diameter. I'm hopping that will fit under the shelf.
So far that is the plan I have in my head. I will draw it out and post a picture when I get a chance. Now for the questions that I have...

What media should I use for the grow beds? The shelf has a weight capacity of 3200lbs, but I'm still concerned about weight considering the water itself weights about 8lbs per gallon. and I'm planning on having probably 150 gallons(Just a rough guess).
I want to raise fish to eat, but I realize <55Gallons might be a little small for this. What are my options for fish?
would setting up a 30gallon sump barrel be beneficial to this small system? If so, would you use the 30 gallon before it goes to the top bed or before it goes to the fish tank?

I realized I didn't mention plants. I want to eventually grow tomatoes and peppers primarily, but I've read those may require a little more experience so I'm ok with lettuce and easier plants for this first build.

Have you read the barrel ponics pdf and the IBC of aquaponics?

They are in the downloads section.

Welcome Dizzy.
Yeah those pdf guides are really helpful and so inspiring. Seeing the ways people have tackled the many little nuances of material and layout - so cool.

I checked out the downloads section and it looks like there is plenty of information to keep me busy for a little while. I downloaded 6 or 7 pdfs to read through, looking forward to the knowledge.

I've already learned quite a lot and I'm only 1.5 pdfs in. I'm thinking that a timer on the pump so it shuts off to let the beds drain once and our will be the best solution for my concept. but I'm going to continue reading to see what my other options are.

Tomatoes are the easiest thing I have grown, peppers are a little more difficult. I had good luck with them though and in fact they are the only thing left alive in my system currently.

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Peppers are easy, you just have to remember to trim the blossoms off until the plant is the size you need. Plus they don't need as much support as tomatoes. For some reason, my luck with lettuce is limited. Peppers and chard are my most successful crops.

But for the damn bugs, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and lettuce have all been great for me.

i have had the same prob with Lettuse to, they seem to grow fine in soil. But put into AP and just dont seem to take off. great luck with all herbs. and Strawberrys