Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I felt like this question would be better posed here.

I wrote:

"Dear Backyard Aquaponics forum members,

I am currently trying to design two separate aquaponics systems and I have very little experience in the matter. I'm looking for advice on the schematics and parts I will need to construct these systems. The first will be a personal greenhouse aquaponics system that I want to be between 20' by 15' and 30' by 20' in dimension. Again, I have very little experience with the sizes I will need, but I know I want to have at least 500 gallons of fish-tank. I want as much grow space as possible, and 500 gallons is definitely a minimum. I am not sure what I will need as far as piping, materials, pump, etc. either. Money is not really a limit in this build so I want recommendations on the best materials possible; I will not be cutting corners/costs. The IBC containers sound like a good option from what I have read, but if anyone has better ideas (regardless of the price) that would be extremely helpful.

As I have said, I am coming at this from scratch. I spent hours investigating the forum but didn't find exact materials and measurements. I want to begin this project as soon as possible and I don't know the exact materials I will need to accomplish the construction. Any advice on greenhouse construction or pre-fabricated greenhouses would also be very helpful.

After this initial build I am looking to start something on a more commercial scale. So eventually I will be asking for ideas and advice about the materials I will need, the design of the systems, etc. for something on a more grand scale, but until then, I need design ideas for my smaller system. I am sorry for my ignorance in all of the aquaponic acronyms, so if you can give advice in lamen terms, or at least define your usage of these terms, that would be greatly appreciated also. Thank you guys. I am in desperate need of your help!"

-Argus

Hello,

So maybe some more detail might help get the ball rolling...

1st Build (A Home Greenhouse 20'x15')
1) Budget?
2) Have access to equipment or willingness to dig for days?
3) Solo Build or have friends/help?
4) What do you want out of the system (Mostly Fish, Veggies, Show-Off AP, etc.)
5) Accessibility to Water, Power, Building Materials...
6) Ground... Flat/Sandy/Sunlight? Maybe a picture

2nd Build (??? 30'x20')
Same as above...
7) In the same area as the other one?
8 ) Do you want the same "Type" of AP System?

1.) Let's say the budget is 10,000 dollars. Not sure if that's extravagant.
2.) I have access to any equipment we need (backhoe, etc.)
3.) This will be a team build. Between 2 and 5 people working on at every weekend we can get off.
4.) I want these first two systems to be able to feed a family of 8 each.
5.) One of the AP systems will be right next to a state lake on my cousin's lake-house. So we will have access to water, power, etc. And I want to get the best, longest lasting materials possible. The second system will be built in more of a dry area, but the piece of land has a 3 acre fully stocked tank on it. The ground for the first area is more loamy (near lake) and the second one is more sandy.
6.) The ground in both places is relatively flat. The first system won't have nearly as much light as the second system, so that might be something we need to take into consideration. I want both systems to be off-the-grid capable, but also connected to the electricity on the land. Basically, it will run with municipal supplies until that's not an option or during a power outage, and will then be run with solar.

These two systems will be a testing ground for the commercial system we will be starting shortly after (within the year). But when I get to that system we can talk about it then.

Thanks CJ for the prompt reply. As I have said, I want to get this thing started by next weekend. That may be unrealistic, I know, but it will give me a goal to get things done.

-Argus

Nah, I'm all about jumping in before I see the bottom .

What I would recommend is find your area(s) that you want to use. Pick an area that has good light , great access, and utilities. Typically most $10k systems will have power, water, shelter, and level ground. So this weekend if you want to start working... level the ground, run the water, power, and start your structure footings.

One thing to realize. Even with a good budget and manpower, do not rush it... you will regret it.

Now back to the design...

1) Do you want to DIY everything or Buy everything? (DIY is good learning for self growth and kids, but Buying is faster)

2) What type of ongoing maintenance are you going to be able to do? (Do you live there full time or require automation)

3) Greenhouse Prefab or Build?

CJ,

1.) I want to buy everything for this build. Eventually I want to create other DIY systems for funding sake, but for these two builds we have the funds.
2.) I can make it out to these places once a week. My cousin lives close to one and the other will be visited at least once a week also. I was looking to automate the system as much as possible and would be looking to get a laptop with a program to do this. However, I have little experience programming, so any help with that would be awesome.
3.) I can do a prefab or an already built greenhouse. Whichever is the best quality materials that will last the longest and be the sturdiest.

Thanks for the reply! And for the rest of you all, don't be shy!

-Argus

I've been looking around in your area and there appears to be a couple AP stores there. You might want to stop by and consult with them. Most AP stores are very helpful and will be able to advice you on your area's specifics. Plus, the ones that I have talked to in the past will design your system to 95-99% if you are buying all the materials from them. I think that would be your next weeks project.

As for the larger of the two "buy" systems, have you looked into any "Pre-Designed" systems? There are some good ones out there like this one. http://www.aquaponics.net.au/indy-23-system.html
does BYAP sell any fully designed plans?

They would come with everything you need (Layout, Parts List, etc.) All you do is buy the components and get building.

But, after this weekend of leveling, utilities, and material sourcing... Put up some pictures so we can get a good look.

For your fish tank, look fore some fiberglass aquaculture tanks with conical bottoms. With your budget, it should be no problem finding suitable ones. As you plan to go commercial in the future, perhaps you should be working with raft beds early. Though I would still recommend having some media beds to start as they are easier for beginners to manage. With floating rafts, solids removal is essential. You might start playing with mineralization tanks also. If any of these terms are over your head, just do a search in the search function on the upper right side of this page. If you have not gone through theChatterson farms thread yet, you need to. As you are playing with your first system, learn all you can from respected texts on aquaculture and hydroponics, glean what is applicable to Aquaponics from them.