Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I would like to work with 3 bath tubs that I have just sitting outside making my yard REAL PURDY
My idea is to use one for a beginning beginners begin system... get it? I have read and read and I still don't know what I'm going to build.

The one in my drawing has the 3 surrounding walls attached and my plans are to attach the growbeds to the existing walls with a bell siphon in each one to let it flood each one then back into the tub at the bottom where I might keep another growbed OR fish.

If y'all (TEXAS) tell me the bottom tub should be another growbed then so it will be, and I will make the other 2 (giant whirlpool) tubs my fish tank or tanks.

PLEASE comment, make fun, whatever as long as it's somewhat helpful feedback

also, I have 2 pumps that came out of the jet whirlpools that I would also like to reuse if at all possible
I think if I used these they would have to be plumbed outside of the sump tank (not submersed) has anyone ever heard of anything like this or can y'all think of a way I could make use of this pump?

Olympian Mark II Series Model 97511-421
Magnetek Century pool/jetted tub motor
1081/1795 pump duty
3/4 hp
blah blah blah - im not even sure what is important on the pump info


I will redo my drawings per your suggestions

Hi there,

Just a few comments on your proposed system..
Will the middle and lower grow bed get as much sunlight as the the top one? Or will you have some grow lights?
You can place the pump in the fish tank a do away with the sump.
Your pump sounds like it may have to much flow for a small system like you planned 3/4hp = 660watt pump, possibly expensive to run too.

It would be helpful if you could post a pic of the three bathtubs and what area you have to work with. The design at the moment is not ideal for a number of reasons and I agree with Lyndon re the pump.
Not knocking your intent or reuse of materials.