Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Need to stake the tomatoes, the largest one has fallen over and still tries to get to the light from the above growbed. I'll see what I can do tomorrow. might just run a piece of string to the shelf above the fish tank.

Planing out the outdoor system I'm having a hard time finding IBC totes near me for a decent price. I can get the 55 blue and white barrels for $10 a piece but IBCs I'm finding $90 to $200 even for some of the nastiest looking ones to clean. I have seen them for $65 every once in while, but not when I was actually trying to get a few.

OK found a few reasonable priced IBC totes. Just need a way to get them. Dad is complaining about gas prices to not give me a hand. 160 miles to me then another 60 to go pick them up.

I figured I should show where to put the outdoor system.

Looking either behind the house or behind the deck. Sadly these locations only get the east sun but if it was behind the deck it should get more. Old satellite dish can go, not used anymore and a few bits of trash need to be picked up. If I went south facing I would have to dig into a hillside next to the house or out in the middle of the yard. The #1 thing is that i cant make it look trashy. Not just a bunch of crap in the back yard. I might do 6 half barrels down a line instead of 3 on a side or just 4 half barrels. not so sure if layout will work but will give it a try.

If you have the space, you should consider IBC growbeds instead. Less plumbing, more growbed area, and you don't need special supports for them.

I may just get a 3rd IBC. I do have the space.

OK I'm about 100% sure these grew taller overnight. They are all about 50cm 18in tall now and are outgrowing my indoor system. I am also starting more tomato seeds because these are going to my parents. I am very happy, so I know how you guys feel when you start getting results.

I finally got this video to render right. It had been freezing on most of the settings I was trying to use.

And now I give you 3 minutes of a guy peeing into a toilet as background audio to fish on speed.

Pump is grinding a bit, looks like time to replace. Well I should have replaced it months a go it is just now making more noise.

I don't think the motor shaft should look like this.

I replaced the pump. Now have a 525 LPH pump.

It might be a little strong, but works good for the 45cm of head or so. The 250 LPH will be tossed. I now have a pump with a 1 year warranty instead of 90 days.

This is one of my ideas for the larger system. I suck at sketch up. I don't have AutoCAD anymore on this computer after rebuild.

IBC for fish tank 2 55g drums sunk 30cm or so down as the sump and 1 IBC uses as 2 grow beds. RFF somewhere in there (not shown)

I also find that I look good as a woman who may be Asian. IDK... my man boobs look bigger than hers.

I see that you are keeping your growbeds on the same repulsorlift that Boba Fet used to carry Han Solo when he was frozen in carbonite.

You questioning my ability to draw a box in SketchUp....that I forgot to put in at 01.30

No, I just thought you had access to technology the rest of us can only watch in Star Wars.

I'm going to start another thread for the larger system. I priced some of the local fittings and bulkheads are $12.50 for 2in/50mm and still pricy for sizes below that. Time for ebay or internets buying.

Here is a update on the tomato plants. So far it is just as bad as the mint. Not root wise but just taking up space.

That is the max height I can go on that light I made. The tomato plant is over 60cm from the highest point down on the one under the light. The ones in the other growbed need more light.