Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Everyone,
I am new to aquaponics and this forum. I just put together a system using a 275 gallon IBC and one split 55 gallon drum. I have cut the top 12" off of the IBC, so in total I will have 3 separate grow beds. I will be raising tilapia and growing seasonal vegetables. Here are my two questions. I will be using bell siphons for draining. Should I run plumbing between all three drains so that all three GB's will drain into the FT through one PVC line or have three separate drains going into my tank? My second question is whether or not I will need an air pump or if the the drain flow from the siphons will introduce enough oxygen into the FT. Any advice will be very much appreciated.

Thats a cool looking set up LG, you might like to paint or cover the exposed ibc sides to alleviate algae growth.
Each bed draining into the ft is fine so is joining them together either way it doesn't hurt to add a spray bar.
As for supplementary aeration that would depend on your fish quantity.

I was planning on putting bamboo around the FT. Would that prevent algae growth? I've decided to have three independent drains. I think it will make it easier as I add additional GB's. I plan to eventually have about 20 tilapia in about 175 gallons of water. I just havent been able to get any solid answers on whether or not I will need an air pump. I want to make the system as simple as possible, but at the same time I dont want to cut corners that I shouldn't.

So if anyone out there has any tips/advice, I am open to all. Again, I am green to aquaponics but eager to learn.

Looks great. Bamboo will be fine to prevent sunlight and algae. I doubt you will require additional aeration as the retuning water will provide more than enough. 3 seperate drains is the way to go so that your not overwhelming one common drain.

This is a really cool system. I am developing a similar system design in the Philippines and have a similar question:

I am hoping that the independent bell siphons flowing back into the FT will provide enough aeration for the fish. But how often should I set my pump timers to fill and drain? How often do the plants need it? And how often so that the flowback drainage will provide enough O2 to my fish?

Every 15mins? Every hour?

Thanks!

those barrels will need some support on the sides or they'll bow out..
looks great though!

I am also thinking those 2X4's, or what ever they are will not be near strong enough once those two barrel halves are full of rocks and water. I would add something to make them stronger. Looks great though.

Three separate drains is much easier, and you should not need additional aeration, unless you plan on turning the pump off for periods of time.

I would have two with bell siphons and one with a floating seed bed so you can run water through it continuously thus providing air all the time. Just an option.


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Where you did you find IBC in the philippines?