Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

<--- Newbie + First Post = Tired Old Questions. Please bare with me.

I have yet to set up my AP system but here is my plan.

1 IBC tote FT + CHIFT + SLO (maybe not exactly as Dr. Story demonstrated in the video linked above)
4 GB, 4ft x 4ft x 1ft each filled with cinder, ebb and flow, 2" drain
1 IBC tote partially buried sump tank (pump in sump tank, gravity feed to GB manifold)
1 Swirl Filter
2 water catchment 55gal barrels joined via U-siphon via float valve to sump as autofill

I am still a little confused on how many tilapia I should add to this system when I finally get everything hooked up and running. I know that plant density, feeding frequency and other factors will come in to play but I was looking for a good starting point for number of fish to buy to start. I'm thinking 60-75? Thanks in advance.

60 - 75 is a bit much to start with. I had too many and it was stressful. Check out the ratios thread. It will help clear up that question. Keep in mind, we recommend stocking lightly to start.

Thanks for the input. I will check out that thread and scale down the density.

With a GB to FT ratio of approximately 2:1 why do you feel you need a swirl filter?

60-75 fish is almost certainly too many for getting started without stress or at least without a lot of stress but depending on the fish species may not be too many ultimately. 75 trout in an IBC would be really pushing the boundaries and without, actually even with, an experienced hand in control likely to end in disaster. 75 tilapia though should not be too bad if you have learnt what you are doing.