Backyard Aquaponics
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Hi all,
I'm sure this question has been asked before but I can't seem to find an answer.
Can I use an IBC without the steel base? The valve sits lower that the rest of the tank and I'm worried about cracking, distortion etc.
It will be used for a sump and will be sitting on concrete.
Thanks

I was told it will blow out of shape with no cage - not tried it to confirm!

With no base - not sure - I've got one half IBC sat no the ground filled with soil and that seems ok. If the ground will push on the valve I think you're asking for problems along the track...

Without the base is fine, I've seen many systems set up this way. The drain does bend a little but the bladders are surprisingly strong in that area.

That's good news because I was planning on burying an IBC without the cage about 3/4 and use it as a sump tank. I was even considering burying the metal pallet for it to sit on so as to protect the bottom but I don't think that will be necessary. I'm in the process of putting my first system together right now.

That is good. I will use the cage but I didn't want to use the base as I want the sump to sit as low as possible.

Thanks

Hold that thought as I am working on a new way that you wont need a pump in a Ibc system, you could actually have your sump tank at the same level as your fish tank, it’s a theory I have and have not as yet provided it in practical use, I will supplement the design for all once I get my system Ibcs , but as a newbie myself, you will just have to take my word on it. The idea is so simple its strange nobody has thought off it as yet? But I come from indoor fish tanks users to basic pond design background,
The basic formula is if two tanks are at the same height you can create a siphon system if the correct piping is added between the two tanks, this would cut out the cost off running a pump! I have also worked out that you could still add air to your fish tank without the pump running? With the consistent cycle off your tanks. it’s a simple design but It will need too be confirmed in testing on my theory!
At worst, a change in your setup may be required, if my theory works you could save all cost in running a basic system, ie two grow beds and two fish tanks for free,

I have also worked out a heating system theory for winter that may keep your fish growing in the colder months, as yet it is to be tested . But I will share that as well when I do the practical test,

I'd love to hear your theories, Blizzard

I recently buried an IBC with cage and without base (deep into clay), I placed old real estate signeage around the outer of the cage to stop dirt crushing the bladder, after an overflow while filling the sump with the system off and then turning system back on, the water loss from the sump with the extra water below and beside the sump, the bottom got pressed/squashed upwards and distorted the bladder to such an extent that a cheap pump that i bought ended up on its side and burned out.

Once i waited for some water to drain from around the bladder and filled the sump properly the bladder restored itself, i have no idea if damage was done or not, especially to the drain.

I have used a thin bed of sand under my inground IBC sumps with no distortion problems at all

Sometimes a different look at things and situations can make simple problems go away , you have to look outside the box, and just dream as what could be, as now I have theory’s that have yet to be tested in practical use. But I am certain they are correct. And I will setup my system with these theories intact. As I have said. This could be a good beneficial for all that start and a wakeup to some on how to do it for less cost and better returns, with what I have in theory there will be no fish loss and no plant loss other than pest.
Its only a theory as yet to be tested ! But as I have said on the starting post I have watched a lot off you tube to get this way off thinking, as a lot off them are doing it wrong?
We need to get a standard that everyone can get it right the first time.

We need better information in setups and cost. Not to scare people but to inform them, I may be starting with two Ibc but the future is endless, lets not start to hold back peoples imagination, and I will need two loads off expanded clay to fill my beds,

Do you have any specials on?

Have any ideas on burying ibc's Blizzard.
I do. I have one buried three quarters in its cage but no base and just sitting on the dirt. Tin around the outside of the cage is manditory to stop cave ins crushing the bladder.
I have flooded the ibc hole many times from plumbing stuffups and heavy rain but no issues with the bladder
Mine is sitting on clay

damn, lucky you.
must have not been as empty as mine or you have supermans bladder in there.

Can someone explain what happens to ground water seepage around a buried ibc sump?
Even if contained in its cage and surrounded by some sort of board to prevent caveins.
What effect has this trapped stagnant water?
What is the expected life of the buried ibc?

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I had that same concern which caused me to use a second IBC on a base frame.

I did not use tin. I used cheap builders plastic stretched around the outside on the cage. It worked for me.