Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Cool thanks Colum - you're an awesome drawer

I'm going to put this design into sketchup

I've decided the best setup is to use IBC's - to show recycling and because they have tough sides incase of public vandalism. But mainly because I know how to use them.

And the fishtank draining to the existing concrete sump will work well for simplicity and hiding the fish tank.

Here is the design so far

Just curious, how are you going to go with keeping an eye on the fish in the water tank? And catching them? And cleaning crud that builds up on the bototm?

Seems tricky.

Or was that just because it's the only water tank in sketchup?

SLO for crud
Cut a section out of the tank - even the whole top - but its a cheap easy 'BIG' way of doing CHIFT

Just be careful with the tank selection.

I think some will rely on the top for structural integrity, using less material, but having the top stoping the rest from blowing out or warping, there is a lot of weight behind a few thousand litres of water. I could be wrong about that though, I've never chopped up a big tank to see.

I don't think proper aquaculture tanks are much more expensive? Might be worth a ring around if they aren't already purchased.

Other than a sump what is the purpose of the aquaculture tank at the growbeds?

jayendra

I took a 1/4 of the top out of a 5000L rain water tank. I used it as my fish tank.


With the lid closed.


But now after a few upgrades it is my in ground sump.


So they will work but security might be an issue. I would think that the fish tank would need a secure enclosure if you do it this way.


That concrete tank will make a great sump.

THe 90mm SLO kept the bottom clean. Though I did put an air stone down it. It did not need it but I had a spare.

As for getting the fish out hook and line.

just realised that tank is the existing concrete one. are you planning on utilising it?

I still think that utilising the sloping ground would make for the most bullet proof system. Tank dug into the ground and the bottom of the slope, pump in the tank pumping to a line of growbeds up the slope, which drain back to the tank. Simples

Thanks for the replies everyone

@mantis - The issue of the public putting something rank into the fish tank would be the issue... but having the sump tank there also (existing concrete tank) would also have this problem... not to mention the growbeds.

So having a fish tank in ground with pump in it with say a LAGUNA maxflo 9000, (or should I get 2 smaller pumps...) would enable me to pickup solids with the pump? then to an RFF?

Or is Columns idea of a sump tank next the fish tank better???

I could have growbeds at slightly different heights or 2 rows at different heights along the slope then draining into a long line of 100mm pipe.

Also depends on where they put the power point ....

I also have to check whats under ground.
Not sure what the regulations for having a pond/fishtank in the ground are for community spaces - Would definitely need a fence around it or a solid lid with lock.

After some discussion with the garden designer, we've come up with another design.

Key features:
1. sloping growbeds
2. rockwall front that growbeds sit on
3. hidden pipework under and down the middle
4. simple fishtank & growbeds (with rff)

I'm leaning towards a squat tank 4000litres for 1k
They didn't want to use the concrete tank (using for wicking bed)

Here are some pictures of planning out




And some sketchup designs

don't see why you would want to use a sump.

keep it simple.

are they ok with IBC GB's, they are not very aesthetic?