Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Woops sorry Bunson

I just started thinking the same for mine too - thanks for the reminder lads :-)


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No problems... Great minds think alike?

We are joined at the brain my fine beer drinking brother

How's Plan B looking?

Looks pretty schweet to me :-) only thing to keep in mind is sometimes the pumps aren't as efficient as manufacturers make them out to be. Do you already have the pump?


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Nope. I am up for any suggestions and info on this.

All I have so far is the 500L rainwater tank.

Found a place that has IBCs for $120 and will deliver for$30. Fully cleaned with plastic pallet base. Seems like a pretty good deal.

Had a bit of fun and bought some random PVC piping and fittings last weekend, just to get the ball rolling.

Still plenty of things on the shopping list though.

Going to go and scavenge some pallets tomorrow morning.

I think that will also look good in the space... I'd utilise the slope as much as you can.

What room is inside the window? Hopefully not a bedroom?

It will be sitting in front of the lounge room.

I am really liking how this plan is coming along. Thanks again for all the help.

I will hopefully pick up an IBC soon so I can get it into position.

In regards to the IBC, is it best to use the top or bottom for the GB? I have read in some posts that people flip the IBC because of the shape of it.

Personally, I'd use the top as the GB, as it still allows the valve at the bottom of the IBC to be employed when you need to drain the tank. There's generally a large threaded cap in the centre of the top, sometimes there is a threaded drum cap inside this cap, which can be employed in the installation of the GB drain (look for BSF irrigation fittings for the perfect fit). If you can find a large cap without the inner cap, this is nice as then you simply install a bulkhead/uniseal through the solid plastic. This means you don't need to cut holes in the GB, and if you stuff something up, its easier to find a replacement cap than another entire IBC.

On the drain valve; of course, make sure it doesn't leak, but more importantly, make it safe from accidental kicks or knocks, and little fingers! You can also find threaded caps for the valved outlet as an addition level of security. Some valves can be locked shut with a padlock or wire.

I used the tops of my IBCs for the grow beds, if you are using the base to hold the top section you will need to cut a hole in the base for the cap, I used silicone on both my caps and cut new holes so the stand pipe and housing were at the easiest viewing spot for me, it takes a lot off patience to get your bell working right, you need the correct drainage and water inflow to get it right, every system is different! Unless you copy someone else’s totally! you will not get the same outcome, this is where you come into the idea! Its your system, I can only advise you on my type of system, that I thought up? What you do is up to you, what I and others use will not work for you depending on what you want,

Its your creation, that’s what makes it unique!

But I am sure we will all help if you want a few more ideas!

My system is a split flow, chift spist2 with filters!

What you want is up to you!

All the best in your new adventure! As this is your creation not anyone else’s

Wow, a positive post?
I will put it with my other one,
Lets see that would make two now?

Hey Bunson - I've finally got my IBC. It has a large cap in the middle, which also has a drum cap in it.

I was wondering what you meant by BSF irrigation fittings. Could you please point me in the right direction?

This thread might help : http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=16195&p=386105#p386095

My local distributor of IBC bits and pieces : http://www.couplers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/drum-adaptors-catalogue-2013-a3.pdf

These guys in NSW might be able to help too : http://www.spacepac.com.au/Brochures/DSL%20Schutz/IBC_Spare_Parts_3pg_np.pdf

PLAN B - Slowly coming together!!

Next step - plumbing.