Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So I have gradually got lots of great information from this forum and have already learnt a lot.

Here is the plan which I draw up about a month ago based on all the great input from members:

http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=22772&start=30

Yesterday I got my hands on an IBC and got to work cutting it up.

I am building a CHIFT PIST system with a 500L conical tank for the FT.

The ST is 700L and I the GB 300L (approx. 34cm deep).

The next step will be getting a pump, aeration, and plumbing.

Here's a pic from the first day on the job. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

awfully big sump tank for what your running. I guess it will serve you well for the inevitable expansion that always follows.

looks good, very neat.

Nice beard too

That looks like a neat little system and you'll be able to see veges out your window

Hiya bazzington, nice to see you're almost up and running. Couple of things I notice; termites love pallets, the gb will bulge out without more support at the top and ensure you have room for the inevitable expansion that gmt mentions.

Thanks for the feedback.

GMTurner - As you can see I don't have a lot of space to play with, but future expansion is inevitable I guess.

Jayendra - I will be nice to sit on the couch and watch everything grow.

Skeggley - Thanks for your input. I'm currently working on more support for the GB.

It's all coming together.

I'm now doing a bit more shopping on the internet for pumps and airpumps.

I have calculated my MAX HEAD to be around 1.6m

What are your thoughts on the AQUAPRO pumps?

http://www.aquatecequipment.com/aquapro-ap3000dw-filterwaterfall-pump-p-79.html

And I was thinking of adding aeration to the FT using an AC/DC backup air pump.

Checking out RESUN and also AQUAPRO. The AQUPRO is a fair bit more expensive though.

RESUN:

http://www.aquariumwholesaleshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=114_112&products_id=669&zenid=6c63ab0cc436822c9ddcb8f4baabfe59

AQUAPRO:

http://www.passyourtest.com.au/Battery_back-up_Air_Pump

Any feedback about this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

With approximately 1200L of water in the system and 1.6m head, the 3000 model will deliver about 1000lph of water to the GB, so you might consider running the pump on continuous flow, which means 1000lph through 300 litres of media will have a "retention" time of about 18 minutes (which is very good) BUT in order to avoid regions of the GB becoming anaerobic you might consider installing a siphon so that the water level in the GB fluctuates, and with the location of the GB and ST right outside the window, you might not want a noisy siphon firing off several times per hour (there will be a "loud" gushing noise when the water is dumping into the ST, and a "burp" at the end of the cycle when the siphon vacuum breaks). If noise is going to be an issue, then upsize the pump and use a timer to move a commensurate volume of water and allow the GB to drain under gravity when the pump is off. You might think the noise is cool now and for a few weeks, but what about in six months time?

I think you will find both of those air pumps are exactly the same units, one/both have been re-badged for individual distributors (I think Resun is the original branding, but I could be wrong?)

Thanks Buson. Have looked at some bigger pumps:

Dirty water pump:
http://www.aquatecequipment.com/aquapro-ap6000dw-filterwaterfall-pump-p-80.html

Fountain pump:
http://www.aquatecequipment.com/aquapro-ap4800f-pond-fountain-pump-p-83.html

What is the main difference between the two types? The specs look pretty close.

I saw that the wattage on these is a lot more - 95W compared to the smaller pump 35W.

If I ran these timed I guess the power consumption will even itself out though.



Interesting information about the Resun and Aquapro air pumps.

Would these pumps provide enough aeration to the FT, when the pump from the ST to the FT is off, in a timed system?

that first pump you linked looks pretty close to identical to mine:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Jebao-Energy ... 3383c82b9f

ive got the 5000l one(CM 5000), runs 35W and does 5000. Cant fault it so far been running for 6months no issues, even with leaves in the impeller(had cover off)

I have the Aquapro 3000 filter/fountain pump, But I took the filter of the pump and found that it was setup wrong? I was going to take it back to the shop! that’s when I notice the water flow knob was out off place, you would never get max flow? Must off been put together on a mad Monday? Works fine now without the filter! Now I have more water than I need, instead of poor flow that I had.

I also have the
http://backyardaquaponicsshop.com/shop/acdc-air-pump/
It’s the ducks nuts! The best one I could find anywhere,

Like you my system is close by, I can sit at my desk and listen to it running, the plants are doing real good,

good luck with your setup, I hope you get it running sooner than later, I just wanted a water feature? Till I saw Frans system build on you tube, that’s when I visited BYAP and saw the Barra!

Hey guys,

A good mate of mine is coming around this weekend to give me a hand with the plumbing because I have no expertise at all in this area.

Before I start drilling holes and chopping things I was hoping to get some feedback on my ideas.

System details - 500L FT, 300L GB, 700L ST - CHIFT PIST

For the SLO this is my plan:

90mm from middle of tank rising to a 'T' then decreasing to 50mm outlet using Holman Poly Tank Fittings from the big B.

http://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-50mm-female-tank-fitting_p4813626


Some people have suggested this may not be great. I have the 90mm pipe and the 50mm pipe and don't want to pay heaps for a 90mm bulkhead. Purely cost reasons. Also, I visited Lindsay's (joblow) house and he had this setup. It looked pretty good.

For the plumbing from the pump in the ST to the FT I was thinking 25mm pressure pipe (also have some of this donated to me from my mate). I will include a a 'T' and a ball valve which will shoot some water back to the ST if necessary - control the flow.

OH YEAH..... forgot to say my Aquapro AP3000DW arrived the other day!!!! Pumps about 1060 at 1.5m head.

Another donation - Aquaone 9500 airpump - small, but should do the job.

How is it all looking?? Anything I should think about?? Time to get plumbing??

http://www.bunnings.com.au/elbow-r-harv ... 9_p4760103

i used those, bolted through the ibc with silicon around it, doesnt leak in the slightest and enabled me to have 90 SLO to 90mm drain all the way and does away with overly expensive tank outlets. i hate wasting money.

I have uniseals 90mm will sell you one for 6$

Hey - Thanks for the offer. Won't be near Warrigul this weekend. Cheers.

Hey Bazington,

I hope you don't mind me butchering your photo, but this maybe an alternate layout option for you,

Just a thought, then you wouldn't have to be too concerned with head height, it will allow for expansion and keeps it all on a managable level.

Regards to you,