Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Here's what I'm doing in my backyard for my aquaponic garden. I hope you all like it.



I started with a 300 gallon IBC tote I got from work for free. Placed it on its side and cut off the top 12 inches. I wanted the side because using the tote upright will make the grow bed taller than I want it to be, almost 5 feet. This way it will be a comfortable working height once there are plants in it.



Next I started on the frame. I'm building it 20ft long and 4ftwide out of 2x6s for extra strength. I decided 20 by 4 was good since I have a long narrow backyard and 20ft is the length of my shop next to it. I figure that will keep my backyard looking more organized. I left two feet on each end for easy access to the fish tanks and then started with the 2x4 studs to hold the grow beds above the tanks.



I decided to space the studs 8 inches apart to make extra sure I had enough support to hold the grow beds since I may be using crushed rock as the medium and I'm sure its not light. That's probably more strength than needed but I'd rather be safe than sorry.



I'm going to use two 2x4s as legs. One directly under the main frame for support and another that extends up the side as a border for the garden. I'll screw them together then attach them with carriage bolts to the main frame. I'll put eight legs on them total which is again probably more strength than I need and set concrete blocks under them so it doesn't sink into my lawn. I thought about putting posts in the ground but I don't want it to be to permanent. I have the habit of changing my mind a lot.

Parts used: 3-2x6s, 12-2x4s, 16 carriage bolts and 2 pounds of 3 inch wood screws. Total cost so far: $147

Great start 002, good work, keep the updates rolling.

@thenumber002 - Hi and welcome

I got all the legs on finally and built the top frame to keep the grow bed from flexing outward once its filled with media and water.



Just another view from the top to show the access to the fish tanks.



I decided to fill the fish tank to see if it would expand out when filled with water.... It did. Now I'll have to think up something to keep this from happening once the tanks are under the grow beds. I have a few ideas. First was to cut the cage that came with the tote to fit its height but since the tote is on its side that wont work. Ill probably just make a 2x6 frame to fit around all of them under the rest of the assembly.

nice build