Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Been collecting barrels and plants ,while I study other systems.
A marker, tape , drill and skill saw.
1sump with lid, a fish tank and 2 grow beds.

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Today is all about that plumber's crack.
Starting with Fish Tank. Slo output with pump in and overflow back to sump.

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Valved inlet and free flow drain.
I left a 4 gallon reservoir in the bottom in case of failure or for transport.[IMG]http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/19/379db63fdaa2da5ce3e236a1b33cc0d9.jpg[/IMG
My inlet enters below my dry 2 inch layer.
Just the sump and make up some custom hose lengths of industrial 5/8.

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And the black ink line visible on the left grow bed is a little secret. People familiar with barrel beds might get it.

Custom hose fixxins, Just a bit of insulation can't hurt. Self sealing but I'll add tape and zip ties.
And the mutts nutts. In the front a 15 watt solar panal (12v) and charge controller for the RV battery. (100Ah?)
A 12volt pump and clearance sale battery backup system.
Solar panel is from Harbor Freight 45 watt system.
Primary 12 volt bilge pump is 1000 gph, @ 13 foot head lift with 1 1/8 discharge and removable strainer and won't burn out if dry.

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The emergency backup system was on clearance for $49.95. Also a 12 volt pump @1250 per hour, 1 inch discharge to a max 29 foot head.
A built in 110 volt battery charger, a charge monitor built into the battery box and a red light with switched alarm that activates when the float signals the pump to engage.
Assorted plumbing Ts, check valves, etc.

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i'd caution against using brass fittings or any metals (except stainless steel) because of potential leeching. I know they are used in home plumbing but that is more of a pass through than a constant contact recirculating.

it looks like you are a fellow habor freight customer. Let me know how that sump pump does you long term. I use one just like it to transfer water to different containers but I question how long a sump pump designed for intermittent use would hold up to long term/continuous use.


Looks like a solid design. what are those plants you are growing? ornamental?

Thanks, I already began to swap them for plastic ones.
When I researched pumps for solar this was very economical for the test system. Technically it states bilge pump and the website says intermittent use, but It is NOT stated anywhere on the box or papers enclosed. (technical questions on pump pacific hydrostar # 66095 1-800-444-3353 )
The 2 plants on the barrels are 2 yr old lemon and orange, dwarf trees. I have Tomato plant cuttings as well as onions, peppers that are all set to go in. Leafy greens i'll sow direct.
I have 1 more barrel that I was going to cut in half and use for 2 stands when I was planning lengthwise cuts for the grow beds. (not easily portable) So each tree gets his own. With fruit trees being heavy n eaters ...(I'll toss beans or barley in the bottom) whatever gives ground cover with added nitrogen, is the plan.