Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Has anyone designed Non Foam floating rafts before? I'd love to see some designs. I'm working on one myself but I would love to see what others have come up with.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25040&p=507597&hilit=raft#p507597
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25480&hilit=raft
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=23340&p=511914&hilit=raft#p511914

There is a few others, but they should be able to help.

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it's interesting that we NEVER heard from that plastic raft system that looked so good..
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I lost interest after floating rafts in the title.

I made rafts out of normal irrigation pipe glued together with fittings, elbows and T's to make a rectangular floating grid.. A few people have done this, dunno where I'd find any pictures though.

Well I have been working on an Idea for a PVC raft that is modular. Utilizing a grid setup and some water resistant material I have yet to determine. I'm trying to make frames out of PVS and suspend a platform with the holes inside the frame. I have tried a few different PVC pipe sizes and had varying results. I'll most likely be using 1.5" PVC or 2" PVC for the frames. The platforms Are where I am looking for materials though. I have thought about a light weight plexiglass but I think it would just lead to more algae than anything.But I suppose I could use a non toxic paint to coat the top. The idea is to build either one by two cup platforms that interlock or two by two platforms that do the same.I do understand the benefits of using Foam for floating rafts but I've always been hesitant to use foam because of the chemical makeup and given that I'm going for an outdoor pond/pool setup I think that foam would be more likely to break apart.

FLOATING RAFTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL

Although there is still a little work to be done on the modular growbeds (tossing up between 3 inserts) I did turn my mind to DWC.
They will be inground and approx 6" above FT water level. Water height will be controlled and variable. The grow platforms will be bakers trays hooked on the lip of the trough (this of course restricts the beds to 2' wide and the length to sort of multiples of trays).They will be lined with 2 layers of corflute (might be able to get away with one),
Holes will be drilled through the corflute and the trays to accept reo bar chairs. these will be lined with fibrefill and twisted at the bottom to form a small wick.
In other words no foam and no floating and modular.

the corflute option is pretty good and I prefer to polystyrene etc.
(see Colums #1 - to air gap or not, post half way down viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25040&p=507597&hilit=raft#p507597 )

SES uses a lot of corflute so I had a no cost source of supply for small amounts
ideal if you can get the thicker sheets - they are actually quite strong.

(along lines of earthbound) you add some form of floatation and also adds some strength - so good if you are going for the air gap and media filled net pots which is what I did.

I made mine out of plastic plywood. Bolted angle aluminum over the top to keep it from bowing. The sides of the growbed hold up the plywood and I have an 1" air gap. The air gap has made a huge difference.

This plastic stuff is awesome. It cleans easily, will last a long time. It was a bit difficult to drill but once you get the hang of it, not too bad. Will NEVER use foam again if I can avoid it.

I don't get it .... what's the problem with foam?

I've never liked Styrofoam. Too Crumbly and with my use being outdoors I'm sure it is going to get some bits into the water and I don't really want the fish to eat it.



Looks Amazing.

For a bakcyard system, I want something that will last a long time. Foam is OK but it will eventually fall apart, break, and get water logged. Has to be changed.

I think if you have a commercial system, and you have a labor base, foam is OK. cheap

If you seal the foam, it'll last for a very long time. There are clear pond liner products that'll do the job.

But you just need something safe that'll keep the plants above the water line, there are plenty of options that'd work.

I may be mistaken in this, but wasn't it you who had the 'celery incident' Column?