Backyard Aquaponics
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Hi, I am in the design process for my first aquaponic system. I am planning on using two ibc tanks, one for fish and one for a sump. My question, probably the first of many, is about burying the sump tank. I am located in NE Tennessee and this system will be located in a partially underground greenhouse. Buried, the soil temperature will be around 50F (10c). I am assuming that the temperature of the fish tank will be higher than that, but not sure how much. As of now, the plan is to raise tilapia, but that could change depending on what temps I can easily maintain. Will the there be problems with this temperature differential between tanks? Should I not bury it? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks
Erek


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Hi Erek

I don't think I'd bury it in this case. It really depends on what temp you expect the greenhouse to maintain. What type of tilapia are you going to grow?

+1 what Scotty said. Tilapia generally need 70°F and above to thrive and eat well. Some tilapia (Nile) will survive into the low 50s but they will not eat or grow.

The only reason to bury a tank is to stabilize the temp, or for elevation / space based on system design. But if your ground is 50°F that seems low and it will be difficult to keep it warm.

If your greenhouse temp is above that (it should be?) then I would keep the sump above ground. If you need to bury it because of the system design and flow, then be sure to use insulation panels surrounding the sump to protect it from the cold ground. I use 2" thick urethane foam panels from Home Depot / Lowes directly under the tank / on top of the pallet, around all sides and a top cover (for my above ground IBC). This will also help keep the soil from collapsing the IBC but you will likely need plywood or a similar structural member to help protect the tank and cage if buried.

the option is to cut the sump IBC at 600-400, join them together and have the pump in the deeper one and just bury it slightly so the tops are same level. They will sit under a bench or grow beds etc then and you still get the water volume. They will also benefit from your greenhouse temps then which should be similar to FT.

I have a buried sump tank in my greenhouse in lower Michigan. You won't need a full IBC in the ground so cut the top off about 12 inches and use it for a grow bed. As John said surround the sump with 2" foam and be sure to use the cage for support. I have a very high water table so I have to keep the sump pretty full so it doesn't float when we have a lot of rain. I actually pump water from around the sump into the sump when the system needs new water. I figured it would be cold but what happens is the area around the sump becomes part of your heat mass and the water is warm. You'll need a pump that will raise the water about 10' so get a good one. This is the one I wound up with and am very happy with it. https://www.amazon.com/Jebao-DCS-12000- ... jebao+pump

I LOVE Jebao pumps. I have several different brands and types of pumps, but after my 1st Jebao (6000 lph) I bought another one for my next system (9000 lph). They are awesome!

Thanks you all. I think it will be better for me to bury and insulate it. But, I'm still working on the layout. Once I have something to take pictures of I will post them.