Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Let the gas out first FF. Scared the shite out of me when the drums popped.
Is that 4mm hole at the base of the centre tub? I didn't have a real close look.

I think DD might be talking about the plumbing out of the side of the 500L drums. At least thats what I was about to comment on, it's crazy piping...

yeah, they must have been some kinda over flow pipes. The tubs were filled with ice and water to make a slurry. The players would jump in at the end of the match for a few minutes each. This had the effect of helping bruising etc to come out more quickly and aid post match muscle recovery. They are converted spa salt containers. Things have become a little more scientific since but the principle remains the same.

There have been lots of cases of people getting really badly burnt when cutting drums with angle grinders, because the drums have had some sort of fuel in them and the gas has ignited from the sparks. Would hate to see somebody from here hurt - so everybody be really careful.

I think the best bet is to open the bungs on one end and fill the drum with water to remove the fumes, then empty and cut.

i 2nd that, the fumes from petro chemicals can ignite, and that would be bad. i would never cut a barrel with out letting it air out awhile at least.

i cut up old propane tanks sometimes, i like to fill them with soapy water and let them sit a week or so before cutting them

Didn't mean to repeat what F&F said - must have missed his post. Is well worth saying though and should be repeated often if it means saving injuries/lives.

yes the 4 mm hole is in the base of the centre tube
dont just let the gas out leave the plugs out when cutting or else BOOM

Thanks TT, I'll ask Ballarat whan I ring for the fish prices. I wish I had your luck, tanks and beds falling into your lap! Your system is looking good.

Thanx all for the health warnings. No deaths yet but the image of blowing a few fish up makes me giggle.
Savage, the harder you look for free stuff, the easier it seems to be to find. Re my next system,it's gunna be a bit of a hodge podge. The difficulty will prolly be trying to make it look other than odds and ends thrown together. Anywho, mostly free so all good atm.

Yes, but it was your father that they didn't want to blow up. Please don't blow him up, he looks quite handy.

Hi janet, he is a tradie and we had taken all the necessary precautions, except cutting on the grass to avoid oil stains on bricks! That piece of work was my fault.

oil in the grass is not bad?

yes it is, which is why i went for the brick option. Just didn't have enough stuff underneath to soak up.