Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

double posted sorry...

I expected to see this over and over but I've only found a handful of posts regarding child safety. I feel like I'm having a RTFM moment and I'm missing something.

Being a dad is amazing! But somehow when he was about 2 yr old he picked up parkour and mountain scaling. At the same time we wanted to give him free roam of the back yard, so the first thing I did was to drain the FT and shut everything down. An FT looks like a death trap from that perspective.

Interesting side note his first bad dream was that he fell off his playground set. Why? Because I constantly say "be careful up there, it would hurt if you fell down" .... the mind of a child is like clay. His mom, dad and grandparents are the only world he knows since covid. Being a dad is scary as hell sometimes, it's by far the greatest responsibility of my life.

He turned 3 last Jan and I've been shut down for over a year now. I want him to see the system especially the fish and as close as possible. I know it will be a big deal to him. I want him to grow up with AP. I want to turn it back on but I need a fail proof way to keep him from falling in. I don't care about the budget this is important to me.

I do not use a direct cover on my FT. I shade my fish but I don't use a lid. I really enjoy watching them and I want to avoid a solid lid (transparent would be fine) if possible. I do not want to fence it. Ultimately I would like to safely encourage him to look at it. I just want safety proof the top of the fish tank.

The fish tank is a full size IBC only cut at the very top where the plastic starts to curve. The 'never been cut' metal framing should make its easier to support a heavy solution if needed.

From what I read there are a few suggested solutions for child proofing.
One person wrote the ONLY safe method is a lid.
I'm open to criticism, that's why I'm asking.

From what I understood from my reading
1) galvanized steel can leach zinc
2) standard rebar will rust
3) I read about Aquaplate, Outokumpu LDX 2101, and other paints that can seal metal
4) synthetic netting sounds good
5) simple non galvanized steel mesh and the rust will be minimal
6) woven industrial size zip ties
7) plexiglass... I would love it if this could work like a glass bottom boat.

I weigh 160 lbs, if it can hold me it will hold him. Ideas? Recommendations? Am I crazy to try?


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My kids always liked to look at the fish. I used a hinged lid with a light wooden or PVC frame. I have used window screen, shade cloth and plywood lids. No big deal to flip it up for observation. Make a latch to hold it up and keep it closed, and just flip it up when you are present and want to see the fish. Don't overthink it.

Totally agree with you but....

In my dream world he would be able to see through it without opening a solid lid. Definitely it will be locked. I'm hoping for something he can see through like plexiglass or wire mesh or synthetic netting or fish proof rebar.

The goal is for him to look in from the top with a secured transparent lid .

I think I worded this wrong both of the responses assumed I just wanted a normal lid. I should've written that more clearly.

I'm looking for transparent locking lid. Plexiglass wire mesh type solutions.

It's funny to me two people missed the specifics of my question then I turn around and talk to my wife about she didn't understand either .... if one person missed my question, I'd say its them. But when 3 people in a row don't see my point I realize it totally me. I'm too wordy lol

If I wanted to make a "child-proof" lid for an IBC I think I would start with some 1/4" round bar, a hacksaw or side grinder, a buddy who can strike an arc, a couple hinges, a hasp, and a can or two of spray paint. An attractive and durable lid can be designed to fit right in with the IBC framing. Just a couple cross pieces each direction would be enough to keep a child from getting in the tank but leave plenty of space for observation, feeding. And have plenty of open spaces so he can poke the fish with sticks, toys, and rocks from the yard. Just a thought. Or, a couple sticks of heavy wall schedule 40 1/2" PVC, a handful of elbows and a sack of t's and you can put together a presentable and pretty secure lid. Add the hinges, a hasp and your favorite color of spray paint........ Remembering my childhood I can attest there is not much really child proof to a determined young fellow with a screwdriver, pliers and a hammer. Good luck.

Hello!

One thing to consider is the fact that the frame around the IBC is kinda like a ladder. That might be cool if you want your little one to climb up to look in.
But, if you want that to be supervised, cladding it with something less climbable could be an option. Plywood could be a cheap option, perhaps painted for longevity, or maybe corrugated polycarbonate or galvanized/ or other roofing panels.

A sheet of clear suntuf polycarb could make a cheap/ sturdy see-through lid, cheaper than Plexiglass, and you could probably use wood framing or metal or PVC for something longer lasting like Aufin said. I think PVC would work fine, and hold the weight of a small kid.

But, I really think slick sides would do a lot to keep your little one from climbing up there until she/he knows better.
My kids have never climbed on top of my fish tank.....the grow beds.....that's a whole other story!!!!!