Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi folks have been reading the forums for a while and think this is the best thing since sliced bread.Many thanks to EB and others for putting all this information together in one place.

I have decided to get of my butt and put a system together on this site with the proviso I can use the top garden bed only (Using the grass was instant divorce material apparently)plus the shed.

I`m looking at using one continuous flow from sunken IBC in shed to 1/2 barrel growbeds auto siphoning to 5-600L pond overflowing back to IBC.

I would be glad to hear some feedback on what I`m proposing to do here
I`ve included a scale plan for your perusal.

Will keep you all updated with pics.

Many thanks Lungy

That is going to look fantastic Lungy, welcome.

Welcome Lungy. Looks like a good setup planned. THe only thing I'd watch out for is that your tank is not going to be depleted of too much water on the flood cycle. This problem will be partially solved by the fact that it will be fairly rare that all GB's are filled at the same time - due to natural variation in the siphons. Hope you get the required sun along the fenceline. Look forward to seeing more.

having the growbeds up there also means it is just a little bit harder for the kids to play in them ;
Welcome

Thanks for the welcome.

The initial flood cycle will definitely drain the ibc quite a bit I was thinking if the pond and the ibc were at the same level I could put a balance pipe between the two to share the load but that would mean losing the aeration from the pond overflow to the ibc.Will possibly have to rely on a airstone and the recirculation from the pump.

The garden bed receives full sun from 10 am onwards till dusk with the right hand corner in shade from about 3pm onwards and will be the position for the pond.In winter it will receive more sun with the grass area shaded from the house.

Oh the decisions the wife already thinks I`m nuts.

Hi Lungy, welcome.... you've obviously been doing the reading and the planning.... and mastered "Sketchup"....

Look forward to seeing things develope.

Impressive planning. I like your plan. What medium will you use?

I don`t like the cost but I`m thinking its going to have to be Hydroton.
Shoveling gravel up to the beds is not appealing at all.

Got a mate with a bobcat?

...needs to be done so that you can then appreciate what is involved

welcome and keep the pics coming so that we can all see the progress

you thought of using scoria?

Looks like a great place for the next BYAP meet!:]

If you can afford it, go for it! My community systems make me wish for a good clean source other than lava rock or pumice dug out of the hillside.

Hehe doesn't take you lot long.



Unfortunately no but will probably be a mini bobcat job.



Still cant get my head around just what this is haven`t seen the stuff.But 10-12 mm pea gravel is plentiful around here.
I will be going the gravel I think the Hydroton is just too expensive.

Does any body know where I can get EPDM liner in Perth or is it a online jobby?

Here are some more pics.The hole measures 2m x 1m x .6 at the moment could go deeper if I want.

Lungy, this guy lists them on eBay regularly.... you just missed a couple...

Just the right size for you too ..... keep an eye out (or search for "pond liner")

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Pond-liner-by-wa ... dZViewItem