Hi Everybody:
I think I'm ready to start on the basement system now. Got a 45gal/170L storage bin, and two 25gal/94L bins for use as grow beds. Will reuse the 110gal/416L tub for the previous system to hold the fish.

These will be arranged so that the water in the fish tub is constant volume; it will overflow into the 45 gallon sump, then be pumped using a small continuous pump into the two grow beds (like MF's but fish-sump-grow bed instead of fish-grow bed-sump). Each of these will have an auto siphon back into the fish tub, to make them flood and drain. I am not sure yet if they will be a loop ala EB and Simmo or pipe-in-pipe ala EKB style siphon. I'm also not sure yet if I will be able to get a reliable start with the pump rate and volumes here, but we'll see.

The tubs will all have blue board styrofoam around them for insulation. The gravel is going to be reused (there is about 60 gallons of this from the previous system), but it has been allowed to dry out.

There are four fluorescent tube grow lights that will light up a styrofoam box above the grow beds. These will be on a timer to go on at night when the utility rates are cheaper.

I need to get some tilapia when this has cycled - the plan is to grow them indoors until it is practical to seend them outside. I still need to get some heaters.

I don't have any AUS 20 cent pieces, so I used a dachshund puppy for scale.

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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Every day above freezing is a good day

I made a little platform using Scotch Brite pads floated with styrofoam for the little aquarium to stave off the AP DT's up to now.

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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Every day above freezing is a good day

Keep us posted Dave, luv your temp mini-system with the scotch pads, never would have thought of that one.

Couldn't spot the dachshund puppy in that one though, sure you didn't bury him under a scotch pad LOL

Next one up ROZ... bottom right...

Spotted that one TimC, was referring to last pic for a bit of fun

i too have used dachshunds for reference at times, looks like a good plan

good to see you back in action Dave, happy building!

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Looking good -

Now then, where to get a dachshund puppy for scaling photos...

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We care enough to help everybody with AP

We found that CFL are cheaper to own per lumen (and in particular, PAR) than old style fluorescent strip lights. You might consider using them instead.

Wow Nick, you're dog looks just like our dog Bugsy! Is your dog from Missouri too?

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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Every day above freezing is a good day

Hey NJH:
Are these special CFL or just any ones will work? I wanted to have nice spread out non-directional light in the box, but really these were too expensive.

Been stockpiling CFL bulbs for awhile now:

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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Every day above freezing is a good day

Just the normal ones. I think we measured a 2* improvement for a 22W CFL compared to a 40W strip (i.e. they produce the same number of useful photons). However, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminous_efficacy seems to disagree with me. I suspect the ballast and shape make the biggest difference (as the actual light emission is quite simple and probably doesn't change much).

You could do a simple experiment (not ideal because it measures the human perceptual light equivalent, rather than PAR): http://www.phy6.org/outreach/edu/greaspot.htm

If you have access to a kill-a-watt meter you can measure the actual power consumption of the lights.

It is worth trying to find the most efficient light source, as you'll be spending a lot of money on electricity.

G'day Dave, good to see you have the AP DT's under control, looking forward to further progress pics

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Do it - like 'Ell!

All Flourescence be them compact or standard will lose there useful light spectrum for plants in about 6 months, Although to the naked eye there does not see to be a difference in brightness for this reason compacts are great for low energy consumption in lighting rooms but for plant growth both need to be replaced at about the same time.
I have no scientific evidence to back this up, but I do notice plants start growing taller and spindlier(sic) when lights are about 6 months old.
THis should also be noted for all lights not just flourscents although Metal halides and high pressure sodiums are good for about 12 months.
Cheers

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I reserve the right to be completely wrong

Thanks for the info NJH and RP!

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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Every day above freezing is a good day