Looking for an indoor growbed

APynckel

I want to set up a 30-55 gal aquarium, and use a grow bed + T5 Grolux on my kitchen countertop "bar" for herbs and small veggies (parsley, cilantro, green onion, maybe mint, small lettuce) so basically a 1.5 x 2 foot growbed.

I've done a little research, and have kinda decided on a bell syphon system for irrigation control, and probably going to use a sump for the aquarium to draw from, so that the tank doesn't have to undergo the emptying / filling cycle of the growbed.

Anyone have a recommondation on a sturdy growbed that I could accomplish this with? I don't want to use rubbermaid tubs, I'd like something more designed to hold water and not "bulge".

Thanks
Andy

Ronmaggi

I use concrete mixing tubs for my indoor system. I would not use them outside, because they are kind of shallow, and I like more depth to handle wind, but indoors they are fine.

APynckel

Would you link me to an example please?

Ronmaggi

Just hit the indoor system link in my signature.

APynckel

Okay, yea. I don't think I like the large radius curves on the sides.

Ronmaggi

True, it makes it easy for mixing mortar, but makes it shallow for veggies.

bcotton

It's fine for greens and herbs. and that's all it sounds like you want to grow. You cant beat the price point for what it is.

keith

or try a rubbermaid tub, lots of different sizes... don't use "clear" or you'll have algae growing on the sides inside the gb...
oh, and they usually need some bracing to keep from bowing out

APynckel

.......

APynckel wrote:

I don't want to use rubbermaid tubs, I'd like something more designed to hold water and not "bulge".

bcotton

it depends on the design. some are more rigid and dont bulge.

also there's rubbermaid and "tuff stuff" stock tanks. They would be deeper. there's a 15 gallon one that is 22"x28"x8" or there are 40-50 gallon options that will bee deeper.

APynckel

I understand that, but most are designed per walmart "cheap" off the shelf standards for dry good storage. I've not had good success using them for water retention.

Ronmaggi

If aesthetics is your concern, perhaps you should get some pond liner, and line a nicely constructed wood growbed. Also, if you go to a hydro store, you can usually find fiberglass growbeds. Perhaps one will be the size you need.

scotty435

Might be able to find a dish tub or a bus tub that fits the bill - https://www.google.com/search?q=bus+tub&client=firefox-a&hs=31D&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=np&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=uGx_U5_NMIf3oAShrYDQAw&ved=0CIEBELAE&biw=1920&bih=957

I'm not certain what kind of plastic they're made from.

APynckel

Ooh, good call on the bus tub!

Ronmaggi

Very nice call! I am pretty sure the plastic is food safe, whatever it is.

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