Tom Price DIY AP System

Wal

Hi all

I am now in the process of getting ready to build our DIY AP system. This will consist of 2 x IBC's connected with a balance pipe giving approx 1,200 litre of fish tank. This will be combined with 650 litres of GB. Its not quite in balance but I was thinking that a larger water volume should aid temperature stability.

I am also going to lag my FT with pink batts and put the FT in the shed where it is generally 3 to 5 degree cooler than outside.

After getting some advice from a few of you folks I am going to stock with Barramundi as they should handle the heat a little better. The two tanks will also allow some segregation space should they get a little cannibalistic.

I have ordered 2 x 3,500 lph submersible pumps and two air pumps to keep the O2 up in the warmer weather. I have also include a power failure back up system should the electricity stop on us all of a sudden.

We would appreciate your comments, tips and of course encouragement.

I have added a quick picture of our basic ingredients. So stay tuned for more updates.

stevesmartt

good stuff mate! you will have it all sorted in no time.

Wal

Today we cut up the first IBC making a 350mm deep GB and a 650mm deep FT. Things went fairly well and I will cut up the remaining IBC next weekend.

The next problem to solve is drainage back to the FT's as I don't want to employ the sump and single pump method (CHOP). This means the underside of the GB has to be higher than FT water level... argh!

abdul

Go for the CHOP method, you'll wind up shifting to that anyways so might as well start with it set up that way ;]

gemmell

Nothing wrong with pumping up and draining back! The problem with CHOP ( I prefer the CHIFT PIST acronym better anyway) is that you need your sump to be big enough for the volume of the growbed and underneath the growbed - which makes it a problem when you are putting it on a concrete slab like Wal is doing (inside a shed!) on a budget (you need another container).

Of course there any many good things about it too, but each design has it's merrits.

Wal

OK, so another weekend over and we now have power in the shed to run all the AP gear. Not in itself as huge task, but if you have ever dug a trench in the Pilbara you'll know what I mean... after all we mine iron ore here! All I have to do is replace the temp white extension lead and we are done. Next weekend we cut up the second IBC and start working out final positions and set up. I have headed your advice and am contemplating a CHOP or CHIFT PIST, so thanks for the tip

Wal

Well its Thursday night and our order of AP gear from Team Aquaponics in Queensland arrived today in the post. Only a few sundry items to purchase now and we can start construction... its going to be a busy weekend I think.

gnash06

You won't ever get them to stay in the tank.......and when it comes to filleting it's going to be a nightmare :funny1:

Great stuff Wal :thumbleft:

It's going to be a fun weekend for ya

Wal

OK, this weekend we have cut the second GB and fabricated some GB stands out of old packing boxes. Washed the tanks and had a bit of a play around with some of the gear. I have basically decided on position with the GB's and FT's separated by the shed wall. This can be seen in the three attached pics.

I also purchased the final plumbing supplies and have a pretty good idea of how I am going to plumb it all up. I tested one of my pumps which seemed to work very well indeed. http://www.aquaponics.net.au/product/prod133.htm

The next big question is do we wash the growing media or not?

Outbackozzie

Hydroton only needs a basic rinse. Adding it to the growbeds, washing with a bit of tap water and draining it works quite well

Wal

Big day in the yard today. Washed all the Hydroton over night and early this morning. It got to 38 deg C today... phew!

Also got everything plumbed up and running, we now have two tanks and two beds all cycling nicely. I will need to make a few minor adjustments this week but basically all is good. A lot has been to the credit of this forum and the knowledge of the people who contribute. Thanks everyone!

I am now on the market for some Barra, so please let me know if you know anyone selling fingerlings.

RupertofOZ

Looking good Wal... :cheers:

Simo

That picture of the kids should have the caption of "despite the worst christmas presents ever the kids still managed a smile"

Decal

You really must have washed the clay, that water looks crystal clear!
Wish mine had been that good, took me another week of filtering to get close to that. If you ever decide to leave the mines you can hire your self out as hydroton washer!!

The system is looking great! Keep the photos coming!

BlueThumb

... All this hands-on experience Wal will help when it comes the time to getting the young and niaive Andy's AP system up-n-running!

Maybe get him to bring some barra up on his next swing?! They should be 'right in a sealed bag filled with O2!

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