Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So after lurking around the forums for a while, and more recently posting a few questions, I have decided to build my own AP system and thought I would document it here (note, the system as already partially built, so I will be posting a couple of 'catch up' posts).

The basic system is a CHIFT PIST style system using a 1000L FT, 4 x 300L grow beds, and a 700L sump (all made from IBC's).

After getting a small amount of dirt removed from the yard to level it....



obtaining 4 IBC's....


...and an awful lot of scrubbing...

I was finally on my way.

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

I had an idea of how I wanted the system to look, so after cutting up the IBC's, I laid it out to check it was going to work how I wanted it to. (And to check the boss approved)


After that, the hard work started.

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

Now I did come a little unstuck with grow beds and support frames

I originally cut the top and bottom of the IBC to form the grow bed. However after a bit more reading a I liked the way that Tristan has used the sides of the IBC cage to support his grow beds (as opposed to the more 'traditional' way of cutting IBC cages). Unfortunately it was only after I had everything cut and welded that I realized things weren't going to fit quite as I had hoped.

So in the end I had to attach the ends of the frames using galvanized steel strapping and rivets to extend the frames slightly. Still doesn't look too bad, just not ideal.

I really should have learned by now to stick to a single thought instead of changing my mind....

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

So this is where the build is up to so far. The fish tank, sump tank, and grow beds are all in the final positions.


*All* that remains to be done now is to install the plumbing, fill with grow bed media after washing it (in this case I will be using crushed pea gravel), and then plant out (we have some seedlings growing in preparation).

I decided to go with crushed pea gravel as the estimated 1200L of media I required was going to cost a bit too much for hydroton... I may yet get some and replace the top 100mm of gravel just to make planting a bit nicer, but that will be a bit further down the road.

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

Coming together nicely, welcome Sam.

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I am the sum of all I have Googled.
2010-2011-2012

Interesting yard Sam, some green will look really nice over the sand. AP makes sense in your yard for sure!

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DD's Landing Page

Plant and fish pictures are money

Thanks DuiNui and Dave.

I was hoping to have it up and running by the start of this week, but being crook has set me back a bit. Hopefully i'll get it running by the end of the weekend.

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

Hi Sam - lookin good mate

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~2010/2011~
~2012/2013~
~2014~
~Backyard farming~

Thanks Charlie.

I had a bit of time this afternoon, so I fitted some temporary standpipes to the growbeds and filled them with water. So far no leaks or worse yet, collapses (after all, I did do my own welding )

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

Sam,
Where did you get those cinder blocks from.
I don't seem to be able to find a decent supplier.
Oh yeah and nice looking setup and welcome.

Cheers Whisper


Believe it or not, the big red B.

Although when I went to the trade desk to ask how much they were (they were in the yard out the back), the guy behind the counter didn't even know they stocked them (I had to show him where they were).

But I do know what you mean about being hard to find. I only stumbled across them by luck.

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

I actually thought that the cladding looked so good it was a shame to bury it
We always called the blocks "Besser blocks", back in the old days. There are always the odd ones laying around somewhere up the backyard and they are very handy and well reused.
Hey Samward, you will feel better when all the hard work is done, I bet

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http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum ... a&start=45 (Fayes system)
http://backyardfarming.com.au/phpbb3/vi ... f=24&t=119 (Fayes garden) https://www.facebook.com/Botanic.Obsession

I know what you mean Faye. But it was the sump, so down it had to go . My grand plan actually involves building a deck around the all the gear, and then cladding up the side of the FT and GB's. But that is a bit further down the track.


I am certainly keen to get it all done, and the seedlings are growing at a rapid rate, so i'll have to get them into something soon. The only bit i'm not looking forward to is washing all the gravel. People keep saying its character building, but as far as I am concerned, I already have enough character...

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

So I managed to get a bit more done this weekend.

Firstly, all the plumbing is now complete. So I can now circulate water throughout the whole system. Secondly, I got the first of four growbeds filled with gravel. Gee washing all that gravel took a long time.....

A big thank you to my wonderful wife for helping me out with washing the gravel.

Now for some pic's.

The plumbing worked out as follows:

- 40mm pipe from the ST pump to the FT
- 40mm overflow pipe from the FT to the start of the GB
- 40mm down to 25mm down to 20mm antikink polypipe to the GB

The auto-siphon is an affanan style siphon with the following:

- 25mm fitting through the base of the GB
- 25mm to 40mm reducer
- 40mm standpipe
- the bell comprises of a 65mm cap with 75mm storm water pipe (I couldn't get any 65mm pressure pipe)
- the gravel screen is actually made from bore housing (that came at the right price).

The bore casing worked out the best. Because it already has fine slits in it, it saved me the hassle of having to drill heaps of holes in a bit of pipe.

The siphon outlets feed into a common length of 90mm storm water pipe that drains back into the sump.

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My IBC build
My Second System
Wards Backyard

Coming together nicely Sam...