Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I am setting up a CHIFT PIST system in my backyard. This system uses three 275 gallon IBC's, consisting of one 275 gallon fish tank, 3 grow beds and 1 200 gallon sump tank. I started work around the beginning of January and have been running for about 1 month with a single growbed and the sump tank. Today I added the final 2 grow beds and tomorrow I will setup the fish tank and plumbing. Below are pictures of my progress as of today.(Any and all criticism is greatly appreciated.)









I ran the system this way for about 1 month with 22 catfish and 10 bluegills fingerlings.

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Max47 System Build

3 grow beds




If all goes well I should be posting pictures of the completed system tomorrow.

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Max47 System Build

Wow, looks like you got another IBC or two!
How deep are your grow beds?

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

Growbed depth is 12". It is a lot of work washing 1 yard of lava rock to fill the GB's but it will be worth it.

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Max47 System Build

Have you seen Ivan's setup?
viewtopic.php?p=283214#p283214
I don't know where he got the "wrapper" for his IBC's, but it apparently holds up to time and weather better than the hula skirts.

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

BTW I love how you dressed up the top edge of your ST.

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

(Hula skirt haha I called it that the other day!)
I thought about just using burlap but the bamboo was cheap, easy to find and very easy to install. I just had to make it look decent so my wife didn't complain. I was just fine looking at IBC, cages and PVC pipes!

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Max47 System Build

Where are you getting your IBC's, if you don't mind my asking? Only place I have found has a min order of 20 units for used ones.

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

I get mine from a friend but it is hit and miss. They are on craigslist for about $125 for food grade IBC's

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Max47 System Build

Thanks Max! I'd seen so much crap on craigslist that I stopped looking at it. But perfectly timed advice! Looks like I will be buying a pair of IBC's in an hour or so...

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

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Max47 System Build

Very nice! Perfect time of year to be at this point.

After a couple hours spent dismantling pallets and cladding half an IBC with it, I'm happily going back to the Hula Skirt like yours.

Looking good.

Thanks! It has been an interesting project. Difficult at times but it was fun. I still have a few items to complete. Need to install an overflow and a larger pump. Right now I have a 3/4" overflow PVC pipe filling the 3 grow beds. I ordered a larger pump and will set the 3/4" SLO line about 6" lower then have a 1" line skim the top back to the sump tank. The added water weight will provide the flow needed to get 15minute cycles at the grow beds.

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Max47 System Build

Max, I was just noticing your newer GB's. Did you use the sides of an IBC (vs top & bottom)?

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

Yes sir. It works like a charm!

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Max47 System Build