Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

We currently have a Raft DWC system with 1-55 gallon drum for solids (swirl), 1-55 gallon drum for fines (bird netting) then 1-55 gallon drum for Bio (K1 media). The drums are the average flat bottom plastic blue drum with a 3/4" exit valve in bottom. I was thinking of switching the solids drum out for a cone shape bottom tank so the waste would be easier to get out. Any thoughts, ideas or experience in this matter would be greatly appreciated!

-Matt O

I'm doing this very thing among a few other projects if you don't mind browsing through
http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=23206&start=2415

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Brian's AP
I don't understand all I know about this
Specs: 2600 gallon (347.56cf) Masonry fish pond. 44cf GBs. 200 gal (26.7cf) ST. 15 gal (2cf) RFF. 50 gal (6.7cf) biofilter. Brook trout and Comets.

Yes, I see what you are doing with the cone tank. Looks like it will work. I do have a second filter with bird netting for fines but its a pain cleaning it as well, may go to brushes or scrunches??? Thanks for the insight!
Matt O

I see on the Koi pond forums some people use forced air to blow back sludge in filters to clean them out. It looks like more valves and plumbing to make it work, but maybe it is worth it. Also the DIY sieve filters look promising.

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Brian's AP
I don't understand all I know about this
Specs: 2600 gallon (347.56cf) Masonry fish pond. 44cf GBs. 200 gal (26.7cf) ST. 15 gal (2cf) RFF. 50 gal (6.7cf) biofilter. Brook trout and Comets.

Sorry for the short hijack here Brian



Look into converting your fines filter into a Static Upflow Filter (SUF). The second filter would probably work well as a SUF with K1 media or bottle caps where the water flows up through stationary media. To clean you just aerate the media. K1 is designed to be self cleaning so the solids will be released and can be flushed out.