My (in progess) barrel system

[Kwatt]

I am building a system similar to the "Barrel-ponics". Using barrels because I can get them for $5 each and it looks simple enough for me:).

I have some questions. I have a lot of questions but I will start with these.;)

Making GB's like the "Barrel-ponics" how much Hydroton do I need? It is a three hour roundtrip to get it and I don't want to make the trip twice. With a half of a 4" drain pipe the length of the barrel and keeping the medium 1" below the lip the volume is reduced but by how much? The place I am getting the Hydroton from has 50L and 25L bags. I will use some river pebbles if I have too. But, I want to keep the weight down so I can relocate it if necessary.

Is there any reason why I should not mount the FT high enough to overflow-drain into the GB's and let the GB's drain into the ST then pump from the ST to the FT? I have already built, installed and tested a "Affnan" type "Bell Siphon" as shown here: http://affnan-aquaponics.blogspot.com/2 ... valve.html (http://affnan-aquaponics.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-make-bell-valve.html). In one GB.

Aside from the test kit is there any other chemicals/additives I should have on hand? The first fish will probably be "feeder fish" either guppies or goldfish. Something durable ... and cheap anyway.

More later...

Any ideas will be welcome

Thanks


Thanks

[wolfracer]

That is sort of how I constructed mine. checkout wolfracers build.