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Big Al
08-27-2010, 05:06 AM
Hello everyone, I'm finally getting to post pictures of my build, starting with the greenhouse.
the greenhouse is 20' x 48' started building it in early april of 2010
starting at the beginning laying out the corners
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282687858.jpg
all of the down post hoops and side boards in place
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282688040.jpg
installing the purlins 4 sets in all spaced evenly across the hoops
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282688040-1.jpg
the front wall with c-lock channel installed
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282688147.jpg
a view of the back
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282688146.jpg

davidstcldfl
08-27-2010, 05:12 AM
Wow !....lookin' good Big Al.... :D

Big Al
08-27-2010, 05:17 AM
here are some more shots of the greenhouse
a look down the right side just before the plastic was installed
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282688039.jpg
a view inside looking towards the front wall
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282688145-1.jpg
a view inside looking towards the back wall
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1282688145.jpg
the completed view
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0011.jpg
we completed the greenhouse the week after memorial day of 2010

Big Al
08-27-2010, 05:24 AM
thanks davidstcldfl, thanks for your comments and help with the posting, it was alot of work but it was worth every bit of it. we spread 12 ton of gravel inside the greenhouse what fun that was on a 90 degree day outside almost 110 degrees inside the greenhouse.

Big Al
08-27-2010, 05:40 AM
we are using a solar powered fan to inflate the 2 layers of plastic to create a insulated pocket between them it gets very cold and snowy here in the winter
a view of the solar panels
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0009.jpg
now for the system
we have 2 275 gallon ibc's tied togetherwith a 2"pvc pipe with shutoff's and a union to disconnect them
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0008.jpg
we have 18 blue barrel's filled with pea gravel that drain into a sump tank that contains red crayfish
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0004.jpg
water is pumped back to the tanks with a sump pump and split between the tanks
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0006.jpg

Big Al
08-27-2010, 05:47 AM
here is close up of the spray nozzle we made by drilling holes into a pvc end cap
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0002.jpg
fish in the tank
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0001.jpg
more fish in the tank
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0014.jpg

Big Al
08-27-2010, 05:56 AM
now for some of the vegetables
sweetcorn
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0013.jpg
muskmelon
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0020.jpg
okra
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0012.jpg
tomato and onions
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/IMAG0003.jpg

keith_r
08-27-2010, 07:52 AM
bummer! i can't see the pic's, but that's because i'm at work and photobucket is blocked.. i'll check it out tonight..

keith_r
08-27-2010, 05:29 PM
looks great Al! :shock:

lookin forward to an up-close and personal..
i really like the gh, i have a line on a couple of ibc's, but i'm still thinking about what to do next summer.. and starting to plan the winter basement setup..

be well
k

badflash
08-27-2010, 08:59 PM
Give us some details on your solar system.

Oldandfound1
08-28-2010, 07:05 PM
Terrific.
All those blue half barrels looking Dress Right Dress at Parade Rest .
I really needed this time lapse booster post to keep my Greenhouse AP Dreams alive.
Great flat ground once a dandelion patch turned in six months into a fine build.
Congratulations. :D
Enjoy your day,
Dennis
Oldandfound1

jackalope
08-28-2010, 10:10 PM
Thanks for the views ..... can you also give some details of the double wall setup? As well, what kind of plastic did you use? I've done a little bit of searching, but haven't found a lot of construction plastic that is suitable for using outdoors for long periods of time. Linky maybe??

badflash
08-29-2010, 07:03 AM
I'd like to see details of your solar charger & blower.

Big Al
08-30-2010, 10:05 AM
hi everyone, here are some updated pictures i took this morning hope you enjoy.
here's the muskmelon
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/8a4a2b99.jpg
here's some lettuce
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/d278d299.jpg
here's the zucchini with lots of blossom's
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/8410d4b5.jpg
here's a pepper plant and lot's of basil
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/431c630a.jpg

Big Al
08-30-2010, 10:22 AM
here's some more pictures
green bean plant's
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/f911c6d8.jpg
beans on the plants
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1fd3e9fa.jpg
here's the okra
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/cba04b4f.jpg
here's what the zuccihini plant look's like
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/4ef3cf89.jpg

Big Al
08-30-2010, 10:33 AM
and a few more pictures
remember the tomato plant from page #1
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/91540edf.jpg
this is the fan that inflates the 2 layers of plastic
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/7249ce0c.jpg
it run's 24/7 via solar power
this is the power box of the system
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/db488a5c.jpg
hope you all enjoy Big Al

Big Al
08-30-2010, 10:53 AM
hi jackalope, we are using klerks k-50 clear greenhouse grade plastic it's sold at at greenhouse supply company's. we built a small greenhouse 8' x 12' last spring and used 6 mil construction plastic and it was shot by the end of the summer. that was $75 down the drain. the greenhouse plastic is guaranteed for 4 years and 6 if you inflate it. it is 6 mil also. you just put 2 layers on instead of 1 layer if your inflating. trust me its worth the extra $ to get the right plastic just in the labor of putting it on itself and with the weather conditions you have i wouldn't waste your time with construction grade plastic. hope that helps Big Al

Big Al
08-30-2010, 11:10 AM
hi badflash,the solar panel set-up is just one we got at harbor freight that they have on sale alot. it's 45 watt but you could probably piggyback them together fo a 90 watt system. i'm not sure how close you are to any amish but here there all over the place and there's probably one of them that sell's system's. but my set-up go's from the panel's to the power box i pictured then to a 12 volt deep cycle battery i have just 1 now. then the fan that inflates the plastic layers is connected to that. there is also 2 lights that are over the fish tank's that i use when i go out to feed late at night. its not to bad of system for what i'm using it for. i hope that helps. i will post picture of the regenerative blower set-up as soon as i get more batteries for my camera. it sure eats up the things. good luck Big Al

Brier
08-30-2010, 09:03 PM
Wow! That is one fantastic set up. I can certainly appreciate how many hours have gone into getting it to this point. My setup is a fraction of that size, and I am tired!

Big Al
08-31-2010, 04:39 AM
hi everyone, sorry about the pictures being moved i moved stuff around in my photobucket. not realizing it took down pictures, saw it this morning and fixed it. sorry about the inconvence. hope you all enjoy. thanks Big Al

davidstcldfl
08-31-2010, 05:19 AM
Hey BigAl, I did the same thing awhile back.....cleaned out some picts from photobucket 'AND' deleted them
out of my computer.....THEN I realized that they weren't in my posts anymore... :roll: ... :oops:

Big Al
08-31-2010, 05:35 AM
hi davidstcldfl, nice to know im not the only one thanks Big Al

Big Al
09-03-2010, 02:18 PM
Hello everyone, I'm posting pictures of how my air blower system is installed.
This is my regenerative blower air pump.
I modified the air inlet tube to accept a larger air filter to reduce the motor and blower housing tempatures.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/cf131856.jpg
The air is pumped through 2" pvc pipe that is slip fit together rather than having a bomb in the greenhouse
that way they will pop apart rather than blow apart if there glued if something were to happen. There is 2 brass
barbed fittings tapped into the pipe for each tank with airhose that runs to the airstones on each one.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/459c9199.jpg
There is lots of bubbles in the tanks.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/b8e86f6c.jpg
I also have air in the sump tank for the crayfish and water splashing in from the water return troughs into the sump tank.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/0cf77a58.jpg

stucco
09-03-2010, 02:52 PM
WOW! Very impressive, Big Al.

Oldandfound1
09-03-2010, 04:19 PM
Sent me researching when you first got the blower. What's a Regenerative Blower, I wondered. Lawrence Welk definitely did not use a regenerative blower in the Champagne Bubble Machine..
Dennis
Oldandfound1

Big Al
09-04-2010, 09:19 AM
Hello Stucco and Oldandfound1, Thanks for your comments, Yes that pump moves alot of air. Its big enough for at least 4-6 more tanks with out much more pipe work. I'm actually bleeding off more air than i am using in the tanks currently so i'm looking forward to expanding with some more tanks real soon. A nice winter project. Thanks alot Big Al

David J
09-05-2010, 08:27 AM
Very impressive layout Big Al! Did you purchase the metal hoops or bend them yourself? If purchased, which supplier? Thnx

Big Al
09-07-2010, 04:45 AM
Hello David J, Thanks for your comments. we purchased the hoops from cvs supply in dundee, ohio. and built the greenhouse ourselfs. thanks Big Al

pniedzwiecki
09-11-2010, 01:27 PM
Big Al,

Your setup looks very cool :ugeek: . I wish I had a greenhouse myself. I hope everything works out well for you. It looks like you are well on your way.

Clearly lots of thoughtful effort put into your setup.

Thanks,

davidstcldfl
09-11-2010, 04:05 PM
Lookin' nice, Big Al...... :mrgreen:

Big Al
09-12-2010, 02:53 PM
hi pniedzwiecki and davidstcldfl, thanks for your comments much appreciated. im going to plant a minuture orange, lemon, & lime tree's in my system this week but i'll be transplanting them into my next system when its finished. so davidstcldfl if you have any experence with these i would appreciate it? thanks Big Al

davidstcldfl
09-13-2010, 04:01 AM
Hi Big Al, The guys and gals, 'down under' seem to do pretty good with differant trees......mainly papayas, which they call 'paw paw's'.

Big Al
09-16-2010, 06:01 AM
Hello everyone, been busy with plan's to expand system #1 will post later.
last night my wife & i picked our first aquaponic greenbean's and no sore back's this morning.
so guess what's for dinner tonight steamed with a little butter.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/5fc99631.jpg
there mostly all at least 5" long.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/d83a915b.jpg
there is a bowl full left for tonight minus what didn't make it into the house.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/fe95e3f2.jpg
i planted the seed in the system mid to late july there's 18 plant's total
with lot's of little bean's on the plant's and ton's of blossom's
i can't wait to see what the total prodution of these plant's are.
hope you enjoy thanks Big Al

Oldandfound1
09-16-2010, 07:51 AM
Great Green Beans Big Al,
Are they bush beans or climbing?
Dennis
Oldandfound1

Big Al
09-17-2010, 04:19 AM
hi oldandfound1, there tema bush beans. thanks Big Al

stucco
09-17-2010, 06:03 PM
Looks good! I always seem to have a problem with beans.

Big Al
09-20-2010, 04:40 AM
hi stucco, thanks for your comment's i'm not having problem's with bean's but i can't seem to get consistant sprouting of pea's they are very hit and miss. i can't get cucumber's to sprout from seed directly in the system either. but everything else seem's to do just fine so far through the summer so we'll see this fall and winter. good luck to you thank's Big Al

keith_r
09-20-2010, 07:15 AM
my last cuke died last week.. i think it was a bit too hot for them
still planning out the indoor winter build.. ugh

Big Al
09-20-2010, 09:38 AM
hi keith, nice to hear from you. you are probably right it has been very hot this summer here then inside the greenhouse even hotter. so thank's for the thought. good luck on your plans for your indoor system. thank's Big Al

Big Al
09-27-2010, 06:27 AM
Hello everyone, it's been crazy here my kid's just finished the regular golf season last week 2 match's
and 2 practice's. my daughter qualified for ohio state sectional's so she had to practice all weekend
for tommorrow's tournement match. they both play for the school and we only have a boy's team but
she did very well this season and qualified for boy's state tourney's. so back to football for my son the
football team is doing very well they're 5-0 so far this season. i'm so proud well enough glotting things
have cooled down considerably here the 90 degree day's are probably done. it's only been in the 60's
the last 3 day's with rain forcasted the next 3 day's. we just about have everything needed for our 2nd
system build should begin building this week depend's on well golf go's tommorrow for my daughter.
here is photo of our okra blossom's they are beautiful to look at.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/83abc2a4.jpg
here is a close up of one
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/75858751.jpg

Big Al
09-27-2010, 06:48 AM
the last post would'nt take everything so here is another one. we got our first aquaponics
green pepper on the plant last week finally it's small but it's there.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/8e1db29d.jpg
also my perch are growing very well they were 1"-2" long when we got them they are all but
a few over 4" long with some over 5" long they are growing like mad.they were put in the tank's
on july 19th 2010.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/e19baf56.jpg
i also got some cukes to sprout in my system finally last week also planted sweetcorn, garlic,
radishes, kolrabi' and dill. they are all sprouted and doing fine so far. i hand pollinated our tomato
plant's and muskmelon also. hope you all enjoy. i will keep you posted on kid's sport's later Big Al

texas-liberul
09-29-2010, 01:03 PM
I envy your setup.
Im lookin at a backyard setup meself

I'd love to know what percent the solar setup powered

Big Al
09-30-2010, 05:16 AM
hi texas-liberul, welcome to this site and thank's for the comment's. currently the solar
is only being used to power the fan that inflates the 2 layers of greenhouse plastic. it takes
7 days to drain the battery to less than 10 volts with no charge which should be good for our
long winter's here in northeastern ohio. thank's Big Al

gosmith
09-30-2010, 01:16 PM
Hi Big Al,

Very impressive setup and nice greenhouse! Your plants look beautiful. Where did you buy the perch and what did they cost?

I also have a few comments/advice/questions about your PV solar kit and the fan. Hope you don't mind. Unlike aquaponics, PV solar is something I have some experience with.

I found the 45w kit available from Harbor Freight currently on sale for $150 at their web store. Seems like an okay buy for low-end PV. This is definitely not a high quality system, but is an inexpensive way to try out PV solar. Not much of a warranty (30 days.) How has this kit worked so far? Is it producing enough power for the fan on cloudy days?

The pulse width modulated (PWM) charge controller is not adjustable for various types of batteries and may be the weakest link in this system. It uses a constant voltage output (and cuttoff) of 14.5VDC, unregulated for temperature, and does not appear to trickle charge as the battery tops off, which could cause outgassing. I would keep a close eye on electrolyte levels. The low power shutoff is non-adjustable and set to 11VDC, which seems too low, IMO, for long battery life. Don't know that I would use it in any power critical application without some kind of backup. An inexpensive replacement might be something like a Mornigstar SunSaver PWM charge controller, or something along that line, for around $50 or less.

Not trying to be critical, but your wooden mounting seems a little flimsy in your first set of pics. Will this be okay for winter wind storms? You may want to consider building a mounting system that would allow you to tilt the array to different angles depending on the season. The proper angle for the PV panels is to set them to your latitude for spring and fall, then raise them 15 degrees for winter, lower them 15 degrees for summer.

Is your fan 12VDC or are you using an inverter with an AC fan? How many watts does the fan draw? If it doesn't have wattage on the nameplate, how many volts and amps? Does the fan run 24/7?

Again, excellent job on a wonderful system. Enjoyed the pics.

G

Big Al
10-04-2010, 04:53 AM
hi there gosmith, thank's for your comment's the fan is a 12 vdc fan that draw's .22 amp's it run's 24/7 to keep
the plastic layer's inflated.
it is just a temporary setup that was cheap at the time. and yes you are right the pwm is pretty chinze. but
we are currently running main power to the greenhouse so thing's will be changed out soon. we made a diy
bio-filter setup and installed on friday that is simple cheap and work's great will post pic's in future. working on
closing up the greenhouse for winter as well as the hen house. hope that anwser's your question's Big Al

Big Al
10-07-2010, 06:52 AM
Hello everyone, finally slowing down here my daughter didn't qualify for state final's in boy's golf
so now we can just play for fun. at least for her because she's kicking dad's butt. wow is me.
been busy in the greenhouse plant production is going good. added some new stuff and so far so
good here's a few picture's.
our first tomatoe's the plant is about 6' tall by 6' wide and full of bloosom's
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/2052be3f.jpg
remember that little pepper from last week
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/abb8da99.jpg
here is a patty pan squash planted in memory of our dad (R.I.P.) his favorite.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/ae10b56f.jpg
zucchini zucchini zucchini these are number's 16,17,18, and 19 off of this plant glad there is only 1 plant.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1ea2f046.jpg

davidstcldfl
10-07-2010, 07:15 AM
Hi Big Al....lookin good.
Keep one of those big zucchini 's handy, incase of bear attacks.... :lol:

Big Al
10-07-2010, 07:31 AM
Hello everyone, this is post 2 of 2 please check the first one out thank's
here's some lettuce ready to be picked
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/b356ca5f.jpg
we finally got cucumber's to sprout must of been to darn hot all summer
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/e1ce5f0d.jpg
we grow lot's of garlic in dirt 520 head's this year so i thought i'd give it try in aquaponic's
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/58499472.jpg
we also planted a early variety of sweet corn that doesn't mind the cold much
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/9faafb95.jpg
sorry this last picture i can't get to turn.
we've also picked green bean's 4 different time's and need to do it again. hope you all enjoy
thank's Big Al

Oldandfound1
10-07-2010, 07:57 AM
Great going Big Al. What is your handicap when you play your daughter? :lol:
Dennis
Oldandfound1

urbanfarmer
10-08-2010, 12:47 AM
That's an AMAZING setup Big Al! I have 2 questions if you don't mind:

1) How do you grow the garlic? I tried searching for garlic seeds, but all I came up with was cloves. Do you grow them from seed or is that how the plant reproduces... more cloves? I'm just really confused by the whole thing... LOL

2) Back to the original set up process: How in the world to you get the 2 layers of UV Greenhouse grade plastic to be air tight? I am about to ATTEMPT to build one in the next few months, but I am still trying to figure out this detail!

Thanks for the great posts and pics! :mrgreen:

Big Al
10-08-2010, 05:15 AM
hi there davidstcldfl, you're right i could use one of them as a club and i would'nt mind some extra meat in the freezer either.

hi there oldandfound1, my handicap is my mouth for asking her to even go golfing it usually 10 strokes and 5 to my son. i guess
i'll never learn.

Big Al
10-08-2010, 05:54 AM
hi there urbanfarmer, awh garlic each clove is a seed you start by breaking a head or bulb apart plant each
clove seperately just like a onion. most garlic that is store bought is sprayed with antifugnal spray so it wont grow
and reproduce. garlic is super simple to grow. you can get your own seed in one year. that seed takes 2 years to
become a head of garlic. what you do is start by getting some good garlic. 3 bulb's will do to start there is usually 6-8
cloves in a bulb. break it apart leave as much skin on as possibly plant each clove seperately 4" to 6" apart from one
another in all directions. plant in the fall for larger bulbs and leave it alone. in the spring it will sprout 2-3 set of leaves
and then a spike will grow about 4 feet tall. on the end a bulb will form then it will begin to curl if your going to use it for
food. remove the pod after the first curl just cut it off this is called a "scape" you can cook with it. and still have the bulb
later. if you leave the scape on then watch for the skin to become thin and papery when it becomes this way then remove
it from the plant. inside is the (seed) generally around 50 they are little cloves of garlic. plant them in small containers and repeat the process all
over again it will take 2 years to produce good size garlic bulb this way. when the ones that you cut the scapes off of start to turn
brown then there ready to pull. hope this explains it for you. long winded but hopefully educational. thanks Big Al

urbanfarmer
10-08-2010, 06:00 AM
Yes, it has demystified the process for me! I always wondered why it seems impossible to find garlic seeds, per se, but the cloves are offered to start the growing process, but now I get it! ;) Thanks

Big Al
10-08-2010, 06:19 AM
hi urbanfarmer, there are over 100 varities of garlic available to choose from. oh i forgot about the plastic
what we did is we got the plastic 2x's as long as needed folded it in half so there is 1 seam that's airtight.
there is a c channel that gets installed all the way around the greenhouse. then you put the plastic on the
hoops tuck the plastic into the channel and install a locking wire into the channel. leave some slack in the
plastic if you are going to inflate the plastic though other wise its to tight to inflate. hope this helps also
thank's for your comment's before and good luck with your project. Big Al

Big Al
10-12-2010, 07:20 AM
Hello everyone, finally getting to post my bio-filter set-up were currently running this on our ras
system's we have 2 ras system's in the greenhouse. one with bluegill and one with yellow perch
it uses a 5 gallon bucket there is only a few parts and cost me under $70.00 each to build.
here is a list of materials and photo's to build one
what's needed
1-5 gallon bucket $2.58
1-pond pump i used a little giant 380 gph pump $49.95
1-10' x 1" pvc pipe $2.58 1-10' x1 1/4" pipe $3.58 but will make 5 filter's
4-1" 90 deg elbow's $.48 each 1-1 1/4" 90 deg elbow $.98
1-1" tee $.64
1-male 1 1/4" 1-female 1 1/4" electricial connector's $.64 each
1 egg crate found in lighting dept.@ home depot $12.86 but will make 5 filter's so $2.58
4 bag's scouring pad's $.99 each hope you enjoy. Big Al

Big Al
10-12-2010, 07:34 AM
Hello everyone, here is the photo's of our bio-filter build hope you enjoy and build one yourself
there simple and fairly cheap to build it use's a 5 gallon bucket
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/dc875158.jpg
these are the part's used to build one
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/af63bd09.jpg
i started by using a 1 1/2" hole saw putting a hole as high as possible centered on the handle
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/81c080e0.jpg
i used 1 1/4" electricial male and female connector's the threads are not taper so they fit tight together
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1b1c3555.jpg

Big Al
10-12-2010, 07:52 AM
i used aquarium safe silicone on the connector's just in case
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/a9504025.jpg
you use 1" pipe and fitting's for this set-up
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/b82301c6.jpg
you install the 90 deg elbow's facing away from each other so that you get a swirling
effect in the water as it pushes up through the filter pad's and out the drain also they
are installed at a slight angle down so there is no blocking on the bottom of the bucket.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/b53ab18f.jpg
cut the egg crate material with tin snip's or side cut plier's it break's eazy when cutting.
they come in 2' x 4' piece's which is enough to make 5 filter's total just draw a outline of
the bucket and cut inside the line

Big Al
10-12-2010, 08:05 AM
place the egg crate material down over the pipe to the top of the elbow's
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/af6a6fde.jpg
then install the rest of the inlet pipe a elbow is placed facing in the opposite
direction of the outlet i put it just above the top lip of the bucket about 12" high
then i installed a 5 1/2" long pipe to clear the outside edge of the bucket then a
90 deg elbow facing down
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/818959f3.jpg
once this is done then i placed my filter pads in one at a time in a circuliar rotation
around the inside of the bucket don't compact them
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/32fd0811.jpg

Big Al
10-12-2010, 08:21 AM
then you install the top egg crate with a slot cut for ease of removal it goes just
under the outlet pipe
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/ae1af4b3.jpg
this is to keep the filter pads from floating up and plugging the outlet
i installed the pump on the bottom of the tank and ran a pipe up to the 90 deg elbow
that is facing downward at the top of the bucket
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/a5c625ef.jpg
once everything is installed your ready to run the pump and let the magic happen
like i said simple and easy to build install a 1 1/4" facing down with a small piece of pipe
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/f9db2707.jpg
hope you all enjoy thank's Big Al

Oldandfound1
10-12-2010, 09:25 AM
Big time Kudo's Big Al.
I have looked at many pages of AP stuff not having found a good A,B,C, steps for a filtration build.
This one is Great.
Thank you.
Dennis
Oldandfound1

samtheman
10-12-2010, 09:38 AM
Nice setup buddy!!!! :)

davidstcldfl
10-12-2010, 04:50 PM
Very nice Big Al.... :D

Here's a link to a bio filter building ......like Big Al's. Even though it's for ponds...still helpful.
First page goes over 'how to size', bio-filter material selection...then it shows step by step building.


http://leisure.prior-it.co.uk/how-to-de ... lter.shtml (http://leisure.prior-it.co.uk/how-to-design-pond-bio-filter.shtml)

Big Al
10-13-2010, 07:12 AM
Hello everyone, Thank's for your comment's. i also had been looking for a A,B,C type of
build. when i was looking and i could not find one. so that's why i did this. i hope this will
help out a lot of people that are in a similiar situation's. hope you enjoy good luck Big Al

tem1160
10-18-2010, 11:57 AM
Great set up...but why the need for a bio filter with all of the grow beds? Don't the grow beds act as a bio filter themselves? I'm still kind of knew to the aquaponics thing so be kind if this seems like a stupid question.

Thanks. I love the green house. You have inspired me to rebuild my back yard...

Big Al
10-19-2010, 05:20 AM
hi tem1160, the bio-filter's can be used to remove fish waste before it is drained into the bed's
so they are less likely to clog up over time if you wanted. we use them on our ras "recirculated
aquaculture system's" tank's which we have in our greenhouse also. they do not have any gravel
bed's to filter through. we have one tank with bluegill and hybrid bluegill in and one with yellow
perch. i have to setup one for minnow's this week. we have 2 more tank's to setup asap. before
old man winter get's here or the fish quit coming. which ever is first hope this help's and by the way
the only stupid question is the one that is not asked. thanks for the comment's good luck Big Al

keith_r
10-19-2010, 07:00 AM
looking great Al..
did you get more perch from Butch? what's your fish load now? Is that 5 gallon filter enough to handle 2 IBC's?
if i do add any fish or red claw, i'll be adding a filter, i like yours and saw the instructions elsewere on the net.. i might have a 30 or 40 gallon blue barrel to use, and i'm thinking instead of those scrubby pads, i could use those round ones pads they use on floor buffers.
still trying to figure out when i can come check your system out. The mrs was supposed to fly to jersey today but isn't feeling well, (a few extra bucks for the system then! yay!!)
i put a couple of pie tins of gravel in the bottom of the bluegill tank, a couple of them look like they're carrying eggs.. we'll see what happens - one of the stepdaughters friends is supposed to drop of a 20gal ft, i'll probably try to get a green tank going with that just in case i do get some babbies
oh, and i do have my 110 gallon stock tank that i can bring in.. which would be perfect for some more perch..
i'm still really thinking about adding redclaw.. decisions, decisions
(maybe the mrs won't notice if i add both... lol

Big Al
10-19-2010, 07:52 AM
hi keith, i found another supplier for fish last i knew butch didn't have anymore.
ive got 2 seperate tank's with the bio-filter's that dont have gravelbed's yet each
1 has it's own bio-filter. im going to make a larger filter for the perch tank. im going
to try to put 400 perch into the tank to see what the limit's are of the filter. i have a
second tank right next to it that is ready for fish now just in case. i run into problem's
were ready when you are to visit just let me know. we'll have about 900 fish in tank's
soon sure hope all goe's well here through the winter. so let me know when is good for
you to come out. later Big Al

Big Al
10-29-2010, 05:54 AM
hello everyone, just a little update on thing's were running our bio-filters on 2 seperate tank's
1 tank has 300 yellow perch in it. the other has 250 bluegill and hybrid bluegill in it. the fish are
doing fine and water test level's are good. the aquaponic's system is doing great lot's of tomato's
on the vine and lot's of bloom's we hand pollinate these 2x a day. lettuce is growing constantly and
still getting zucchini off of that 1 plant were in the high 30's now for actual fruit. the mini citrus tree's
are growing pretty good. cucumber's are starting to take off now. well anyhow here is my next project
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/94b16510.jpg
it's a fuel oil or kerosene water heater it run's into a hot water tank and circulate's through your system
were going to install this in the greenhouse for hydronic heat on the floor and in the tank's. ive worked with
hydronic system's before in warehouse's and different building's they were electric or gas (natural or propane)
heated but never fuel oil so this should be fun. it burn's between 1-2 gallon's of fuel a day depending on water
temp you want. i will post picture's when i'm done best wishes Big Al

keith_r
10-29-2010, 06:56 AM
i'll be following this one.. good stuff al

couldn't work things out to get the perch, so i'm going to go for the red claw.. i can take my time with that at least..

have a great weekend

Oldandfound1
10-29-2010, 10:02 AM
Hi Al,
I am happy to not hear of any ill effects from the weather that passed through the Mid-West this week. Winds must have uprooted some greenhouses along with real properties.
Your heater has a stylish workhorse appearance. Remind me of the fish you are raising.
Dennis
Oldandfound1

Big Al
10-29-2010, 12:04 PM
hi keith, i just finished butchering up a nice 4 point buck with my cousin, meat in the freezer yeah.
so i didn't get a chance to start on the heater today but i'll keep you posted. let me know about the
red claw's i might be interested in some when you order them. if you are looking for perch in the spring
let me know. how is your indoor system going.

hi oldandfound1, thank's for your concern. it was pretty windy here 50+ mph gust i'm sure there was some
damage around but mostly tree's that's all. speaking of workhorse appearance and fish the guy that i'm getting
my fish from showed me a monster yellow perch he got out of the pond my fish are coming out of. the state record
he told me is 14 1/2" since in the 1960's we measured this beast at just over 16" long. it would be nice to have a
couple of tank's full of them. well have a good weekend later Big Al

keith_r
11-01-2010, 07:04 AM
that venison will be nice this winter with some of your fresh veggies!

the indoor system is ticking along nicely.. 3 sicilian muskmellon seeds are sprouting, (i have extra seeds) and everything i've transplanted is doing ok.. a few cuttings seem to be doing ok too, thyme, sage and oregano..
i'll try to take some pics again, but the basement isn't to friendly for the camera i have..
i'll let you know after i get everything ready the crays

Big Al
11-02-2010, 04:33 AM
hi keith, that doe's sound good. save me a couple of those seed's if you dont mind
i'd like to give them a try. let me know about the cray's and if you want any
perch. ive got a few extra swimming around here. later Big Al

Big Al
11-13-2010, 06:15 PM
hi everyone, it's been crazy around here last week cold and rain then last friday our first snow yuck.
this week nice sunny high's in the 60's. well today we moved 2 more ibc's into the greenhouse and
a 200 gallon round tank were going to run barrel halves off of each tank. and the round tank also. i'm
finally starting to run the kerosene water tank set-up this week. man is copper pipe expensive. i finished
running all of the electric this week so it's online now. weve got tomato's like crazy cant wait till there ripe
and were still getting zuchinni from that plant ok time to go have a good one. later Big Al

gosmith
11-14-2010, 07:19 AM
Hi Big Al,

A few questions about your very cool system:

Are your GB's flood and drain? Do you have bell siphons or is the pump on a timer? Can't quite tell in the pics. What is the cycle time?

You have ball valves on each GB and they are all partially closed. Have you had to do a lot of tinkering with this to keep the flow rates even throughout all the beds? Any problems with clogging in the valves?

Also on the PVC cap spray nozzles back into the FT's. Any problem with algae clogging on those? I like how they help to aerate.

Are you testing water chemistry and have you had to make any adjustments? The plants look great, so they must be getting plenty of nutrients.

Now that you've had the system up and running for a while, is there anything you wish you'd done differently?

TIA and sorry for the load of questions. I'm just getting ready to start my build and still fidgeting around with the plumbing design. Hope to break ground on the GH in the next week or two. Looking forward to updates on your hydronic system.

Gary

Big Al
11-15-2010, 09:15 AM
hi gary, hope to anwser some of your question's
Are your GB's flood and drain? Do you have bell siphons or is the pump on a timer? Can't quite tell in the pics. What is the cycle time?
my grow bed's are continuious flow. i don't use any bell's on this system. cycle time's are controlled by a sump pump
You have ball valves on each GB and they are all partially closed. Have you had to do a lot of tinkering with this to keep the flow rates even throughout all the beds? Any problems with clogging in the valves?
the ball valve's just control the flow to each grow bed. and so far i have not had to make very many adjustment's. and no clogging problem's yet.
Also on the PVC cap spray nozzles back into the FT's. Any problem with algae clogging on those? I like how they help to aerate.
these have not clogged either. yes they aerate very well which help's keep the tank's pretty clean.
Are you testing water chemistry and have you had to make any adjustments? The plants look great, so they must be getting plenty of nutrients.
water test about 7.2-7.4 ph, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 40-60. consistantly
Now that you've had the system up and running for a while, is there anything you wish you'd done differently?
no this system work's great for me i just top off the water level weekly, test the water, feed the fish, and reap the benefit's so all in all i'm happy as heck with
it. hope this anwser's your question's good luck with your set-up. best wishes Big Al

keith_r
12-06-2010, 08:31 AM
Hey Al, how are you holding up with the snow? it's coming down pretty good here at the moment.. and i gotta drive out to ashtabula (to the wife's doc) this afternoon.. should be fun

did you get the seeds? i still have 4 sprouts but they haven't been doing much, i put some beans in and they sprouted (regular garden beans)

what kind of water temps are you getting, and how are the fish?

take care and stay warm
k

Big Al
12-07-2010, 05:40 PM
hi keith, yes i did get the seed's thank you. i got called back to work last week after 10 month's
so i havent been on much. it started snowing on last friday and has not stoped yet we have 20"
of snow on the ground. hope you trip was good with good news. my water temp is 44 -46 degree's
ive been working on the water heater when i can should be done with it this weekend. i have to get
my pump and install it and hook up exhuast vent pipe and fill system with water then fire it up. i will
post picture when i finish. everything is still doing ok plant wise still and my fish are doing good and
still eating good. you just got to love winter, yeah right. later Big Al

rfeiller
12-07-2010, 06:42 PM
big al, i guess congrats on getting back to work after 10mos.

Big Al
12-10-2010, 09:07 PM
hi rfeiller, thank's, now i've got the money to finish all of my greenhouse project's but no time to do them.
oh well it beat's the way it was before thing's just take a little longer to get done now. best wishes Big Al

Big Al
12-25-2010, 10:29 PM
hello everyone, i finally finished the hydronic heating system in the greenhouse and put it completely in
service yesterday. it use's a blu-flame kerosene water boiler and a 40 gallon hot water tank. there is
2- 150' loop's of pvc pipe that the hot water flow's through 1 on each side of the greenhouse. i use a
little giant pump for continious flow of water through the system. here is the picture's of it enjoy.
this is the boiler before i started the set-up
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/94b16510.jpg
this is the boiler up and running and heating water
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/02e5797e.jpg
this is how the boiler connect's to the hot water tank using 1" copper pipe for supply and return to the tank
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/eb978b5a.jpg

Big Al
12-25-2010, 10:43 PM
now as far as plumbing the 2 loop's for the water flow each tank has it's own loop. and each loop is 150'
in length from the tank and back. i installed shut off valve's and union's on each end of the loop's in case
the boiler or tank need's moved or changed out for any reason.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/cd1818d3.jpg
that is the west side and this is the east side
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/81c6e7d3.jpg
this is the system with the return line's mocked up
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/31d3939a.jpg

Big Al
12-25-2010, 10:55 PM
as far as fuel system's it is simply a 5 gallon bucket with a brass pipe nipple installed.
we used compression fitting's to install the copper fuel line from the bucket to the fuel
control valve.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/d71ae251.jpg
the fuel control valve is operated by a adjusting rod that is hand operated
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/5949f6a2.jpg
there is 2 float's inside the control valve
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/5c6f874c.jpg

Big Al
12-25-2010, 11:05 PM
the loop's have drop's into each fish tank and on the floor to heat the water and the space.
this set-up is in each tank installed 8" from the bottom of the tank.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/a1c2f3e7.jpg
and the loop under the grow bed's look like this.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/bd0432b5.jpg
the side with just the tank's look's like this.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/7150e3e1.jpg

Big Al
12-25-2010, 11:28 PM
the final layout of the return line's changed due to pump design. so it ended up like this
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/14940a8e.jpg
and of course what good diy aquaponic's system would be complete without a blue barrel
for a sump tank. i'm running the return line's into the barrel and using a little giant waterfall
pump to pump the water back to the boiler to be reheated and circulated again.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/5749fab5.jpg
here is the finished product up and running.
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/9edc89cd.jpg
the boiler is pretty easy on fuel using a gallon of kerosene a day to heat the water. it is 95%
efficient the exhaust pipe is cold to the touch and the water temp is 160 degree's. so im very
happy the way this project turned out. hope you all enjoy this post.and everyone is doing good.
later Big Al

stucco
12-26-2010, 06:04 AM
The build looks great Big Al! Are you still growing crayfish? I think that I remember reading that copper pipe is bad for the crayfish???

Big Al
12-27-2010, 05:13 PM
hi stucco, i remember reading that also. but there is no copper piping in any of the tank's.
it's all pvc pipe after the first 5' each way after the water tank. and water is circulated
through the pipe's only it's a closed loop system. thank's for your comment's Big Al

davidstcldfl
12-28-2010, 05:15 AM
Looks good Big Al ... :mrgreen:
A gallon of kerosen a day, and a little electric to run the pump has got to be more cost effective then running electric heaters like I am.... (1.6 KW)....:roll:
Big Al, whats the av. temp of your fish tank....and is there a way to control it ? Getting the fish water 'too warm' in your neck of the woods, might be a non-issue ?
Between the unions, pressure and temp gauges/wells and the auto air vent, someone might mistake you for a pipe fitter.... :D


Stucco, you could have coils of plastic pipe in your fish tank(s) and run the hot water (from your water heater) through 'them', instead of actually heating the 'fish water'....just a thought.. :)
( I think I remember your running fish water through the water heater ?)

rfeiller
12-28-2010, 08:01 AM
I purchased a ventless kerosene heater for my greenhouse. It is 25000btu. It uses almost 2 gals per night @ 4.50 per gal. It isn't cost effective for me.

davidstcldfl
12-28-2010, 08:50 AM
Wow... :o ...I didn't know kerosene was that much.

My heaters aren't on all the time. But if they were, for say...10 hours , that would be about $1.86
My electric is .11629 (per KWH) for the 1st 1000 KWH's... .13709 after that.

badflash
12-28-2010, 09:06 AM
I think I'll invest in a Yellow Heat waste oil burner. It can put out up to 200,000 BTU/Hr and runs on veggie oil or used motor oil. WVO is what I'll be using.

rfeiller
12-28-2010, 04:12 PM
your project is very impressive, very well thought out, right up to the homer paint bucket for kerosene. now does that make you a redneck? :mrgreen:

Big Al
12-29-2010, 05:44 PM
hi dave, the tank's are at 58-60 degree's the heater has an adjustment control on it. no i'm not
a pipefitter i'm a sheetmetal worker and hvac service guy. kerosene is only $ 3.09 here.

hi rfeiller, you might call it redneck but hey ive been called worse. but hey at least i'm going to
eat. :D

hi badflash, i thought about a waste oil heater but i couldn't find a constant supply of veggie oil
without a bunch of hassle. but with the pump ive only got $ 350 into the set-up so im happy with
it. how is your greenhouse going, good i hope.

thanks everyone for your comment's i appreciate it. i hope all of your project's are going well and
your system's are working good. best wishes Big Al

rfeiller
12-29-2010, 06:24 PM
if i tried to use one of the oil burners in CA the fines wouldn't be pretty. i would personally be held responsible of destroying all of the old growth redwood forsest single handidly.

davidstcldfl
12-30-2010, 08:27 AM
Big Al, I didn't know you were a 'tin knocker'... :D ....We use mostly duct board in FL, even in commercial. I started out as a pipefitter, crossed over to AC. We normally call ourselves AC techs in FL...'usually' heating isn't much of an issue... :lol:

I am getting tired of trying to explain...yes, your unit is working fine, it's putting out all the heat it can... :roll: ...yes, your heat pump starts to freeze and it has to go back into cooling mode to thaw out. Sorry your elect heat strip isn't big enough (if they have one)...the system wasn't designed for 'freezing' weather.... :o :shock: :?

I liked the homer bucket...a brand new one no less....but then again, I am a little bit of a red neck myself.... :lol:

lwhatley
12-30-2010, 08:07 PM
I just purchased a 16X24 greenhouse kit with Solexx covering from Remote Gardener (pic here: http://remotegardener.com/store/products.php?cat=30). I haven't put it together yet though. I am planning to install an underground rocket stove for winter heat and extra CO2. The rocket stove idea is really neat, check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtFvdMk3eLM. I've been experimenting with wicking garden beds in my sunroom for about 4 months and really like it so far. Everyone seems to be existing in symbiotic bliss (plants, worms, microbes). I had an idea and wanted to get some input from some of you experts out there. For homemade fertilizer I was thinking about making an aerobic compost tea using ground up fish from our pond mixed with compost and molasses. I found some reference to this idea online and they suggest rotting the stuff together for a couple of weeks before making the tea. I guess that makes good sense. Any experience out there? My aim is to be 100% self sufficient - not to need fertilizer, seed, electricity or water if you know what I mean ;)

Big Al
12-31-2010, 06:48 AM
hi dave, i'm a journeymen sheetmetal worker in the cleveland, ohio local. i was a plumber/fitter electrician in training
with my dad, since about 8 years old. so ive got about 35 years of experience. we use steel for our duct generally wrapped
with insulation. well that's enough about me.
yeah i had to buy a new bucket there is rock salt or fish feed in my old ones best wishes Big Al

Big Al
12-31-2010, 06:58 AM
hi lwhatley, i built a 12 x 16 harbor freight greenhouse it had poly carb panel's the temp's last winter
stayed about 40 degree's all winter in northeastern ohio. so you should be happy with it where your at.
as far as compost tea's i dont know much about them i just use liquid fish emulsion's best wishes Big Al

stucco
12-31-2010, 01:55 PM
I had an idea and wanted to get some input from some of you experts out there. For homemade fertilizer I was thinking about making an aerobic compost tea using ground up fish from our pond mixed with compost and molasses.
We make a compost tea out of bat or sea bird guano, solids from the aquaponic system and molasses. We use this as a foliar spray and it works very well.
Sorry about the hijack Big Al.

Big Al
01-01-2011, 07:14 PM
hi stucco, that's quite alright, could you pm me some info about that product. i might
be interested in getting some to try out. thank's for the comment's. best wishes Big Al

stucco
01-09-2011, 07:55 AM
My original recipe is based on the fact that
A: Bat and Seabird guanos are very simply well rounded fertilizers which are very concentrated.
B: Molasses is a great source of Potassium which also chelates the micros in the tea making it more useful.
You can sort out the guano using a nylon stocking and add it to your worm bin or just use the solids at the bottom to water your standard garden soil as a top dressing.
1 gallon water
1TBSP of Guano (make a selection based on our plants needs- growth, flowering, or general purpose.
1tsp blackstrap molasses
Depending on your goal, you can also add kelp meal – which has cytokins – great for bloom set and plant health against stress- coral calcium for tomatoes or other high use plants since in the foliar spray this makes the nutrients available immediately- etc. etc etc…..
Alfalfa teas are also common and since you can get a large bag (watch for GMO) at a low cost they are a great alternative to guanos (alfalfa has many great properties, but mainly it is known to invigorate biological activity ):
4 gallons water
1 cup fine ground alfalfa meal
1 TBSP Black Strap Molasses
Brew 24 hours.
Worm castings are a great source of nutrients, but not as dense- nor coming in the variety of specialized nutrients. For instance, Seabird guano may be 1-10-1 while desert bat 8-4-1 or Peruvian 10-10-2.5. Worm castings are generally .5-.5-.3 so considered more of an amendment.
Rabbit Poo is a non burning ready to use all around organic fertilizer which is around 2.4-1.4-1.6. Generally speaking the number are not as high when talking about organics, but they are more readily available to the plants and so the growth can be just as good or better than with a chemical 10-10-10.
Remember to spray in the early morning or evening when the plants are changing their respiration- and spray both the top and bottoms of the leaves, this allows for the greatest acceptance of the nutrients.
:mrgreen:

Big Al
01-14-2011, 09:08 PM
hi stucco, man you sure know your sh*t. thanks for the information i think i'll try
to brew some up. for use in the greenhouse and garden too. best wishes Big Al

grimsteph
02-01-2011, 04:16 PM
Hello Al,

How is the wood stove working out?

Big Al
02-05-2011, 10:04 AM
hi grimsteph, the stove run's on kerosene not wood. but it's working pretty good for our weather
conditions, temp's outside have been 0- mid 20's all winter so far. my water temp's are 54 deg.
in all 6 tank's and the air temps in the greenhouse run about 44-46 degree's at night. so i'm
pleased with the preformance of the heater i'm using 1 to 1.5 gallon's of kerosene a day.
i have a nice crop af lettuce, beet's, cabbage, and carrot's growing now. the fish are health
and happy feeding really good and growing well. thank's for asking best wishes Big Al

Fish Frenzy
02-09-2011, 12:19 PM
Hi, Big Al,

You have an amazing system! Congratulations.

I am in Iowa and am still contemplating whether to start a small green house + aquaponic system in the backyard. The only concerns are, as you know, the temperature in the winter and snow. Do you have any other economical recommendations on methods of heating and keeping the greenhouse safe from snow in the winter?

Thanks!

keith_r
02-12-2011, 09:26 AM
How are things going Al?

i was just looking over your system again, i'm going to add a biofilter to the basement system, and just wanted to ask how yours was holding up? would you do anything different?

hope you and the family are all well!

Big Al
02-12-2011, 06:20 PM
hi fish frenzy, thank's for your comment's. in my opinion a greenhouse is the way to go
if you can afford one. if your building a small one i would use poly carbonate. it hold's
up better than plastic. for a larger greenhouse use double layered plastic unless your rich.
i used a kerosene boiler with recurculated hot water running 2 150' loop's through the fish
tank's and down onto the floor. i'm going to also install a wood burner this summer, unless
i come up with something else between now and then. well i hope that answer's your
question's. if not let me know and i'll try to help somemore thank's. best wishes Big Al

Big Al
02-12-2011, 06:41 PM
hi keith, the bio-filter is working great. i have not had any problem's with it. it still has the same filter pad's
in it since the start-up without being cleaned. the water test are still running very good. ive got 2 more to
install on the other tank's. i planted some lettuce and spinach on monday and some more beet's and cucumber's
on wednesday of this week. thank's for your question i hope it got answered. i hope your family is doing well also.
best wishes Big Al

keith_r
02-14-2011, 08:49 AM
i built one similar this weekend and put it inline.., just t'd off off the existing line that goes to the flood tank..
i found something much cheaper and easier than the scrubbies, home depot had "cut to fit" all natural fiber air filters for about 3.50 each, one was enough to make one filter. i moved the larger bg into the yp tank so the little bg are ready for some neighbors-now to get more yp! hopefully i can order some next payday, i found where i can buy 25 and have them shipped for around $60 total

mespe
03-14-2011, 03:52 AM
Hi Big Al,

First post here and wanted to say I'm totally amazed at your setup. Was wondering if it might be possible to see in person what's going on. I don't have an AP system yet, but expect to put one together this spring.

Big Al
03-19-2011, 06:27 PM
hello mespe, where are you located. i'm pretty booked up for a while but pm me and we will see what we can figure out. best of luck with your plan's
thank's for the comment's. Big Al

keith_r
03-21-2011, 06:16 AM
good to see ya Al, hope all is well, work must finally be picking up?
best to the family!

Big Al
03-26-2011, 05:59 AM
hi keith, yes the last month and a half or so has been crazy. we got flooded at our shop there was 2' of water
and 3-4" mud everywhere. it took about 8 days to get back up and running. so were way behind.
i had a pump that was going bad in my bluegill tank during that time and didnt catch it until it was to late.
lost 240 of them. so i guess im a getting closer to being a fish farmer.
i have some new stuff going cukes, peas, green beans, beets, spinach, lettuce, microgreens, strawberries,
all new this year. my lemon, orange, lime, tree's dropped there leaf in january but i saw that there forming new
bud's this week. family is doing fine thank's for asking. i'll get some picture's soon. later Big Al

mespe
03-27-2011, 12:35 PM
Citrus trees aren't supposed to drop their leaves, atleast not all of them. I have a lemon and grapefruit, have to lug them in every autumn. The lemon, I bought in Florida one year, the grapefruit, I started from seed. In the 6-7 years I've had them, they never lost all their leaves.

Big Al
05-17-2011, 04:46 PM
hello evereyone, it's been a while finally got sometime to get some photo's taken thank's to
mother nature.
there is a tomato plant in there among the garlic planted last fall
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/17a55c93.jpg][/img]
this is what the bulb and roots of one of the garlic plant's look like
[imhttp://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/82a09d01.jpgg][/img]

urbanfarmer
05-17-2011, 05:13 PM
NICE!

stucco
05-17-2011, 05:14 PM
Looks good! Did you just plant cloves from a bulb?

Big Al
05-17-2011, 05:15 PM
this is some dill that i'm trying this spring
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/785ef14b.jpg][/img]
this is one of our pepper plant's were growing
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/1a2c0e17.jpg][/img]

Big Al
05-17-2011, 05:27 PM
thank's urban. stucco there planted 1 clove at a time. best wishes Big Al

h2opyscho
07-17-2011, 05:49 PM
hello evereyone, it's been a while finally got sometime to get some photo's taken thank's to
mother nature.
there is a tomato plant in there among the garlic planted last fall
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/17a55c93.jpg][/img]
this is what the bulb and roots of one of the garlic plant's look like
[imhttp://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac91/Blueclayfarm/82a09d01.jpgg][/img]
I never knew that about garlic and it was a cool lesson that I have just learn and BTW Big Al that's an impressive green house you got there! :D I wonder how something like that would hold up here in Arizona and how hard would it be to keep the temps reasonable here I'm guessing I would have to use a swamp cooler for a bit to cool it. I was kinda thinking I would have to build a traditional style or what not with vents that way I could open it up to let out the heat not to sure going to do a bit more research sorry for being long winded again impressive build !

Big Al
07-20-2011, 04:47 PM
hi h2opyscho, thank's for the comment's. have not been on much lately. my daughter is on a junior golf tour and has tournment's 2-5 day's
a week. and play's at least 18 hole's a day when not in tournment's. just can't keep up. you could put roll up side's or tempature sensitive
vent's on the peak. i put a vent fan in mine after i lost all but 6 of my fish a month ago. water temp was 98 degree. i was sick. water temp
is 82 degree now. working on more fish now. all the plant's are still growing strong. well got to go thank's much. best wishes Big Al

rfeiller
07-20-2011, 08:45 PM
sure sorry about the loss of your fish.

keith_r
07-21-2011, 05:40 AM
sorry to hear al, but also good to hear the plants are doing ok!
kids and sports... to much fun!

bmoore65
06-30-2014, 08:04 PM
Hi Big Al
I live in the central Ohio area as well and want to set up a system very similar to yours. Just wondered if you had any advice on plants that would grow well in winter and what fish winter well in a system like your own. Thanks