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  1. #1
    Members
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Raleigh, NC, USA
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    10

    Hello from Matt in Raleigh, NC

    Hello all,

    I am just getting started with my aquaponics build so I thought I would post what I have done to this point and what I plan to do in the future.

    So far I have 2 IBCs that I will be using as my fish tank and sump tank.
    I have cut the tops off of both and painted them.
    Will probably use the tops I cut off as covers that I sit on the metal supports from the top after I replace them. Use bungee cords to hold them down.

    I am in the process of finding 3 to 4 more IBCs to use as my grow beds.
    I will cut them so I have a little over 12 inches of space for grow media per top and bottom.
    That will give me 6-8 containers for grow beds and 275 Gallons for sump and FT which I may add 1 more tank for FT if need be.

    I was also thinking of adding strawberry towers going back into the FT from the sump but haven't looked into what I need to do to fully set them up.

    I plan to use hydroton for my grow media unless there is a better/more cost effective alternative. I believe the 50L bags are $40usd at the local store.

    I was thinking of laying my system out with the FT sitting on a few blocks about 1 to 2 ft off the ground so it can gravity feed into the beds.
    Then all the beds will be connected with tubing at the bottom and top so they fill evenly.
    Will probably have 2 rows of 3 grow beds so the system isn't too long with a 3-4ft path between them.
    The beds will sit a little higher than the sump so that they can feed into it easier through gravity/bell siphons.

    Then I will have the pump in the sump tank to send water to the towers then back into the FT.

    I will probably put the FT and Sump at the same end and may just run the siphons to a pipe that has the strawberries in it and back to the sump that way.

    Looking into a few different pumps but have no settled on anything yet.

    How does this sound and what changes would you recommend.

    Here is the plan I have in mind:


    May add a second FT and sump if capacity needs it.

    Matt

  2. #2
    Moderator davidstcldfl's Avatar
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    Nov 2009
    Location
    Saint Cloud FL USA
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    2,029

    Re: Hello from Matt in Raleigh, NC

    Hi Matt...Welcome....
    Looks like you'll have aprox the 2:1 ratio on grow beds to fish tank, so that's good.

    You may want to (re-) post this into 'backyard systems', then we can get into more details and suggestions.
    Looking forward to hearing more about your build...
    "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - President Ronald Reagan

  3. #3
    Members bcotton's Avatar
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    Apr 2011
    Location
    dallas, tx
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    138

    Re: Hello from Matt in Raleigh, NC

    My personal preference would be to not connect the grow beds, just let the FT overflow into each one individual and let them fill and flush at random intervals.

    I like that you are draining from the FT to the grow beds to filter the solids. Then sending it back through the strawberry tubes to the sump. This should help keep the strawberry tubes from getting clogged and extend the life of your pump(s)

    brian

  4. #4
    Members
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Deming, New Mexico
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    937

    Re: Hello from Matt in Raleigh, NC

    welcome to the forum

  5. #5
    Moderator JCO's Avatar
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    Dec 2007
    Location
    Orange Park, Florida
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    1,830

    Re: Hello from Matt in Raleigh, NC

    Welcome to the show....pull up an easy chair, relax and stay awhile. New voices are always a welcome addition to our family..! Whatever questions you have on you mind, this is the place to get the answers so pick a topic of your interest and start your own thread and Enjoy.
    JCO
    Irish eyes are always smiling but
    • "In the eyes of the world, you are only as good as your last success"
    so never forget
    • "MAN IS ONLY LIMITED BY HIS IMAGINATION"

  6. #6
    Moderator urbanfarmer's Avatar
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    Sep 2010
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    Zone 9b
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    2,294

    Re: Hello from Matt in Raleigh, NC

    Greetings Earthling, and welcome!

  7. #7
    Members
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Raleigh, NC, USA
    Posts
    10

    Re: Hello from Matt in Raleigh, NC

    Thanks,

    I have started another thread in the backyard section.
    Good thing about the planning phase is you don't waste money on cut up pipes...

    Matt

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