Hello everyone,

I have decided on what I think is a good layout and got the wifes approval , but I need help in the details.


My plan is to run a pump from the fish tank down in the ground up to the grow beds and then let them drain by gravity back into the FT (using a siphon). Can I use one pump and split it to the two grow beds or should I use two pumps? Can I use one line to drain the tanks (pvc from first tank connected by a T to the second tank) or should I use two individual lines?

My fish tank is approximately 500 gallons (about 1900 liters) and my two grow beds will either be 4ftx4ft made from wood with a liner in it or the top and bottom of an IBC container. Which do you guys think will be better? I'm pretty sure making the boxes will be cheaper, but I'm not sure if the potential rips in the liner and fitting of the siphon will be worth the savings. I know that my grow beds are much smaller in volume than my fish tank, but I don't plan on heavily stocking the FT. I just wanted more room for error there, and the possibility for expansion later.

What pump would you then recommend (1 or 2)? I was looking at one 600 gph pump but I'm not sure. Also having a quiet pump is important so the neighbors don't get mad. I'm also not sure what size my backup pump should be. Should it be something small and cheap or should it be able to pump the full tank in an hour too? My last question (for now ) is what do you guys recommend for the aerator?

FYI: I live down in Miami, FL and plan on using tilapia. I'm sure I left out a lot of important info so please ask if you need clarification.

God Bless,
Chris