New Back Yard System

[GrillingNetwork]

I hope this is the right place to post and ask questions about my new setup. I have 2 275G IBC Totes ( 1 For the fish and the other for a Sump). The 2 Tops are for grow beds and are 12inches deep.
I placed my pump in the Sump Tank and is feeding the GrowBeds. The reason I chose this setup is so that the Fish Tank water level does not change (lower the stress on the fish).
The Fish Tank has 3 3/4PVC Drain Pipes back into the Sump. So the water only fluctuates in the Sump.
I am using a Bell Siphon in the GrowBeds and they drain into the Fish Tank.
I have 2 AirStones in the Fish Tank to add extra Oxygen and will have to verify if its enough.

I am doing a Fish less cycle and have been adding Pure Ammonia. Its been almost 2 weeks and I am seeing levels of Nitrite and Nitrate. I am also seeing larve (maybe Mosquito) and am worried. I added some 10 Gold Fish lastnight and they ate most of the Larve. Should I be concerned?

My other question is, with the location of my Pump. I have only seen people placing the pump in the fish tank. Is my setup ok?

Thanks
Allen

[attachment=1:2imtk6cm]backyard1.jpg[/attachment:2imtk6cm]

[attachment=0:2imtk6cm]backyard2.jpg[/attachment:2imtk6cm]

[15mules]

Looks like a nice setup. I may would consider painting the tanks and getting a cover for them to cut down on the sun and the algae growth, algae blooms, then die offs, can fluctuate your oxygen levels quite a bit.
I am no expert on media bed setups, but it sounds to me like if your goldfish are living and eating the skeeter larvae you are doing something right, or else they would all be floating upside down.
I do not know why there would be a problem pumping water from your sump to your GB, but like I said I am no expert on these types of systems.
Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures, you may want to consider posting your general location in your profile, as sometimes your setup depends on your location and the weather conditions there. I live in Arkansas and what works for me may not work for, say someone in Maine or Arizona.

[keith_r]

your setup is fine, but you may find that the 3/4" lines are not quite big enough when bioslime starts to build up...

i've found that going one size up from the largest your pump outlet has helps even distribution of water (if your pump has a 3/4" outlet, use 1" pipe to supply to your growbeds) but thats just me

looks good!

[GrillingNetwork]

your setup is fine, but you may find that the 3/4" lines are not quite big enough when bioslime starts to build up...

i've found that going one size up from the largest your pump outlet has helps even distribution of water (if your pump has a 3/4" outlet, use 1" pipe to supply to your growbeds) but thats just me

looks good!

Thanks for the advice and for confirmation. I am almost ready to add Tilapia

[GrillingNetwork]

Looks like a nice setup. I may would consider painting the tanks and getting a cover for them to cut down on the sun and the algae growth, algae blooms, then die offs, can fluctuate your oxygen levels quite a bit.
I am no expert on media bed setups, but it sounds to me like if your goldfish are living and eating the skeeter larvae you are doing something right, or else they would all be floating upside down.
I do not know why there would be a problem pumping water from your sump to your GB, but like I said I am no expert on these types of systems.
Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures, you may want to consider posting your general location in your profile, as sometimes your setup depends on your location and the weather conditions there. I live in Arkansas and what works for me may not work for, say someone in Maine or Arizona.

Painting was one of my next steps and putting a cover on the top of my tanks. I just went outside to check on my tank and cant find any of the Gold Fish that I added lastnight.

Thanks for the support!!

[dead_sled]

Maybe you need a "No fishing" sign.

[keith_r]

do you have an aerator?
are you "fishless cycling"? (have you added any ammonia?)

[GrillingNetwork]

Maybe you need a "No fishing" sign.

Yes I was thinking of that :P

[GrillingNetwork]

do you have an aerator?
are you "fishless cycling"? (have you added any ammonia?)

Yes I have a Dual Port Aerator and have place a Stone in each Tank (Fish Tanks and Sump)

I started off using a Fishless Cycle but once my levels started dropping, I wanted to test the waters (no pun) with cheap Gold Fish before introducing more expensive fish.

~Allen

[15mules]

Fish do initially sink, before they float!!!!!