Wonderful update, Rob. I have to watch a couple of your previous ones in order to catch up, been lazy lately. The gripper "thingy" - they're the best, I have one in the house and one in the garage, couldn't live without them. Excellent for grabbing the stray sock thrown behind the washer (thanks to my son lol!). Take care, Robin
Morning Robin & thanks.. I have loads of clips & online groups to catch up on :-/ Never seems to be enough time but that's life ;-) Bianca wants to get another for that purpose as well.. In our case its a 16yo daughter :-D Cheers & all the best, Rob..
You are a Gat Damn Genius!.. Your plumbing creativity is amazing!.. Great Vlog my friend. You have helped me quite a bit. I have one of the clearest tanks on TH-cam because of you. Thank you again my friend.
Hi Rob, I know you think your videos is too long. I vote you don't make them too short LoL the longer ones are packed with information as well. I really like your tip at the end with the grabber. I use them all the time being confined to a wheelchair it is a necessity. IDK if the set you have where the suction cups are connected have just a sheet metal screw or a nut and screw to attach the suction cup to the grabber. Mine had the sheet metal screws and they broke what I did was to drill a hole in the broken suction cup and put a ss screw with a ss lock nut. Cheers Brent
Hey Brent & thanks.. Your grabbers sound like the pair we have.. I found some small SS screws the other day & put them aside so I can replace the rusted ones.. Problem is I forgot where :-D Under the house has plumbing gear everywhere for the build at the moment so might be a while before I find them ;) Cheers mate & all the best, Rob..
Nice one mate Like the forward thinking with the beds if you need to use the neem and or swap around. Great job. All that drilling oh what fun you were very patient looking at how neat it is.
The arm did ache for a while after the drilling.. Got ½ way through the first "T" & the drill caught & ripped it so had to start again :-/ Cheers Dave & hope all's well mate.. Rob..
Morning mate :) Have been running water through the system since Sunday & am happy with how things are travelling.. Thanks & have been told by more folks that they don't mind than the few that have complained so won't worry about length too much now.. Stay tuned for my 3 hour look at the life cycle of the gall wasp... ;-) Cheers mate & have a great one..
So what your saying was. That by us coming over we have put back your build. Owell we had fun😜. Charity really enjoyed the chat with Bianca. Not normal for her to chat that long. Glad we came out. O and when should I plant out the mouse melon seads. Catch ya round
:-D Was worth the set back to meet you & the family Daniel ;-) B enjoyed chatting to Charity as well.. She normally hides when folks come over ;-) You could probably pop a few in now to see how they go as it's starting to warm up a bit now.. Cheers air & all the best to the family..
Rb, you look like you are well on your way to the happiest and stress-free fish in Aussie Land. I would be willing to bet you'll notice the taste difference right away with the heavy outside filtration. Any thought to changing fish species this go around?
Will be running the 12 remaining Jades from the current system along with 25+ silver perch.. Once the jades are harvested I will re stock with more as they grow out a lot faster.. Was looking at barramundi/sea bass but might put that off for a year or so.. Cheers mate & have a great one.. ..
Your plumbing is amazing! I cannot even get my connection from my pump in the sump tank to the fish tank to stop leaking! I am using a flexible line and no matter how tight I make the hose clamp, it still leaks. AND, if that's not enough, the fish tank overflows after a point - okay, my pump is really beefy at 5600 gallons per hour... I thought I needed overkill to assure that all the different things I was going to expect of it could happen.... Oh, my my... I think I need to give the fish tank another grow bed to drain into - maybe just surface skimming this time instead of the nice lift siphon I copied from you - which works just fabulous, by the way - I did notice that you sometimes have more than one water escape from a fish tank... Any suggestions, which video I should watch again, or anything... thank you and back out to the green house with me!
First, THANKS! I have got so much info from your channel. You are a hero! Second, I have a question. I understand, fully, your use of twin 45 degree fittings to prevent flow ritardation. However, I have what they call 'sloping' pvc fittings available here in the US. They bend at the same angles (90 or 45) but are shaped in a sloping curve. Wouldn't they work even better in such applications?
Hi Tim.. Have had them recommended to me a bit & they would be the way to go if we could get them.. Unfortunately they don't sell them for pressure rated pipe here in Australia.. Can get sweeps for waste pipe but they don't fit the pressure due to the thinner wall.. Cheers mate & have a great one..
I really love your videos. I am wanting to get into aquaponicsand you have tons of info. But I am completely lost as where to start.... I will keep watching but now I am completely lost lol..
Hey Tom. If you're wanting to start an IBC system I'd go with a chop & flip IBC style system first. ► th-cam.com/video/b_VROMhAoSs/w-d-xo.html You can add another IBC to it to become a fish tank & use others to make up additional beds. If you do start out that way I suggest you make sure you have room for expansion before you start the build as they can be a oain in the rear to move once set up. Hope that helps some mate. Cheers.
Hey Brett & Vicky.. Have been running the FT & filters since Sunday just gassing off the chlorine.. Hope to be finishing off the rest of the plumbing this week & if all goes well I will bring the filters on line.. Don't want to add too much new water all at once & shock the fish.. Cheers folks..
Hi there Bob. I have been enjoying seeing your videos and vlogs and have been motivated to start my system. I am presently making the build and come up with an issue. I have placed the outlet of the swirl filter at the same height of the outlet of the SLO. The bio filter height also at the same height and think I will have trouble with the water circulating. I guess I should loer the outlet of the filters but how far lower?. Tks for the help. Julio/Portugal
***** We got the IBC through a chap that sources them from the soft drink/soda manufacturers.. Some have had the acids they use in the drinks, some the flavouring & the last 2 had aloe vera juice.. Are you here in SE QLD ? Cheers..
GTA 5 JetPacketHunt Hi there & sorry for the slow reply.. We get none from our farm either which is no problem at all.. Just means that you mustn't be adding as much wet material.. As long as the worms are happy & doing well all should be good.. Cheers..
Water needs to sit in solar heater pipe to heat. I ran a digital timer to run a pump 5 min. every hour. Or trickle it. I heated the preseason pool this way.
Hey Tom. The timer sounds like the way to go. I've seen one that run on a trickle but use a much larger diameter (50mm/2") than I was using & a much greater length (20m/yards) that worked alright. I bit too big to use in a backyard but it worked for them on a small block. Cheers.
Love your Vlogs mate. Lots of useful info and tips. I am currently upgrading my system to include a radial flow filter and a moving bed bio filter. Can you please tell me how much bio media I need to purchase for a 200 litre (blue barrel) Will 100 litres of bio media be enough or do I need more?
The amount of media you need depends on the greatest amount of feed that will be going into the system when the fish are matured. I worked out for our climate I needed 1L of the PE03/K2 bio media to process the waste from one 500g/1lb fish at maturity using a 35% protein feed. With the drum sizing, a 200L could hold 100-125L of media as it will need room to tumble so it can self-clean. Hope that helps & have fun with the build.
Hi Rob with all the trouble with the uni-seals and the 90mm pipe have you thought of using 80mm PVC down pipe. Just a thought as you can get 80 to 90mm adapters. The 80mm down pipe is more expensive ( $24.05 / 3m I think ) but may make life a lot easier. Just thought I'd ask your thoughts. Andy
Hi Andy.. I think you would have the same issue trying to make a bevelled edge on the 80mm pipe as it's a thin walled pipe as well.. Am happy with the 90mm so far & the lower cost of fittings also helps too.. Cheers mate.
Hey Matt. I got them second hand & as far as I know the place that made them went under. Search for "aquaculture tanks" online & some of the suppliers sell similar shape & sized drums. Hope that helps some.
@Rob. When including a radial flow system and a mobile bio filter, is there a specific size for everything? Meaning, I have about 150 gallon fish tank and about a 100 gallon grow bed, using currently a 5 gallon bucket for the radial flow and was considering using a 5 gallon bucket for the moving bio filter, to connect to the grow bed. Is that okay?
Hi Tiara & I'm so sorry I missed your post. It all comes down to flow rate as that will dictate how long a retention time you have in the filter. I recently posted a clip that runs through how to size a radial flow settler if that helps, th-cam.com/video/sBCC9tMsleY/w-d-xo.html I would try to aim for about the same retention time for your moving bed bio filter as well. How's the system going now?
Hey Rob-id like to add a second sump as well but how have you done this-is your the same level-my sump is in the ground but would like to add second sump like yours-ta-getting some jades tomorrow -yes.
Bevan Dittberner Hey Bevan. My first sump tank is a 200L drum that is supposed to be a solids filter that has never eventuated. I have it sitting higher than the current sump so flows into the main sump via gravity. Have seen many systems set up with multiple sumps set up in series. As long as you have good flow though the same sumps all should be fine. I am thinking about adding a second sump that will be set slightly higher than the main sump & joined by 90mm storm pipe using uniseals. How many Jades did you get ?
Hi Rob, I don't want figures but I was wondering if there is a break-even point where you produce enough good quality fish to pay for the system, and running it, or is this a tolerable expense to ensure good quality food? I love this stuff, it's a bit like constructing a marble-run only with water as the moving object and fresh fish as a bonus. Why do we love the predictability of sequences? Best Wishes, Brendan.
Morning Mr Brendan.. For us it is more about raising the fish & veggies more than anything & think it would take a few years to break even Dollar wise in that respect.. Am hoping to supply a local Co-Op & maybe have a market stall selling some goods grown in the system & that will help cover the costs a bit but don't think it will make us a fortune.. I'm really enjoying the build & look forward to spending time on it.. Will be sad once the beds are all sorted & tools are put away I think :/ Cheers sir & all the best.. Rob..
Rob Bob Thanks Rob. People tell me I must be saving a fortune on veg but I'm not because I spend a lot of money on fresh compost and supplies every year and run 3 freezers to store my produce but this is my hobby and I'm prepared to take a loss for the pleasure and the joy of eating high quality veg. I suppose, if I added up the cost of buying organic veg from a good veg shop I might break even but I doubt it. Like you, I love a project and don't mind it costing a bit. Best Wishes, Brendan.
baconsoda :-D Have had folks say the same to me about the cost.. The amount I've save on therapy sessions by just getting out there & into it would have to be quite substantial though ;-)
Hi Mate.. It means that the water will have to move up through the biomedia before exiting out to the sump tank.. Trying to give it as much time in there as I can so the bacteria can work on it.. Cheers & have a great one..
Rob, you might have answered this already, but I'll ask anyway :-) Do you have an issue with low night time temperatures that cause issues? If so do you use a heater? I want to say yes since you mentioned that tubing for a solar water heater. Thanks Tim
Hi Tim.. Water temp has dropped quite low here a few mornings so have had the heater in there a bit.. Turn it on as the sun goes down then off first thing in the morning.. Keeps the water temp in the aquaponics a degree or 2 higher while the fish farm gains 4-5.. Has kept the fingerlings feeding well which is a bonus.. The Solar heater was a bit of a dud due to the small diameter & short length of the pipe.. Have bought some 1"/25mm pipe to make a compost water heater with but just haven't got that far yet.. Cheers mate & have a good one..
Sorry I missed this mate. I got them second hand & as far as I know the place that made them went under. Search for "aquaculture tanks" online & some of the suppliers sell similar shape & sized drums. Hope that helps some PD.
Rob I have a question and I have found your videos very helpful. I have an Aquaponic system that's about 11 months old, my fish are Tilapia and plants are a mix of Cukes, various lettuces, tomatoes, squash and strawberries. I also have a traditional garden and a rain gutter system. I know Tilapia tolerate Brackish( low salt content) water and I utilize Epson salts in my Traditional and rain gutter systems, can I use them in my Aquaponic system and if so how much? currently my system runs about 400 gal. of water and houses about 120 3-8" Tilapia. This summer I'll be adding a 2nd tank (265 Gal.) as they grow. My main concern is can I add Epson Salts to the system without harming my scaly friends and if so how much? Huge fan and I really appreciate all the great info you pass on. Cheers Benton
Hey mate.. Haven't added it to our system as of yet but know many that do.. Dr Nate at Bright Agrotech has done a blog post on it that should help you out more than I.. brightagrotech.com/how-to-supplement-magnesium-with-epsom-salt/ Hope you find that useful mate.. Sounds like it's going to be a decent sized system once your finished with it.. Cheers & have a great one..
Big Dog Hi there. This system runs 24/7 so the fish have clean water & O2. I can isolate the grow beds if need be on the cooler winter nights to help keep the water temp up for the fish though. Cheers.
Hey Adam. The tanks have 50mm pressure pipe coming out & running into a 90mm pipe. Am happy with the 50mm pipe but think the 90mm collects too much solids.
+Adam Tolley This system is plumbed up differently & has the water to the beds coming directly from the pump 👍 The belos clip is about 12 months old but will give you a rough idea on how it's flowing. th-cam.com/video/N4mYcUvZ9cw/w-d-xo.html
Only the one Bio filter. Water flows from fish tank to radial flow filter to bio filter to a sump tank. From that first sump tank (which was going to be another solids filter but that never eventuated) it flows into the main sump tank that has the pump in it that runs the system. This clip was shot when I was still building it. This one gives you a walk through the system as it stands now. th-cam.com/video/raLv4RAUte8/w-d-xo.html Hope that helps.
Cool stuff as always! I don't think I've ever got bored enough in one of your videos to skip ahead. Keep'em coming! : ) I dare you Not to mention how long the video is, for your next 3. : P XD : ) Seriously, it never crosses my mind until you mention it. : ) *** If you can pull that off... I'll try My best to not make a face on your next 3. : )
Your system is coming along very nicely, Rob! I'm always impressed with your ingenuity.
Thanks Patrick.. Had a bit of a test run on the weekend & all looks to be good..
Cheers mate..
Wonderful update, Rob. I have to watch a couple of your previous ones in order to catch up, been lazy lately. The gripper "thingy" - they're the best, I have one in the house and one in the garage, couldn't live without them. Excellent for grabbing the stray sock thrown behind the washer (thanks to my son lol!). Take care, Robin
Morning Robin & thanks..
I have loads of clips & online groups to catch up on :-/ Never seems to be enough time but that's life ;-)
Bianca wants to get another for that purpose as well.. In our case its a 16yo daughter :-D
Cheers & all the best,
Rob..
You are a Gat Damn Genius!.. Your plumbing creativity is amazing!.. Great Vlog my friend. You have helped me quite a bit. I have one of the clearest tanks on TH-cam because of you. Thank you again my friend.
+Yosef Leon
Hi Yosef & thanks mate. Great to hear the systems going well for you,.
Cheers & all the best,
Rob.
Hi Rob, I know you think your videos is too long. I vote you don't make them too short LoL the longer ones are packed with information as well. I really like your tip at the end with the grabber. I use them all the time being confined to a wheelchair it is a necessity. IDK if the set you have where the suction cups are connected have just a sheet metal screw or a nut and screw to attach the suction cup to the grabber. Mine had the sheet metal screws and they broke what I did was to drill a hole in the broken suction cup and put a ss screw with a ss lock nut. Cheers Brent
Hey Brent & thanks..
Your grabbers sound like the pair we have.. I found some small SS screws the other day & put them aside so I can replace the rusted ones.. Problem is I forgot where :-D Under the house has plumbing gear everywhere for the build at the moment so might be a while before I find them ;)
Cheers mate & all the best,
Rob..
Nice one mate Like the forward thinking with the beds if you need to use the neem and or swap around.
Great job. All that drilling oh what fun you were very patient looking at how neat it is.
The arm did ache for a while after the drilling.. Got ½ way through the first "T" & the drill caught & ripped it so had to start again :-/
Cheers Dave & hope all's well mate..
Rob..
Super impressive setup. Thanks for the update.
Cheers mate & have a great one :)
Wow looking great Rob you have been busy! I need to write things down a you go over them Thanks for the info
Cheers Daniel.. Has been a fun build.. Trying to stretch it out so I get to enjoy it for longer ;)
All the best..
The system is coming along slowly but surely Rob.
I dont think this video is too long. If there is lots to go through that is how it is :)
Morning mate :)
Have been running water through the system since Sunday & am happy with how things are travelling..
Thanks & have been told by more folks that they don't mind than the few that have complained so won't worry about length too much now..
Stay tuned for my 3 hour look at the life cycle of the gall wasp... ;-)
Cheers mate & have a great one..
Rob Bob
I cant wait for the video on the gall wasp. I will make sure my choc top and popcorn are close by :)
So what your saying was. That by us coming over we have put back your build. Owell we had fun😜. Charity really enjoyed the chat with Bianca. Not normal for her to chat that long.
Glad we came out. O and when should I plant out the mouse melon seads. Catch ya round
:-D Was worth the set back to meet you & the family Daniel ;-) B enjoyed chatting to Charity as well.. She normally hides when folks come over ;-)
You could probably pop a few in now to see how they go as it's starting to warm up a bit now..
Cheers air & all the best to the family..
All coming along rather nicely Rob Bob
Cheers George..
Already have another vlog to post on the build.. Getting a tad behind with the comments here ;)
Rb, you look like you are well on your way to the happiest and stress-free fish in Aussie Land. I would be willing to bet you'll notice the taste difference right away with the heavy outside filtration.
Any thought to changing fish species this go around?
Will be running the 12 remaining Jades from the current system along with 25+ silver perch.. Once the jades are harvested I will re stock with more as they grow out a lot faster.. Was looking at barramundi/sea bass but might put that off for a year or so..
Cheers mate & have a great one.. ..
Your plumbing is amazing! I cannot even get my connection from my pump in the sump tank to the fish tank to stop leaking! I am using a flexible line and no matter how tight I make the hose clamp, it still leaks. AND, if that's not enough, the fish tank overflows after a point - okay, my pump is really beefy at 5600 gallons per hour... I thought I needed overkill to assure that all the different things I was going to expect of it could happen.... Oh, my my... I think I need to give the fish tank another grow bed to drain into - maybe just surface skimming this time instead of the nice lift siphon I copied from you - which works just fabulous, by the way - I did notice that you sometimes have more than one water escape from a fish tank... Any suggestions, which video I should watch again, or anything... thank you and back out to the green house with me!
Sorry I missed your post.
How's the system going now ?
Cheers.
First, THANKS! I have got so much info from your channel. You are a hero! Second, I have a question. I understand, fully, your use of twin 45 degree fittings to prevent flow ritardation. However, I have what they call 'sloping' pvc fittings available here in the US. They bend at the same angles (90 or 45) but are shaped in a sloping curve. Wouldn't they work even better in such applications?
Hi Tim..
Have had them recommended to me a bit & they would be the way to go if we could get them.. Unfortunately they don't sell them for pressure rated pipe here in Australia.. Can get sweeps for waste pipe but they don't fit the pressure due to the thinner wall..
Cheers mate & have a great one..
I really love your videos. I am wanting to get into aquaponicsand you have tons of info. But I am completely lost as where to start.... I will keep watching but now I am completely lost lol..
Hey Tom. If you're wanting to start an IBC system I'd go with a chop & flip IBC style system first.
► th-cam.com/video/b_VROMhAoSs/w-d-xo.html
You can add another IBC to it to become a fish tank & use others to make up additional beds.
If you do start out that way I suggest you make sure you have room for expansion before you start the build as they can be a oain in the rear to move once set up.
Hope that helps some mate.
Cheers.
gday rob your system is coming along
great to see
i like that idea at about 9:30 minute mark with the end cap thats a great little tip
cheers b&v
Hey Brett & Vicky.. Have been running the FT & filters since Sunday just gassing off the chlorine.. Hope to be finishing off the rest of the plumbing this week & if all goes well I will bring the filters on line.. Don't want to add too much new water all at once & shock the fish..
Cheers folks..
Hi there Bob. I have been enjoying seeing your videos and vlogs and have been motivated to start my system. I am presently making the build and come up with an issue. I have placed the outlet of the swirl filter at the same height of the outlet of the SLO. The bio filter height also at the same height and think I will have trouble with the water circulating. I guess I should loer the outlet of the filters but how far lower?.
Tks for the help.
Julio/Portugal
Hi Julio. Sorry I missed your post.
Did you sort out the height issues with the filters?
Cheers.
***** We got the IBC through a chap that sources them from the soft drink/soda manufacturers.. Some have had the acids they use in the drinks, some the flavouring & the last 2 had aloe vera juice.. Are you here in SE QLD ?
Cheers..
rob bob my worms are not making worm pee and ive had is for 1 month
GTA 5 JetPacketHunt Hi there & sorry for the slow reply..
We get none from our farm either which is no problem at all.. Just means that you mustn't be adding as much wet material.. As long as the worms are happy & doing well all should be good.. Cheers..
Water needs to sit in solar heater pipe to heat. I ran a digital timer to run a pump 5 min. every hour. Or trickle it. I heated the preseason pool this way.
Hey Tom. The timer sounds like the way to go. I've seen one that run on a trickle but use a much larger diameter (50mm/2") than I was using & a much greater length (20m/yards) that worked alright. I bit too big to use in a backyard but it worked for them on a small block.
Cheers.
Love your Vlogs mate. Lots of useful info and tips. I am currently upgrading my system to include a radial flow filter and a moving bed bio filter. Can you please tell me how much bio media I need to purchase for a 200 litre (blue barrel) Will 100 litres of bio media be enough or do I need more?
The amount of media you need depends on the greatest amount of feed that will be going into the system when the fish are matured.
I worked out for our climate I needed 1L of the PE03/K2 bio media to process the waste from one 500g/1lb fish at maturity using a 35% protein feed.
With the drum sizing, a 200L could hold 100-125L of media as it will need room to tumble so it can self-clean.
Hope that helps & have fun with the build.
Hi Rob with all the trouble with the uni-seals and the 90mm pipe have you thought of using 80mm PVC down pipe. Just a thought as you can get 80 to 90mm adapters. The 80mm down pipe is more expensive ( $24.05 / 3m I think ) but may make life a lot easier. Just thought I'd ask your thoughts. Andy
Hi Andy.. I think you would have the same issue trying to make a bevelled edge on the 80mm pipe as it's a thin walled pipe as well.. Am happy with the 90mm so far & the lower cost of fittings also helps too..
Cheers mate.
I like the drums you used for the filters, do you know what brand they are?
Hey Matt. I got them second hand & as far as I know the place that made them went under. Search for "aquaculture tanks" online & some of the suppliers sell similar shape & sized drums.
Hope that helps some.
Where do you get your barrels and IBC's from Rob?
@Rob. When including a radial flow system and a mobile bio filter, is there a specific size for everything?
Meaning, I have about 150 gallon fish tank and about a 100 gallon grow bed, using currently a 5 gallon bucket for the radial flow and was considering using a 5 gallon bucket for the moving bio filter, to connect to the grow bed. Is that okay?
Hi Tiara & I'm so sorry I missed your post.
It all comes down to flow rate as that will dictate how long a retention time you have in the filter. I recently posted a clip that runs through how to size a radial flow settler if that helps,
th-cam.com/video/sBCC9tMsleY/w-d-xo.html
I would try to aim for about the same retention time for your moving bed bio filter as well.
How's the system going now?
Awesome work, good stuff. Keep it coming!
Thanks :) Have another vlog to post now I've caught up here :D
Cheers & all the best..
Hey Rob-id like to add a second sump as well but how have you done this-is your the same level-my sump is in the ground but would like to add second sump like yours-ta-getting some jades tomorrow -yes.
Bevan Dittberner Hey Bevan. My first sump tank is a 200L drum that is supposed to be a solids filter that has never eventuated. I have it sitting higher than the current sump so flows into the main sump via gravity.
Have seen many systems set up with multiple sumps set up in series. As long as you have good flow though the same sumps all should be fine.
I am thinking about adding a second sump that will be set slightly higher than the main sump & joined by 90mm storm pipe using uniseals.
How many Jades did you get ?
Hi Rob, I don't want figures but I was wondering if there is a break-even point where you produce enough good quality fish to pay for the system, and running it, or is this a tolerable expense to ensure good quality food? I love this stuff, it's a bit like constructing a marble-run only with water as the moving object and fresh fish as a bonus. Why do we love the predictability of sequences?
Best Wishes, Brendan.
Morning Mr Brendan..
For us it is more about raising the fish & veggies more than anything & think it would take a few years to break even Dollar wise in that respect.. Am hoping to supply a local Co-Op & maybe have a market stall selling some goods grown in the system & that will help cover the costs a bit but don't think it will make us a fortune..
I'm really enjoying the build & look forward to spending time on it.. Will be sad once the beds are all sorted & tools are put away I think :/
Cheers sir & all the best..
Rob..
Rob Bob Thanks Rob. People tell me I must be saving a fortune on veg but I'm not because I spend a lot of money on fresh compost and supplies every year and run 3 freezers to store my produce but this is my hobby and I'm prepared to take a loss for the pleasure and the joy of eating high quality veg. I suppose, if I added up the cost of buying organic veg from a good veg shop I might break even but I doubt it. Like you, I love a project and don't mind it costing a bit.
Best Wishes, Brendan.
baconsoda :-D Have had folks say the same to me about the cost.. The amount I've save on therapy sessions by just getting out there & into it would have to be quite substantial though ;-)
Rob Bob why do you have water entry into the bio filter all the way to the bottom ? Is there any advantage in that ??
Hi Mate.. It means that the water will have to move up through the biomedia before exiting out to the sump tank.. Trying to give it as much time in there as I can so the bacteria can work on it..
Cheers & have a great one..
Nice work!
Cheers :)
Rob, you might have answered this already, but I'll ask anyway :-) Do you have an issue with low night time temperatures that cause issues? If so do you use a heater? I want to say yes since you mentioned that tubing for a solar water heater.
Thanks
Tim
Hi Tim..
Water temp has dropped quite low here a few mornings so have had the heater in there a bit.. Turn it on as the sun goes down then off first thing in the morning.. Keeps the water temp in the aquaponics a degree or 2 higher while the fish farm gains 4-5.. Has kept the fingerlings feeding well which is a bonus..
The Solar heater was a bit of a dud due to the small diameter & short length of the pipe.. Have bought some 1"/25mm pipe to make a compost water heater with but just haven't got that far yet..
Cheers mate & have a good one..
Where can I source those drums mate or is that a secret.
Sorry I missed this mate.
I got them second hand & as far as I know the place that made them went under. Search for "aquaculture tanks" online & some of the suppliers sell similar shape & sized drums.
Hope that helps some PD.
Rob I have a question and I have found your videos very helpful. I have an Aquaponic system that's about 11 months old, my fish are Tilapia and plants are a mix of Cukes, various lettuces, tomatoes, squash and strawberries. I also have a traditional garden and a rain gutter system. I know Tilapia tolerate Brackish( low salt content) water and I utilize Epson salts in my Traditional and rain gutter systems, can I use them in my Aquaponic system and if so how much? currently my system runs about 400 gal. of water and houses about 120 3-8" Tilapia. This summer I'll be adding a 2nd tank (265 Gal.) as they grow. My main concern is can I add Epson Salts to the system without harming my scaly friends and if so how much? Huge fan and I really appreciate all the great info you pass on. Cheers Benton
Hey mate..
Haven't added it to our system as of yet but know many that do..
Dr Nate at Bright Agrotech has done a blog post on it that should help you out more than I..
brightagrotech.com/how-to-supplement-magnesium-with-epsom-salt/
Hope you find that useful mate..
Sounds like it's going to be a decent sized system once your finished with it..
Cheers & have a great one..
RobBobs Backyard Farming Thank you Rob that's exactly the info I needed, simple and to the point. Much appreciated !!
Do you turn your system off at night time?
Big Dog Hi there.
This system runs 24/7 so the fish have clean water & O2. I can isolate the grow beds if need be on the cooler winter nights to help keep the water temp up for the fish though.
Cheers.
sorry for the question i can't hear what you said what size pipe do you have coming out of the fish tank is it 90 mm
Hey Adam. The tanks have 50mm pressure pipe coming out & running into a 90mm pipe. Am happy with the 50mm pipe but think the 90mm collects too much solids.
so if you would do it again would you use all 50 mm then off to the grow beds
+Adam Tolley
This system is plumbed up differently & has the water to the beds coming directly from the pump 👍 The belos clip is about 12 months old but will give you a rough idea on how it's flowing.
th-cam.com/video/N4mYcUvZ9cw/w-d-xo.html
awesome thanks
Hey Rob, you lost me after 5 minutes. How many bio-filters do you have on-line in your system?
Only the one Bio filter. Water flows from fish tank to radial flow filter to bio filter to a sump tank. From that first sump tank (which was going to be another solids filter but that never eventuated) it flows into the main sump tank that has the pump in it that runs the system.
This clip was shot when I was still building it. This one gives you a walk through the system as it stands now. th-cam.com/video/raLv4RAUte8/w-d-xo.html
Hope that helps.
Cool stuff as always!
I don't think I've ever got bored enough in one of your videos to skip ahead. Keep'em coming! : )
I dare you Not to mention how long the video is, for your next 3. : P XD : )
Seriously, it never crosses my mind until you mention it. : )
*** If you can pull that off... I'll try My best to not make a face on your next 3. : )
:D Don't think I did on the walk around clip so I'm a third of the way there ;-)
Cheers Uncle Bete & have a great one..
I didn't either. I guess it would've been legal to make a a face here, but not gonna. lol