Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅 Now you can with Rob's "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only $9.95. You can see the guide in action on my website, ► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide Or, buy directly here, ► robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525
I think that it may be easier to cut the holes in the side first. It would hold the material more rigidly so you don't have to struggle with it flopping around so much.
One of the bungs is normally 2" npt and the other is buttress thread which is useless but the bung of that one often has a 3/4" npt knockout in it. With these fittings I think you could find a way to avoid needing to even drill holes in the top and eliminate the need for a bulkhead fitting which is sometimes hard to find and can be expensive.
Honestly the best part of this video is the way he is dressed, that is literally my style, I can say I feel a sense of comradeship with that look, also the build is cool.
I love the way you put your video together and how you go about explaining it. Aquaponics is simple and interesting because Rob Bob is around. God bless.
Happy to help. 👍 I have another recent video looking at siphons & some issues folks have with them that might come in handy down the line, th-cam.com/video/rKEeXNwSxWU/w-d-xo.html Cheers & happy growing.
I have seen a few places set them up to help teach the kids David. 👍 I think aquarium based systems work a bit better as they get more engaged when they can see the fish. Cheers mate.
the science of the bell siphon is essential. There's a fine line between too much water flow, and not enough water the flow. Great information buds! Super cool build!
Thanks Mike. I used to have all sorts of issues before I figured out the correlation between the flow rates how the siphon works. Cheers mate & hope all well with you. Rob.
Just found this video and the vid's with the 275 gal IBC tote chop & flips. My son is doing a science fair project on an aquaponics system and this is going to be our model. Thank you for the video. Super helpful!
@@RobsAquaponics My plan was to do 3 different systems (aquaponics w/fish, aquaponics w/o fish, and traditional farming technic). Do you have any suggestions, I was wondering if I should fertilize the other 2 systems in any way, but didn't know if that would skew the results...?
I been wanting to do aquaponics for some time now. I am going to watch more videos I have never had an aquarium so thanks for your videos hope I don't kill the fish or plants big smile.....
These small barrel systems are great for a few ornamental fish Paula. 👍 If you're looking for a large veggie harvest I'd suggest you look at starting with something a bit larger like the chop & flip IBC builds. They're also large enough to pop in a few fish to grow out for the dinner table. Hope that helps some.
I made one of these two years ago. I followed your directions and have had great results with strawberries since. I love mine. Thank you for introducing me to the wonderful world of Aquaponics.
thx for the video rob i like this barrel system as "my first aquaponics system" to start learning about aquaponics or it will work for people who dont have a garden and can put it on a balcony or something :)
I'm Brazilian, I do not speak your language. I do not understand a word of what you say, but I have a great administration for your work. I watch all your videos more than once in an attempt to learn the techniques of aquaponics. Congratulations!!! beautiful work. Sou Brasileiro, não falo tua língua. Não entendo uma palavra do que você diz, mas tenho uma grande administração pelo teu trabalho. Assisto todos os teus vídeos mais de uma vez na tentativa de aprender as técnicas de aquaponia. Parabéns!!! belíssimo trabalho.
Oi Marcos. Gostaria de obter os clipes úteis como este traduzido, mas descobriu que era um processo caro. Espero que os traduzam para portugues, espanhol hindi, francês e chinês em algum momento. Cheers & tenha um ótimo dia. Roubar. (google translate) Hi Marcos. I would like to get the helpful clips like this one translated but have found it to be an expensive process. Hopefully I'll have them translated into Portuguese, Spanish Hindi, French & Chinese at some point. Cheers & have a great day. Rob.
We've planned on getting into aquaponics for a few years now, and want to ramp up rather than jumping right into the system we want. The plan is to start with this, maybe put together an IBC chop-and-flip, and then graduate to the larger system we want. Normally we'd jump in, boots-and-all, but this time we decided to learn to walk before we tried to run. :) I put one of these together today, and my wife wants two more so we can configure them as a water feature under our veranda. I bought all of the gear for all three, but wanted to get one working, iron out any problems, and then build the other two. I did a couple of things differently to this video and learned a couple of things. I wanted to share those here, just in case they're useful to anybody else. 1. I ended up getting exactly the same pump that Rob uses here, though that was an accident. The guy at the hydroponic store told me that it was a 13mm outlet, but it's not. The smaller version of this pump has a 13mm outlet, and the larger version of this pump has a 19mm outlet, but this one is 16mm. I wanted to use irrigation fittings as I have a heap of them handy, and wasn't sure how to make that work. I went into the hardware store with a pump and worked through the options. What I found was that the 19mm irrigation fittings fit over the 16mm outlet really, really tightly. I used a 19mm barb and a rubber mallet and basically converted the pump to a 19mm outlet. From there I just used 19mm irrigation pipe and fittings, and it worked really well. 2. I couldn't find a 20mm PVC valve socket with “O” ring. I could find it without the O ring, but then couldn't find separate O rings. Rather than mess around, I just used a second bulkhead fitting. That makes it probably $10 more expensive, but it makes it much more idiot proof. 3. I cut my viewing window a bit too large. For the next one, I'll use a flatter window and maybe place is a bit higher on the wall of the barrel. I'm not going to cut in an access port at the back either, but rather a hole just big enough for the pump cord. This will let me have more water/fish. 4 I'm going to try and source some thin perspex for an underwater viewing window for one of the next barrels too. I tried to get some the other day, but it was all too thick and wouldn't flex enough. I've sourced some stainless steal nuts/bolts and aquarium silicone though, and am pretty sure I can make it work. 5. It took me an hour to hour-and-a-half to build the system today, but then a few hours trying to get the bell siphon to work properly. I could get flow enough to get a siphon to initiate OR break, but had trouble getting the right flow to get both. I ended up changing the bell to reduce the head space above the stand pipe, and I drilled 8mm holes in the legs at the bottom of the bell, just to get me more chance of breaking the siphon. In the end, I had it mostly working with just water, but it was a little hit-and-miss, mostly when it came to breaking the siphon. It occurred to me that the water rate at the end of the siphon would be slower if there was media in the bed, so I filled it up. That did the trick, and I could easily get a siphon to start and end. I was able to adjust the flow a bit more, and it works a charm. Next time, I'll get the bell siphon mostly working, but will put in the media much earlier. That has the added bonus of reducing the fill/drain time, which will speed up the fine tuning process. 6. The clay media I got from the hydroponics store is much less uniform than what Rob shows in his videos. I use 8mm holes in my siphon shroud, as suggested, but my media has clay balls smaller than that. I'll use slits rather than holes in the next couple of barrels. I've put a little seasol into the system, and will let it run a while before putting some goldfish in there. I might plant it out in the next couple of days though - we're planning on planting strawberries and maybe some greens. I managed to get the barrels for free, and have a heap of irrigation and PVC fittings from the other projects we do. Noting that those things did cost me money in the past, they feel like they're free when I use them here (I could open my own hardware store using the fittings in my sheds). With all of that in mind, I reckon these barrels will cost less than $100 each, and that's using two bulkhead fittings.
Thanks for the rundown folks. The O rings are a separate purchase & normally come in kits. I picked up a box worth from Aldi for about $10 from memory. Cheers.
Built my first flip barrel today. Complete with bail , Had to muck around with my pumps to figure which worked best ! My barrels are a little different and I made a few adaptations to make it work. Will put plants in tomorrow! Love your videos!
Thanks to Rob's clear instruction video here I just built my 1st barrel aquaponic unit and my bell siphon works super. Thank you Rob. You are very good human✌🏾️
I can't tell you how many videos I've watched, tours I've gone on, lectures I've sat through and have been overwhelmed with pointless information that just didn't make any sort of sense. Thank you so much for a truly informative and instructional video on a aquaponics setup that I can actually do with little to no assistance from jerks who really want to get more $$$ than help a person understand how a well built system functions from start to finish. I am now subscribed to your channel and look forward to future posts.
Hi Quantina. I'm very pleased the clip has helped you out some. ASre you looking at building a system ? If so we have a few other clips on a larger chop & flip DIY system you can make from an IBC if that helps at all. th-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYi3Y3tUNUMWhO-g_ZhWfijY.html Also have a number of clips on our own system & how it runs posted too if that helps any. All the best. Rob.
Watching these now and have already shared with my garden network. These very informative videos have really filled in some gaps in learning that I was missing. With my 4H club kids, we've started a hydroponics setup that is standing water only no pump. But since I have access to 3 blue containers sitting untouched in my yard I will practice with your method before summer's end and get the kids involved. :)
That would be great to see Quantina :) I've got a small barrel system that I'm giving to a community daycare centre here. We just need to work out the safety issues of having a large opening in the front of the barrel. Cheers, Rob.
Long time watcher - first time post! I've got all my parts, though I'm short one faucet elbow and a 25mm hole saw. This is my project for tomorrow! Love your posts Rob, I watch them on my train commute into Sydney - almost theraputic!
I love how you list the parts and tools visually and then break it down into steps. That is the reason I watch your videos more than others. Too many videos out there where people just want to show off what they made but give very little info on how to do it or the stuff they used. Im just beginning my planning stage and when learning it is best to do it exactly like someone else so that you can really understand it before you go tweaking the system.
Hi Brandon. Am glad you fond the clip helpful mate. Tweaking is inevitable as we adapt these diy projects for our own use & circumstances. Cheers & have fun with the build mate.
Thanks for the information. I am raising rabbits right now, chickens later but right now, I am going to try the quadraphonic system.you have here. Thanks, you have been very inspirational.
Litterly the best video I have ever watched on youtube. Period. So glad to have found this, would expect and have gladly paid good money for this plan/info as a complete beginer. Going to get started today :) thankyou, thankyou and thankyou so much!!!
Think this was the first of your vids I watched about a year or a year and a half ago, still love it and most of them I have watched. Hope you and your fam are safe and well and keep going, such an inspiration for our family here in Perth WA. Thanks...
Greetings from Tennessee USA! Two of our daughters have been talking about an aquaponics project for the summer. Thanks for putting this together. Great video - really like the transparent bell siphon!!
Hi there & thanks mate. They really are easy to set up & would be a great project to get the kids involved in I think. 👍 Hope the buiolds go well if you all have a crack at one. Cheers, Rob.
Many thanks for the build demonstration on this system, Rob. Looking forward to getting one or two built myself. Be the perfect system for raising Mosquitofish. Liked seeing that bell siphon demonstration at the end. Explained a lot in that little clip. Thanks again and keep us updated on them.
I learn so much getting into this and your vids are super helpful you show what you need how to do it and you explain what your doing and the reason for it❤
Fantastic video mate, I am looking to cut my teeth on aquaponics and I'm so glad to have found your content. By far the best explanations and walk through on how to get started plus best practices.
Nice one Dan. 👍 Have seen folks like JT grow some great food using just the gold fish feed. Hope to be getting the fish for our barrel by the end of the week. Cheers.
Not sure if necessary, but I build in a bowl section in my pebbles where the water dumps in to my grow bed. There I put an old coffee filter housing from a broke coffee pot. When I first set up, I rubber band coffee filters in to it and it strains out any pebble/rock debris. Once the system is really clear, I remove the coffee filters and put in a very fine mesh metal strainer in case something randomly finds it’s way in.
Thank you for putting this video together! The IBC are so big and pretty daunting for a beginner. This is something that I can manage and see if I like gardening this way. Very clear direction and well produced. Thanks again Rob!
Love your videos and love how you write everything out clearly and concisely; it really minimises any room for error. I find your style very engaging and can NOT WAIT to get my first setup up and running. Thank you so much for taking the time to do what you do!
Thanks for watching folks & don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video. 🐟🐟 Share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 👍 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊
Hey ! Loved the video. I wanted to ask you if there would be any difference if i set up the barrel as a constant height system instead of a siphon system?
WOW.. This is the best made, most informative video I have ever seen...lots and lots of info PLUS ref all along ,,,Exactly what I was looking for.. congrats...p.s. the simple english language makes it a gem...
Hey Rob, all built! only hiccup I had was that the media would float when the bed was filled. Ended up using crushed terracotta under the media, worked a treat. Now the misses is convinced, I'm moving on to some IBCs!
I am greatly enjoying your videos and have binge watched so many after work. I'm starting to to save money so I can make a few projects for my family and myself. You do great at in all of your videos explaining everything you do and why
That's amazing how that sifining works. I got a big crate tub, I'm wanting to try it, idk if I can get it right, you made it simple looking, but just trying to get the stuff is a nightmare lol. I'm tempted to try this, thanks for videos.
great little aquaponic set up !! it'd be a great little starter kit for a first timer to get used to the pH and nutrients for moving on to Bigger I'm better systems
& they really are easy to knock together if you have the tools 👍 Have been told by a few folks that there needs to be "WARNING Aquaponics can be habit forming" warnings in the descriptions. 😉 Have a great one.
Hello Rob, big thank you for your video guidings. We watch them all and their helping us learning more about aquaponics. Keep up the good work and inspire people arround the world!! Kind regards from The Netherlands
Thank you Rob Bob, I've been struggling with a tiny system set up trying to get the bell siphon to work & after watching you use the drink container I tried the same thing and it has now successfully siphoned 6 times in a row :) now just have to get a 1" to 3/4" reducer and I'll be set. Love your vids and channel
Rob, you're my aquaponics hero, I took away from all your videos that it was better just to give it a go. Returning from holidays in January I started a 50L job atop my 200L inside fish tank. I started Tagasaste, spinach and lettuce. It's been so successful I can't wait to get my system going in the backyard. Love your videos, keep up the great work, truly inspiring!!!
Rob Bob's Backyard Farming & Aquaponics in the ibc I'd like those golden perch I think looks good you had, I also wanted to do the blue yabbies . Speaking of I probably end up doing the blue barrels first $ wise I'm on a budget.... and I can use as expansion when I get an ibc
I'd eventually like to have trout as that is what I used to fish for back home in Oregon before I moved here to Melbourne 14 years ago... Salmon River is the best place to fly fish up by Rose lodge, google and view images it's amazing. I digress, so I'm just gradually upgrading and think this is a hobby I'll be involved with for years to come. Now if I can just stop watching your videos at 3am I'll be good 😂😂 many thanks for all the awesome videos, maybe one day I'll get to meet you in person, until then, keep up the great work!!!
😄 Am glad you find the clips interesting/helpful mate 👍 Have had silver & jade perch here but have heard of folks using golden perch too but don't know of anyone up my way using them 👍
Rob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics Patreon Clips jade perch I meant, sorry was replying during doctor appointment. I'd seen a few people with jade perch they seem nice size until I get more experience
@@RobsAquaponics I like the smaller setup. I understand the basics now. Something this size does not have a lot of upfront cost. Will be easy to try. What do you think about using rain catchment water to keep the resevoir full? Also I live in Texas. Are there any added precautions for extreme heat?
@@shawnr771 Sorry I missed this. We used town water there as we had no tanks on the hose. At our new farm we only have rain water & a few dams/ponds for water so will be using pond water when we build our new system. For heat, I found shade cloth over the grow beds to be the best way to keep the plants cool. Also having as little grow media exposed to the sun helps as it can transfer heat to the water as well. Sorry again for taking so long to respond.
Hi Rob just wanted to let you know I just completed my Barrel chop and flip Jobbie and wanted to take you for all of your content inspired me to get into aquaponics!! Cant wait to get to the IBC system next!! Again Thank you Keep up the Amazing Videos!!
If you use a plastic container to sift your growing media, it would probably make sense to drill holes with the same diameter as in the bell siphon´s shroud into it- that way you´d sift out any particles small enough to enter the siphon shroud.
G'Day Rob, Bloody good job mate. Just found my new project :-) Little investment and a new addition to the collection again Well done mate. Kind Regards Danny
I will be when I eventually move into the new place... I'm going to do some on top of my new boat too, like a sailing greenhouse... Just need to get settled and I'll be on my way to aquaponic greatness
You won't believe if I say, " I watched this videos like 10+ times". Fell in love with the idea and yet so simple. Finally completed making this by following everything from the video. Thanks Rob. Siphon was perfectly done with out a problem by learning from your other videos. I'm planning on growing "murrel" fish, would that be a best choice?
Am glad the build went well for you. 👍 I personally would only use small ornamental fish in a system like this as most table fish would find the conditions cramped. Might be better off trying to build a IBC style system for them if you can get access to them. Cheers Sethu.
@@RobsAquaponics Not sure anyone would keep ornamental fish in a container that you can't see into. In the U.S. I would suggest bluegill or sunfish if you want to harvest fish. Small, and slow growing but tasty.
Rob, terrific video, thank you! I have some feedback after building out a two barrel system based on your instructions - 1 - I'd suggest securing the media guard to the barrel. If it jostles around, basically at all, and media gets in inside the guard, you're screwed. I made a little "cofferdam" out of an old jug so I could clear my stuck media out so I didnt have to clear the entire media level when it required clearing. After about 10 times of doing that I cleared out all the media and secured the media guard with a high corrosion resist L bracket and a couple matching screws. I never had another issue with pellets in my siphon again. 2 - Your pump recommendation (260gph) was massively overkill for my system. I had my bypass on full blast and was still getting too much water. It turned my fish level into a mini typhoon and was causing weird issues with my siphons. A swap to a 120gph and the siphons are running like a dream and my fish no longer have vertigo. 3 - After all is said and done I would suggest skipping the zip ties. One of my barrels was deformed and it was impossible to seat, so I set it on small lengths of 2x4. I ended up doing it with both because it felt sturdier and provided a little more visibility nto the fish level. All said and done I've got basil in one and strawberries in the other and everything is looking up! Thanks again! -ArcadiaTX
Hi CA. The siphon base plate stops the guard from lifting so that's why I include it in my builds. 👍 With the pump, it can be hit & miss between brands as to how well they work so can only give the information out on what I'm familiar with. Probably should have pointed that out better in the clip. 😉 Glad your system is doing well.👍 Cheers & happy growing.
Excellent vid Rob. Tilkey at salisbury do those food grade drums for about $25. Heaps of other food grade drums too like 100 lt olive barrels and food grade steel drums.
Thanks for that mate. Have been told that have a great selection down there but haven't had the chance to suss them out yet. Cheers & have a great one.
Great walkthrough on the build Rob, love it! I may have to give this a try for the goldfish when I do finally get something edible in my bigger system. Have a wonderful day, Cheers!
!!! You grounded the ball in the in-goal!!! Most ingenious aquaponics system ever!!! Anyone ever call you a genius? ( =Pay NO attention to what your wife calls you...!} ;^)
Thanks mate but I didn't come up with the idea, this is just my take on the small system 👍 Some of the others looked a bit involved so thought I'd have a crack myself to see what I could come up with. Cheers & all the best.? Rob.
thanks fore the videos, we are planning to start a small system like the one in the video this summer. Many greetings from Denmark. keep om the food Work
Thank you so much for your really informative and interesting videos Rob. I built this barrel system over the long weekend and it went very smoothly. My barrel was a bit distorted so I doubled the number of cable ties but everything else was by the book. So simple. Now I need to work out how to cycle the system and when to introduce the fish and how many fish and all that stuff. I'll be checking out more of your videos, mate. Cheers ... Wazza
Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅
Now you can with Rob's "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only $9.95.
You can see the guide in action on my website,
► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide
Or, buy directly here,
► robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525
I think that it may be easier to cut the holes in the side first. It would hold the material more rigidly so you don't have to struggle with it flopping around so much.
One of the bungs is normally 2" npt and the other is buttress thread which is useless but the bung of that one often has a 3/4" npt knockout in it. With these fittings I think you could find a way to avoid needing to even drill holes in the top and eliminate the need for a bulkhead fitting which is sometimes hard to find and can be expensive.
Tom bombadil teaching me about aquaponics. Nice.😄😄
🤣🤣🤣👍🐟🐟🐟
Honestly the best part of this video is the way he is dressed, that is literally my style, I can say I feel a sense of comradeship with that look, also the build is cool.
Thanks. Back to T shirts mainly now as the store I was getting the shirts from won't stock men's clothes anymore.
Cheers.
It's not fair, I have two thumbs, why can't I give two thumbs up? Great as always! Many Thanks!
😃 Thanks Soma Trip 👍
Cheers & have a great one.
I love the way you put your video together and how you go about explaining it. Aquaponics is simple and interesting because Rob Bob is around. God bless.
Thanks Sunny.
Cheers & all the best. 👍
Nice to see a fellow Aussie doing Aquaponics. This system would be ideal for my limited space
Thanks Mary Jane. 👍 Hope the system runs well for you.
Cheers.
You are amazing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I couldn't understand the siphon until now
Happy to help. 👍 I have another recent video looking at siphons & some issues folks have with them that might come in handy down the line, th-cam.com/video/rKEeXNwSxWU/w-d-xo.html
Cheers & happy growing.
This would be an excellent project for a school to get multiple classes involved in building this together, the lessons learned would be huge!
I have seen a few places set them up to help teach the kids David. 👍
I think aquarium based systems work a bit better as they get more engaged when they can see the fish.
Cheers mate.
Thanks for that bit of video at the end showing the bell siphon working! Very informative!
Glad it helped you out some Jason.
Cheers mate.
the science of the bell siphon is essential. There's a fine line between too much water flow, and not enough water the flow. Great information buds! Super cool build!
Thanks Mike.
I used to have all sorts of issues before I figured out the correlation between the flow rates how the siphon works.
Cheers mate & hope all well with you.
Rob.
Just found this video and the vid's with the 275 gal IBC tote chop & flips. My son is doing a science fair project on an aquaponics system and this is going to be our model. Thank you for the video. Super helpful!
That's great to hear Greg. I hope the build goes smoothly for him. 👍
@@RobsAquaponics My plan was to do 3 different systems (aquaponics w/fish, aquaponics w/o fish, and traditional farming technic). Do you have any suggestions, I was wondering if I should fertilize the other 2 systems in any way, but didn't know if that would skew the results...?
I been wanting to do aquaponics for some time now. I am going to watch more videos I have never had an aquarium so thanks for your videos hope I don't kill the fish or plants big smile.....
These small barrel systems are great for a few ornamental fish Paula. 👍 If you're looking for a large veggie harvest I'd suggest you look at starting with something a bit larger like the chop & flip IBC builds. They're also large enough to pop in a few fish to grow out for the dinner table.
Hope that helps some.
I’m going to be trying this very soon! Recently found your channel. I like how you break everything down and make everything simple to understand
I made one of these two years ago. I followed your directions and have had great results with strawberries since. I love mine. Thank you for introducing me to the wonderful world of Aquaponics.
That's great to hear mate.
Cheers & happy growing. 🍓🍓🍓
thx for the video rob i like this barrel system as "my first aquaponics system" to start learning about aquaponics or it will work for people who dont have a garden and can put it on a balcony or something :)
I like that you could fit it on the narrowest of balconies if you live in a flat/unit. 👍
Cheers mate.
I'm Brazilian, I do not speak your language. I do not understand a word of what you say, but I have a great administration for your work. I watch all your videos more than once in an attempt to learn the techniques of aquaponics. Congratulations!!! beautiful work.
Sou Brasileiro, não falo tua língua. Não entendo uma palavra do que você diz, mas tenho uma grande administração pelo teu trabalho. Assisto todos os teus vídeos mais de uma vez na tentativa de aprender as técnicas de aquaponia. Parabéns!!! belíssimo trabalho.
Oi Marcos. Gostaria de obter os clipes úteis como este traduzido, mas descobriu que era um processo caro. Espero que os traduzam para portugues, espanhol hindi, francês e chinês em algum momento.
Cheers & tenha um ótimo dia.
Roubar.
(google translate)
Hi Marcos. I would like to get the helpful clips like this one translated but have found it to be an expensive process. Hopefully I'll have them translated into Portuguese, Spanish Hindi, French & Chinese at some point.
Cheers & have a great day.
Rob.
We've planned on getting into aquaponics for a few years now, and want to ramp up rather than jumping right into the system we want. The plan is to start with this, maybe put together an IBC chop-and-flip, and then graduate to the larger system we want. Normally we'd jump in, boots-and-all, but this time we decided to learn to walk before we tried to run. :)
I put one of these together today, and my wife wants two more so we can configure them as a water feature under our veranda. I bought all of the gear for all three, but wanted to get one working, iron out any problems, and then build the other two. I did a couple of things differently to this video and learned a couple of things. I wanted to share those here, just in case they're useful to anybody else.
1. I ended up getting exactly the same pump that Rob uses here, though that was an accident. The guy at the hydroponic store told me that it was a 13mm outlet, but it's not. The smaller version of this pump has a 13mm outlet, and the larger version of this pump has a 19mm outlet, but this one is 16mm. I wanted to use irrigation fittings as I have a heap of them handy, and wasn't sure how to make that work. I went into the hardware store with a pump and worked through the options. What I found was that the 19mm irrigation fittings fit over the 16mm outlet really, really tightly. I used a 19mm barb and a rubber mallet and basically converted the pump to a 19mm outlet. From there I just used 19mm irrigation pipe and fittings, and it worked really well.
2. I couldn't find a 20mm PVC valve socket with “O” ring. I could find it without the O ring, but then couldn't find separate O rings. Rather than mess around, I just used a second bulkhead fitting. That makes it probably $10 more expensive, but it makes it much more idiot proof.
3. I cut my viewing window a bit too large. For the next one, I'll use a flatter window and maybe place is a bit higher on the wall of the barrel. I'm not going to cut in an access port at the back either, but rather a hole just big enough for the pump cord. This will let me have more water/fish.
4 I'm going to try and source some thin perspex for an underwater viewing window for one of the next barrels too. I tried to get some the other day, but it was all too thick and wouldn't flex enough. I've sourced some stainless steal nuts/bolts and aquarium silicone though, and am pretty sure I can make it work.
5. It took me an hour to hour-and-a-half to build the system today, but then a few hours trying to get the bell siphon to work properly. I could get flow enough to get a siphon to initiate OR break, but had trouble getting the right flow to get both. I ended up changing the bell to reduce the head space above the stand pipe, and I drilled 8mm holes in the legs at the bottom of the bell, just to get me more chance of breaking the siphon. In the end, I had it mostly working with just water, but it was a little hit-and-miss, mostly when it came to breaking the siphon. It occurred to me that the water rate at the end of the siphon would be slower if there was media in the bed, so I filled it up. That did the trick, and I could easily get a siphon to start and end. I was able to adjust the flow a bit more, and it works a charm. Next time, I'll get the bell siphon mostly working, but will put in the media much earlier. That has the added bonus of reducing the fill/drain time, which will speed up the fine tuning process.
6. The clay media I got from the hydroponics store is much less uniform than what Rob shows in his videos. I use 8mm holes in my siphon shroud, as suggested, but my media has clay balls smaller than that. I'll use slits rather than holes in the next couple of barrels.
I've put a little seasol into the system, and will let it run a while before putting some goldfish in there. I might plant it out in the next couple of days though - we're planning on planting strawberries and maybe some greens.
I managed to get the barrels for free, and have a heap of irrigation and PVC fittings from the other projects we do. Noting that those things did cost me money in the past, they feel like they're free when I use them here (I could open my own hardware store using the fittings in my sheds). With all of that in mind, I reckon these barrels will cost less than $100 each, and that's using two bulkhead fittings.
Thanks for the rundown folks.
The O rings are a separate purchase & normally come in kits. I picked up a box worth from Aldi for about $10 from memory.
Cheers.
Built my first flip barrel today. Complete with bail , Had to muck around with my pumps to figure which worked best ! My barrels are a little different and I made a few adaptations to make it work. Will put plants in tomorrow!
Love your videos!
Hope it's growing well for you John. 👍
The nicest bloke around. Love your videos mate, super informative & concise. Greetings from VIC 👍
Cheers mate. Hope you had a top weekend.
Great visual on the bell siphon.. Thanks
I should make some more like that for future clips.... 🤔
Cheers Johnny & have a top one mate.
Very impressive and attractive design . Thank you and good luck
Thanks & have a top one.
@@RobsAquaponics i have subscribed your channel also to gain more knowledge
Thanks for the repurposing tip on the bell siphon. Never thought to use a water bottle for the bell. There are plenty of free bottles about.
It looks to work a treat in a small system like this so don't see the point in the PVC jobbies.
Have a great one Jeff.
Thanx. Look forward to your videos
Thanks to Rob's clear instruction video here I just built my 1st barrel aquaponic unit and my bell siphon works super. Thank you Rob. You are very good human✌🏾️
Is all good mate. 👍
Cheers Calvin.
I can't tell you how many videos I've watched, tours I've gone on, lectures I've sat through and have been overwhelmed with pointless information that just didn't make any sort of sense. Thank you so much for a truly informative and instructional video on a aquaponics setup that I can actually do with little to no assistance from jerks who really want to get more $$$ than help a person understand how a well built system functions from start to finish. I am now subscribed to your channel and look forward to future posts.
Hi Quantina.
I'm very pleased the clip has helped you out some. ASre you looking at building a system ?
If so we have a few other clips on a larger chop & flip DIY system you can make from an IBC if that helps at all. th-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYi3Y3tUNUMWhO-g_ZhWfijY.html
Also have a number of clips on our own system & how it runs posted too if that helps any.
All the best.
Rob.
Watching these now and have already shared with my garden network. These very informative videos have really filled in some gaps in learning that I was missing. With my 4H club kids, we've started a hydroponics setup that is standing water only no pump. But since I have access to 3 blue containers sitting untouched in my yard I will practice with your method before summer's end and get the kids involved. :)
That would be great to see Quantina :) I've got a small barrel system that I'm giving to a community daycare centre here. We just need to work out the safety issues of having a large opening in the front of the barrel.
Cheers,
Rob.
Long time watcher - first time post! I've got all my parts, though I'm short one faucet elbow and a 25mm hole saw. This is my project for tomorrow! Love your posts Rob, I watch them on my train commute into Sydney - almost theraputic!
Hi Brendan & thanks. Am glad the clips make the commute a bit more entertaining.
Hope the build goes well mate & have a great weekend. 👍
Rob.
Brilliant explanation....watch to the end for a great visual on how a bell siphon works. Love your vids Rob....thank you!
Thanks Simon. Glad it was helpful mate.
Cheers & have a top one.
I love how you list the parts and tools visually and then break it down into steps. That is the reason I watch your videos more than others. Too many videos out there where people just want to show off what they made but give very little info on how to do it or the stuff they used. Im just beginning my planning stage and when learning it is best to do it exactly like someone else so that you can really understand it before you go tweaking the system.
Hi Brandon. Am glad you fond the clip helpful mate.
Tweaking is inevitable as we adapt these diy projects for our own use & circumstances.
Cheers & have fun with the build mate.
awesome and cant wait to get cracking and jump into the old mans garage . thanks awesome for corna 19 lock down project too .
Hope the build goes well for you Ivan.
Cheers mate.
I run a nonprofit for K16 students. These are great RB!
Am glad they're helpful Fred. Let me know if you need any more info & will help where I can. 👍
@@RobsAquaponics I will! Thanks again!
Thanks for the information.
I am raising rabbits right now, chickens later but right now, I am going to try the quadraphonic system.you have here.
Thanks, you have been very inspirational.
Hi mate & thanks. Sounds like you've go a nice set up on the go already with the rabbits & chooks 👍
Cheers & all the best.
Litterly the best video I have ever watched on youtube. Period. So glad to have found this, would expect and have gladly paid good money for this plan/info as a complete beginer. Going to get started today :) thankyou, thankyou and thankyou so much!!!
Glad you enjoyed it & it gave you a few ideas Michael.
Hope the build goes smoothly.
Think this was the first of your vids I watched about a year or a year and a half ago, still love it and most of them I have watched. Hope you and your fam are safe and well and keep going, such an inspiration for our family here in Perth WA. Thanks...
ll are well here & almost feels like we're on holidays with Bianca working from home 5 days a week.
Hope you & yours are all doing OK.
Cheers.
Greetings from Tennessee USA! Two of our daughters have been talking about an aquaponics project for the summer. Thanks for putting this together. Great video - really like the transparent bell siphon!!
Hi there & thanks mate.
They really are easy to set up & would be a great project to get the kids involved in I think. 👍
Hope the buiolds go well if you all have a crack at one.
Cheers,
Rob.
That’s really good set up, thank you so much been watching you and learning for so many years now and finally I’m starting one set up
Many thanks for the build demonstration on this system, Rob. Looking forward to getting one or two built myself. Be the perfect system for raising Mosquitofish. Liked seeing that bell siphon demonstration at the end. Explained a lot in that little clip. Thanks again and keep us updated on them.
Hope the builds go smoothly for you Harry 👍
Hope to post a few more on releasing the fish into them & following the growing process.
Cheers mate.
I learn so much getting into this and your vids are super helpful you show what you need how to do it and you explain what your doing and the reason for it❤
Glad to be able to help some.
Fantastic video mate, I am looking to cut my teeth on aquaponics and I'm so glad to have found your content. By far the best explanations and walk through on how to get started plus best practices.
Thanks Michael. Hope they come in handy when you start the build.
Have a great one.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farming pulled the trigger and have had the system running for 4 weeks already started getting peas!
I used goldfish flakes all last year with good growth rates in the plants. Nice little systems those.
Nice one Dan. 👍
Have seen folks like JT grow some great food using just the gold fish feed. Hope to be getting the fish for our barrel by the end of the week.
Cheers.
at 8:20 i really like your use of the t-bar. good idea to use it as a flow control plus oxygenator. so.....im stealing that idea :)
Steel away mate, that's why I share the clips. 😁👍
Cheers & have fun with the build mate.
Cool build Rob, explained beautifully
Thanks Lee.
Cheers.
Not sure if necessary, but I build in a bowl section in my pebbles where the water dumps in to my grow bed. There I put an old coffee filter housing from a broke coffee pot. When I first set up, I rubber band coffee filters in to it and it strains out any pebble/rock debris. Once the system is really clear, I remove the coffee filters and put in a very fine mesh metal strainer in case something randomly finds it’s way in.
Thank you for putting this video together! The IBC are so big and pretty daunting for a beginner. This is something that I can manage and see if I like gardening this way. Very clear direction and well produced. Thanks again Rob!
Glad you've found it helpful Nemodog. Have a great one.
Very nice work, I like it so much, Thanks so much 👍
Cheers Mohammed.
Have a top one. 👍
Love your videos and love how you write everything out clearly and concisely; it really minimises any room for error. I find your style very engaging and can NOT WAIT to get my first setup up and running. Thank you so much for taking the time to do what you do!
Thanks Kieran.
Hope the build goes smoothly for you mate. 👍
Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🌱
Thanks for watching folks & don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video. 🐟🐟
Share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 👍
Cheers all & have a top one. 😊
Rob Bob's Backyard Farming & Aquaponics thanks
Rob Bob's Backyard Farming & Aquaponics nice system
Sheamone Hudson w
Hey ! Loved the video. I wanted to ask you if there would be any difference if i set up the barrel as a constant height system instead of a siphon system?
Hey mate I’m in North Queensland as you know it’s hot here most of the time. Are there strictly for shaded areas?
WOW.. This is the best made, most informative video I have ever seen...lots and lots of info PLUS ref all along ,,,Exactly what I was looking for.. congrats...p.s. the simple english language makes it a gem...
Thanks & am glad it's been helpful for you. 👍😊
Have a great one.
Rob.
Very cool to see the bell siphon working. Thank you.
Hey Rob, all built! only hiccup I had was that the media would float when the bed was filled. Ended up using crushed terracotta under the media, worked a treat. Now the misses is convinced, I'm moving on to some IBCs!
Nice one Brendan. The clay can stay buoyant for a few days until it gets waterlogged I've found.
Cheers mate & have fun growing 👍😊
Rob you are amazing!!!! thank you for all you videos
Thanks Tawnya. 😊
Al the best to you & yours,
Rob.
This is such a good idea. Love it. Easy enough for me to do. Like how you have converted measurements.
WELL DONE! Loved the bit at the end with the clear bell siphon too! :)
Thanks Torrey.
Cheers.
Me too. it was great.
Cheers Hany 👍😊
Outstanding video Rob. I enjoy your videos because they are always very informative. Thank You!
Hi Lou & thanks mate👍
All the mate.
Thank you Rob Bob you are a genius
Hope the clips give you a few useful ideas mate.
Happy growing. 🌱🐟👍
well done Rob Bob.
very simple well explained and easy to build.
keep up the good job
Thanks Fuad.
Hope the build goes well if you make one.
Rob.
Where's the "Mega-Like" button? Awesome job, Rob!
Hi Eric & thanks mate 👍👍
Hope all's well with you & yours.
Rob.
I am greatly enjoying your videos and have binge watched so many after work. I'm starting to to save money so I can make a few projects for my family and myself. You do great at in all of your videos explaining everything you do and why
Thanks KW. 👍
Hope the builds go smoothly for you mate.
Cheers.
Mate, awesome. Enjoyed watching straight through, en-point, good info, specific, and less BS to waste time. Thanks 👍 subscribed
Glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers & happy growing.
great video!!! one of the most thorough I've seen! thanks!
Thanks & hope it helps you out some.
Have a great one.
G-day thanks for the see through for the auto syphon, perfect execution, God bless
I thought it might help a few folks understand what's going on.
Cheers Lisa & have a top one.
this gives me and idea for a possible summer project
Hope it goes well for you mate.
Cheers.
That's amazing how that sifining works. I got a big crate tub, I'm wanting to try it, idk if I can get it right, you made it simple looking, but just trying to get the stuff is a nightmare lol. I'm tempted to try this, thanks for videos.
Hope it worked out well for you Paul if you had a crack at one.
Cheers mate.
Man these videos have just gotten better and better!
Thanks. It takes a lot of work to put these longer ones out but I really enjoy it.
Cheers.
As always, gr8 videos mate!
Cheers mate. 👍
great little aquaponic set up !! it'd be a great little starter kit for a first timer to get used to the pH and nutrients for moving on to Bigger I'm better systems
& they really are easy to knock together if you have the tools 👍 Have been told by a few folks that there needs to be "WARNING Aquaponics can be habit forming" warnings in the descriptions. 😉
Have a great one.
Just found my next project, thanks!
Nice one and have fun with the build. 👍👍
Awesome system is Awesome! Pretty cool stuff at the end there too. SCIENCE!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it. 👍
Cheers & have a great one.
Rob.
Hello Rob, big thank you for your video guidings. We watch them all and their helping us learning more about aquaponics. Keep up the good work and inspire people arround the world!! Kind regards from The Netherlands
I'm glad they're helping you out some Jeremy.
Cheers & happy growing.
You have great videos. Thank you for making them.
Glad you enjoy them.
Cheers.
Wow to see this video. Will try to make one.
All the best with the build Jether.
I have learned a lot from your videos thank you so much.
That's great to hear.
Thanks Winstonbonds 👍
Rob, I know I'm coming to this party late, but thanks for the upload and all the clear advice. Please keep 'em coming!
Hi Rick & thanks mate.
Cheers & have a top one buddy. 👍
Thank you for making this video! And listing the part in the description. 😄 Very helpful all around. Cheers! 🐠🌱
No problem. 👍 Have fun with the build.
Thank you Rob Bob, I've been struggling with a tiny system set up trying to get the bell siphon to work & after watching you use the drink container I tried the same thing and it has now successfully siphoned 6 times in a row :) now just have to get a 1" to 3/4" reducer and I'll be set.
Love your vids and channel
Hi Joe. Am glad the clip helped you out some mate 👍
Is the system still running smoothly?
Cheers mate.
Rob, you're my aquaponics hero, I took away from all your videos that it was better just to give it a go. Returning from holidays in January I started a 50L job atop my 200L inside fish tank. I started Tagasaste, spinach and lettuce. It's been so successful I can't wait to get my system going in the backyard. Love your videos, keep up the great work, truly inspiring!!!
Hi Poseidon & thanks mate.
What sort of fish are you thinking of running in the IBC system?
Cheers mate.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farming & Aquaponics in the ibc I'd like those golden perch I think looks good you had, I also wanted to do the blue yabbies . Speaking of I probably end up doing the blue barrels first $ wise I'm on a budget.... and I can use as expansion when I get an ibc
I'd eventually like to have trout as that is what I used to fish for back home in Oregon before I moved here to Melbourne 14 years ago... Salmon River is the best place to fly fish up by Rose lodge, google and view images it's amazing. I digress, so I'm just gradually upgrading and think this is a hobby I'll be involved with for years to come. Now if I can just stop watching your videos at 3am I'll be good 😂😂 many thanks for all the awesome videos, maybe one day I'll get to meet you in person, until then, keep up the great work!!!
😄 Am glad you find the clips interesting/helpful mate 👍
Have had silver & jade perch here but have heard of folks using golden perch too but don't know of anyone up my way using them 👍
Rob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics Patreon Clips jade perch I meant, sorry was replying during doctor appointment. I'd seen a few people with jade perch they seem nice size until I get more experience
Thanks for all your great vids Rob. You're a legend.
Thanks John.
have a great one mate.
how good you are at explaining this thanks so much great way to get started cheers to you and your family
Am glad you found it easy to follow & hope the build goes smoothly if you have a go at one 👍
Cheers & all the best.
Straight forward instructions.
Thank you.
Cheers Shawn,
@@RobsAquaponics I like the smaller setup.
I understand the basics now.
Something this size does not have a lot of upfront cost.
Will be easy to try.
What do you think about using rain catchment water to keep the resevoir full?
Also I live in Texas.
Are there any added precautions for extreme heat?
@@shawnr771 Sorry I missed this. We used town water there as we had no tanks on the hose. At our new farm we only have rain water & a few dams/ponds for water so will be using pond water when we build our new system.
For heat, I found shade cloth over the grow beds to be the best way to keep the plants cool. Also having as little grow media exposed to the sun helps as it can transfer heat to the water as well.
Sorry again for taking so long to respond.
really excellent Idea. thanks
Cheers Zasim. 👍
Bro thank for the information....m going to start my own aquaponics....
Hope the build goes well for you.
Cheers TT.
Hi Rob just wanted to let you know I just completed my Barrel chop and flip Jobbie and wanted to take you for all of your content inspired me to get into aquaponics!! Cant wait to get to the IBC system next!! Again Thank you Keep up the Amazing Videos!!
Nice one. 👍
Hope it's running well for you.
Cheers.
Thanks Rob, you have now got me interested in trying a small system like this one. Another great video!!
Thanks Brain. Wouldn't take long for you to knock one up I think.
Cheers mate.
Interesting barrels shapping you made here!!
Thanks 👍
If you use a plastic container to sift your growing media, it would probably make sense to drill holes with the same diameter as in the bell siphon´s shroud into it- that way you´d sift out any particles small enough to enter the siphon shroud.
That would do the trick too. 👍
G'Day Rob, Bloody good job mate. Just found my new project :-) Little investment and a new addition to the collection again Well done mate. Kind Regards Danny
Thanks Danny & hope the build goes smoothly mate 👍
All the best,
Rob.
awesome job and excellent video - sparked off some new ideas. Thanks for the clear bell clip too - very helpful.
No problem mate. Did you have a crack at making a small system like this one Jack?
I will be when I eventually move into the new place... I'm going to do some on top of my new boat too, like a sailing greenhouse... Just need to get settled and I'll be on my way to aquaponic greatness
😃 It would be great to see one on a boat mate 👍
Cheers mate & all the best.
Rob bob this was fricken excellent! I love the use of space and the simplicity of this build!
Hi there & thanks.
Cheers & all the best.
Rob.
Mate well done👍😆
this is something i would like to try inside in the spare room. love the idea always great info mate thank you.
Thanks Corza 👍
Am hoping to have a few set up on the deck here once it gets built. 😉
Cheers mate.
You won't believe if I say, " I watched this videos like 10+ times". Fell in love with the idea and yet so simple. Finally completed making this by following everything from the video. Thanks Rob. Siphon was perfectly done with out a problem by learning from your other videos. I'm planning on growing "murrel" fish, would that be a best choice?
Am glad the build went well for you. 👍 I personally would only use small ornamental fish in a system like this as most table fish would find the conditions cramped. Might be better off trying to build a IBC style system for them if you can get access to them.
Cheers Sethu.
@@RobsAquaponics Not sure anyone would keep ornamental fish in a container that you can't see into. In the U.S. I would suggest bluegill or sunfish if you want to harvest fish. Small, and slow growing but tasty.
That is such a cool build, Rob!
Thanks Patrick.
Got your mulch clip lined up ready to go ;)
Cheers.
Rob, terrific video, thank you! I have some feedback after building out a two barrel system based on your instructions -
1 - I'd suggest securing the media guard to the barrel. If it jostles around, basically at all, and media gets in inside the guard, you're screwed. I made a little "cofferdam" out of an old jug so I could clear my stuck media out so I didnt have to clear the entire media level when it required clearing. After about 10 times of doing that I cleared out all the media and secured the media guard with a high corrosion resist L bracket and a couple matching screws. I never had another issue with pellets in my siphon again.
2 - Your pump recommendation (260gph) was massively overkill for my system. I had my bypass on full blast and was still getting too much water. It turned my fish level into a mini typhoon and was causing weird issues with my siphons. A swap to a 120gph and the siphons are running like a dream and my fish no longer have vertigo.
3 - After all is said and done I would suggest skipping the zip ties. One of my barrels was deformed and it was impossible to seat, so I set it on small lengths of 2x4. I ended up doing it with both because it felt sturdier and provided a little more visibility nto the fish level.
All said and done I've got basil in one and strawberries in the other and everything is looking up!
Thanks again!
-ArcadiaTX
Hi CA.
The siphon base plate stops the guard from lifting so that's why I include it in my builds. 👍
With the pump, it can be hit & miss between brands as to how well they work so can only give the information out on what I'm familiar with. Probably should have pointed that out better in the clip. 😉
Glad your system is doing well.👍
Cheers & happy growing.
Love the clear bell! Subbed!!!
Hi there & thanks.
Hope you've been enjoying the other clips.
Have a top one.
Rob.
Excellent vid Rob. Tilkey at salisbury do those food grade drums for about $25. Heaps of other food grade drums too like 100 lt olive barrels and food grade steel drums.
Thanks for that mate. Have been told that have a great selection down there but haven't had the chance to suss them out yet.
Cheers & have a great one.
Great walkthrough on the build Rob, love it! I may have to give this a try for the goldfish when I do finally get something edible in my bigger system.
Have a wonderful day,
Cheers!
Hi JT & thanks mate. Wouldn't take you long at all to knock up a small jobbie like this 👍
Have a great week mate.
ESPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!! saludos desde Argentina
Hi from SE Queensland Australia. 👋
!!! You grounded the ball in the in-goal!!! Most ingenious aquaponics system ever!!! Anyone ever call you a genius? ( =Pay NO attention to what your wife calls you...!} ;^)
Thanks mate but I didn't come up with the idea, this is just my take on the small system 👍 Some of the others looked a bit involved so thought I'd have a crack myself to see what I could come up with.
Cheers & all the best.?
Rob.
thanks fore the videos, we are planning to start a small system like the one in the video this summer. Many greetings from Denmark. keep om the food Work
HI Steffen & thanks mate.
Hope the build goes well for you.
Cheers.
Thank you so much for your really informative and interesting videos Rob. I built this barrel system over the long weekend and it went very smoothly. My barrel was a bit distorted so I doubled the number of cable ties but everything else was by the book. So simple. Now I need to work out how to cycle the system and when to introduce the fish and how many fish and all that stuff. I'll be checking out more of your videos, mate. Cheers ... Wazza
Hey Wazza. Have you bought your fish yet mate? Have seen folks add 10 with no problems but I like to play on the safe side.
Cheers mate.
Just clicked looking back through clips, are you Wazza from SubscribeStar?
Sorry to hassle you if you're not.
Cheers mate.
wow that's a great video iam about to start my own, thank you sir
Nice one Eric. Have you finished it off yet ?
Cheers.
Nice!
Thank you for your video!
No problem. 👍 Have a top one
👍Top clip I love the plastic bottle
Have saved it to use in future clips. 😉 Cheers Matt.