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 don't have the aquaponic "bug" Rob but I always enjoy your videos and this was a stella tutorial on how to build a nice sized aquaponic system - especially for those who are just starting out. You've also given me a few other ideas of what I can use an IBC for at my place. Cheers :)
Dear Rob, Thanks very much for this excellent instructional video. I picked up 3 ICB tanks a couple of months ago and haven't done anything with them yet so I really needed a step-by-step video so I didn't make any mistakes. I'll use the video every step of the construction to make my systems and I'm confident they will turn out well now - I'd have surely made a total arse of them if I'd gone into the project blind. I'm going to be using an air uplift for the 'pump' since I already have a decent sized outdoor air pump which should be cheaper to run compared to a pond pump (or three) but if that doesn't work I'll swap that for a submerged pump no worries. Keep up the good work and all the best for 2024. Regards, Richard
@@jessicaevans7451 (my other channel) I haven't built it yet - it's still pretty much Winter here so there has been no rush. I've been concentrating on my greenhouse with tomatoes, peppers and sweetcorn growing on there and also on the main garden with a nation of onions and garlic which are doing great. I'll get around to making the aquaponics set up and it will be mostly solar powered - I'll upload any videos to my Thousand Yard Stare channel.
Nice one Richard. Sorry I missed this mate. I haven't played around with the air lift much except tinkering with an aquarium one a while ago. Did you manage to finish the build over Summer?
@@RobsAquaponics My garden has been filled with vegetables over the Summer but it's getting cleared out as time goes on. I'll probably be building the systems over Winter so they're ready for next Spring. As I'm quite far North a water based growing system really works best in Spring and Autumn (and in a 'normal Winter) but if Winter is too cold things can freeze up quickly. I've had an air lift system working on my pond this year and one air pump is feeding 2 x 2" uplift pipes quite well - the fish seem to like the highly oxygenated water.
I've found you for a reason. Thank you. I'm a lone wolf who grows everything in soil but I got turtles and am setting up.thos system. Thanks for your good service. I hope you have great harvest and your families are full and happy
Nice one Jon. 👍 I have supporters that grows with them. Here's their channel if you wanted to check it out, th-cam.com/channels/Bq3YgZQwARKpRGI45bxTwA.html Hope the system grows well for you.
Hey Rob, Finally took the plunge today and started my first aquaponics system. Using your design as per this Chop and Flip IBC Build. Your instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Many thanks for the work that you do with these vids.
I started aquaponics in 2011. I have since given up meat because of my health. My animals enjoy the meat, I save money on their food and vegetables grow faster this way. Win, Win, Win. Thanks for the ideas
Rob, I've thoroughly enjoyed your video presentations, and in particular the various tid-bits of clarification, thrown in for good measure, to ensure that others just might be able to avoid all the inherent "drama", involved in such projects. Thanks!!!
I was introduced into the aquaponic culture 4 years ago from a random link. Since then I have enjoyed three successful Harvest seasons and have tweaked my system to perfection. Even knowing what I know already I have to say this is by far the best presentation of an aquaponic system I have ever seen . I only wish I came across your Channel 4 years ago. New subscriber
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics. Upstate New York.....the most fertile soil in the North Eastern United States and I am growing food in pea gravel..can't make this stuff up 😁
So after researching this topics for many months, I would like to thank Rob. This video was exactly what i needed to get my system up and running. From start to finish it took me 2 1/2 hours. Rob your advice and help in this video is easy to follow and even easier to achieve. When I tested the system, no media just water, the bell siphon worked first go. So now it is time to set the tank up in its final location and get growing Thank again Rob!!
Going to start with silver perch as they seem to be a hardy type fish and hopefully in 6-8 months we will be feasting on fresh homegrown fish and salad.I will be working the system for 12 months to test it all out. After this I will hopefully have worked out all the quirks and expand the system.
Silvers can take up to 2 years to come to size depending on climate & feed rates. Have seen some folks sell advanced ones though which may help you out some. 👍
GR8 video, the start where you mention check what was in it..... a definite must, for any reuse, if it has had weed kill in it you can't grow anything and if used as a mini fire fighting unit is lethal. Some use on the back of UTV for a mobile watering system and wonder why there plants die. Just a heads up.
We've had an ibc waiting in the yard for months, this vid is exactly what we've needed to get going. Thanks from the United States. P.S., love the channel and will be sharing your knowledge in the community to help others get started.
Great video ! I have had the honor / misfortune of teaching my brother firefighters. Its like a room full of MacGyvers with a little bit of an Alpha thrown in for good measure, and over the years have mastered KISS or Keep It Simple Son. YOU have nailed it in this, and most of your Videos.... You appear to be as proficient in Instruction as you are in Aquaponics. Pat your self on the back, and good on Ya !!
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. 😊
Hi Rob Thanks for the awesome videos I'm working on starting a little one at home for the kids so I'll let you know how it's going thanks a million take care
I finally got started chopping and flipping :) VERY excited! I have everything I need (will be switching from synthetic to an amino acid based iron chelate eventually). I have a pH meter, EC meter, testing reagents, the works!!! I set up a 32ft camper in an east-west orientation with the doors facing south. I constructed a large timber greenhouse on the south side and installed a wood burning stove. I just harvested my first Del Monte pineapples last summer and I even have some Dragonfruit growing in zone 5. I can't wait to get this thing all put together! Having a four season greenhouse in zone 5 is a MUST HAVE for aquaponics! I'll never need to winterize the system. Anyway - if it wasn't for you and Hallam, I wouldn't even have a greenhouse in the first place! So I just want to say thank you. You've been my inspiration :)
Finally setting up my IBC system and my local (large green) big-box store was out of 25mm bulkhead fittings, 20-25mm adaptor bushes and 20mm straight-to-male threaded adaptors. Not sure if it is going to upset flow rates too much, but I went with a 20mm bulkhead fitting and discovered, by happy coincidence, that the 20mm straight-to-female threaded adaptor fits straight onto the end of the bulkhead thread. I cut about 50mm off the bulkhead thread and threaded it into its own fixed, top nut and now two of the straight-to-female threaded adaptors connect my standpipe, to my bulkhead fitting, to my downpipe. Simple! And, as an added bonus, the 65mm Bell sits snuggly around the flange on the bulkhead fitting nut and locates it nicely. I just cut the legs 5mm longer to accommodate it.
Nice one Jonathan& thanks for sharing mate. 👍 It may help a few folks out that are having issues sourcing parts. Sorry it took so long to find this too.
+OneYardRevolution | Frugal & Sustainable Organic Gardening Thanks Patrick. Think it's the most involved clip I've made I think & took a few weeks of spare time to knock up. Cheers mate & all the best.
Hi Rob I have done it all except for the bell siphon. (I need to get over to the local plumbers supply store for the bits). Your bell siphon vid makes it easy, thanks mate! Keep up the good work champ.
Glad you found it useful Kenneth. Just released a page that includes parts list for this build & the required components if that helps any. www.bitsouttheback.com/chop-and-flip-aquaponic-system Cheers & happy building.
let me warn you that this is how it starts. just a simple IBC system, then the addiction kicks in and you have to build more,and more and more! I love it!
Love this! Currently looking to relocate, so once our family gets situated I want to try this. I currently have a small greenhouse and I have never tried aquaponics because I thought it would be costly and hard to set up. I really appreciate you taking the time to go through the process. Saved and on my wish list!
"If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he can eat for life" J.C. And Rob takes it up and teaches how to raise fish and food for many.
Keeping it on the plastic pallet keeps the metal from getting soaked by wet soil and keeps everything aligned, and secure for future moving should it be needed.
Try using a snorkel tube and pvc cap at the bottom off the side of your bell siphon to help break the siphon . Internet or TH-cam should have a video on how to add one. Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it Hayden. I haven't got one laid out sorry but will be adding one to the page on the new website once I finish setting it up. Are you an Aussie? If not, you should be able to get most of the pats mentioned in most countries. The hose & irrigation fittings should be available in most well stocked hardware or irrigation supply stores. The PVC fittings for the bell siphon are laid out in that clip if it helps, ► th-cam.com/video/Ia1BQFTaG7c/w-d-xo.html It will probably be too late for you but will be letting folks know once the site is up & running in a clip posted to the channel. Cheers mate.
The hardest part of this would be finding all the bits and pieces needed, The build its self looks very easy. Nice job on the video, I am sure this well help a lot of people. Maybe someone should put a kit together to sell, Then all you would need is the IBC, Pump, parts kit and media to fill the bed....
+lifeinthailand Thanks Paul. You can get kits here but like most things it's far cheaper to do it yourself. Let me know if you want to have a crack. Have sent over a bit of gear over to Thailand & Cambodia. Works out cheaper than getting it delivered from North America a few expats have told me ;) Cheers mate.
Have had a few request so it might be something I add to the list of goods we sell in our blog store 👍 Will post a clip once it happens but I wouldn't hold your breath 😉 Cheers.
Hi Rob Bob's, I have recently moved to Brisbane and very new to Aquaponics, I was going to enrol in the Murray Hallam course but figured after watching your videos that I should just dive in and get my hands dirty. I have watched this video a few times and I am starting to put together a shopping list required to do this build. I was just wondering (A few things) if a complete list exists for this build already? Also if this build is still current based upon your learning over the past few years since making this video. I am based up in Strathpine and would love to rack your brain over some beers sometime!
Hi Rob, have watched this video about 10 times and today went and bought an ibc and all the plumbing to build one like this one. Planning on having Marron and not sure what sort of fish yet. Thanks heaps for all the info, it has been heaps helpful.
Hey Rob, first off great video. Second noticed the plane at the end of the video and realised you live very close to me. Small world. Have a great one.
Thanks Sarah. Hope you find the guide just as helpful. I do have a playlist with some other tours that might help you out with some ideas. th-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYgscZSEviNBv2TB03Ou5E3I.html Cheers & all the best with your build.
Thanks Rob cut one up in the weekend very easy to follow your instructions,Just waiting on pump and plumbing cant wait to have it up and running Thanks heaps,Rodd nz
Thank you for this video. It was the best video and most detailed instruction video I have watched for building a starter IBC system. Very awesome! I feel like I can actually attempt this now.
I did one of these in 2011 and it has been running ever since. I have 2 plecostomus to handle the algae and use a pond filter to take care of the solids.
Nice one CG 👍 Mum has said that she's getting a bit of solids build up in her bed. I think it may need a bit of a clean out before we add on the rest of the beds, filter & tanks. Cheers mate.
I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Thank you for sharing. Your gardens are INCREDIBLE! Jeepers! I wish I could get to that point! I must be doing something wrong. Im just starting aquaponics w/betta jars. I can get a seed or 2 to sprout in my rock wool & hydroton, then -poof! It’s dead! Never going to get fresh herbs or lettuce at this rate! Our betta jars were supposed to practice so I can build the system you build here IF I could successfully grow anything in betta jars.
I think you need to take the plunge & build a slightly larger system Valerie. The small betta fish just don't consume enough food to properly feed a plant unfortunately. I know a lot of folks post articles on them but it's just more a gimmick than a practical growing method. Hope you get to have a crack at a larger system soon.
Definitely a lot of great information. I could have improved my system by watching this FIRST! I'll just have to make some changes now. I could have probably saved myself the drama of the big fish die-off that I had a week ago too! Live and learn. Thanks for the video! Loved it!
No, not yet. I still have a few, about seven, goldfish that have survived, but I am making some changes to my aquaponics system. I'm going to wait until I am all finished with them. In the mean time, I've been using the tank water to feed my container gardens. No waste here!
مرحبا. آمل أن يساعد الفيديو في منحك بعض الأفكار المفيدة. شكرا وتمتع بيوم جيد. (google translate) Hi. I hope the video helped give you a few useful ideas. Thanks & have a great day.
You could take that red screw cap of and put some PFT plumbing tape on the thread and screw it back on and then silicone as well to doubly prevent leaks.
I don't sorry Don. If you were to use 2 grow beds I would go with a larger fish tanks to make sure that there's water in there at all times if the beds are being run as flood & drain. 👍 Cheers.
Hi Rob Thanks for the practical and informative clip on starting in aquaponics. Have just completed my first chop and flip following your lead and all is going well. The plan is to add more grow beds and to convert my old garden beds into wicking ones all in good time. I have found you instructions clear and easy to follow and I know where I'll be coming for information when the time for expansion comes. Regards Konrad Newcastle NSW
Konrad Kandlbinder Is great to hear the clips have helped you out some Konrad. What fish are you looking at using in the system? Cheers & happy growing. 🐟🌱🌱
Going to start with gold fish because as the system grows it will probably become a sump tank. I'll add a tank with fish for harvesting when I become more confidant all is under control.
The plants are growing in a fired clay pebble called "Lightweight expanded clay aggregate" or LECA for short . Most hydroponic stores will sell it as will some of the larger garden supply companies. Hope that helps some Remigio.
Excellent Video and an epic beard might i add. I had a modified one of these at my old home but we moved about a year ago. Still have all the pieces and I think you inspired me to get it back up and working. Love your channel. Keep doing what you doing.
I don't think they would be a good idea as they might reduce the amount of air exchange at the surface. As long as the top of the tank is shaded from direct sun you shouldn't have many issues.
Hi, Rob great video thanks. I built this as shown and the bell syphon worked perfectly until I filled the tub with gravel and clay balls, the water then just flowed through the dump pi[pe and didn't fill to the top, what do you think could have changed?
Another great video. I really like how you explain everything and fast forward thru the build to keep it interesting. I don't know how you can switch back and forth between metric and US measurements so easily, but that is helpful. Thanks
+Greens&Gills Greenhouse - G3 I grew up hearing dad work in imperial at his factory so measurements aren't that hard. Volumes still get me though ;-) Glad you liked the clip. Cheers.
mate, thankyou. just about to start my first one and have looked at a fair few vids. you have broken it all down and explained what 'i think' i need to know ...so far lol very appreciative ... will follow for more info ... and let the ads run till the end so you get a few cents too :) cheers :)
Hi Jay. Hope the build is going well for you mate & hope the clips help you with a few useful ideas. Thank but there's no need to sit through the ad's 👍 😉 Cheers & have a great one. Rob.
Hi Same Tefera. We grow all sorts & will be planting some potatoes in a new modified bed this week. The most recent video will give you some idea. This link skips the potato harvest & takes you straight to the aquaponics section, th-cam.com/video/KS7nvOnrT68/w-d-xo.html Cheers & happy growing.
A slight tip to a problem I've experienced. Very often I have to lift the venturi cover ( hope that is correct) to get it draining properly. I had a thought that it is randomly lifting/floating, thus not working correctly. So, yesterday I put a rock on top for weight to prevent any lift.....it is now working consistently
Howdy Rob, you are correct, I stupidly cut the ibc centre support beam, thus it is at a slight angle. I also stupidly did not stick the base on solid flat base and thus every year or so I have to jack it up and stick some hardwood under to level it all out. After time the wood bugs and everything else perishes that wood base and I start again. Can't complain too much fishing is now great in the river behind my backyard, trout Murray cod and eel tail catfish.
Hi sir. All of your videos really inspired me with all the details included. Am living in Lebanon. Have started my small aquaponic container with one strawbery plant and a couple of basil plants, and just seeded a few seeds of parsley and they started to show above the clay pellets. What I would like to know when starting a new system if it is advisable to start to settle the fish first before planting or to plant the growing bed then add the fish? Your advise is really appreciated.
Hey Samir. I think it's probably better for beginners to cycle the system before adding fish. An easy way to do this is by adding a little bit of fish food every day as you would if there was fish in there. That will provide food for the naturally occurring bacteria so they will colonise the beds. I think it's a good idea to get an aquarium test kit to measure the levels of ammonia, nitrite & nitrate so you know when the system has cycled so you can safely add the fish. Hope that helps some.
Rob, ive been building that ibcs for years here in philippines for others... You know... I can suggest that you can just flip the frame of the upper portion of ibc (growbed) so that you dont need to put epoxy on the inner tube opening of the frame. Just flip only the frame and drill holes so that the straight tube will have hole to put on the bolt...
Thanks very much for your insights. This is a system I am setting up based off your videos. It will be set up at Medlow Bath in the blue mountains at 1050m above sea level.
You can't here sorry Steve. Hopefully TH-cam will allow folks to post pictures in the community tab in the future. Hope the build goes smoothly for you. Cheers.
Hi Mr Rob love the video I am astounded do all that happens I'd the bed fills with water n drains n the plants grow how do you know how much water or how fast it should fill
Hi there. The total volume of the fish tank needs to be run through the media in the grow beds at least once per hour to clean it for the fish, which in this case is about 600 lph. Other than that the only other factor you need to take into consideration is how much water flow you need to operate the siphon efficiently. Hope that helps some.
Hello Rob, trying to find an alternative media. Something cheap, I was wondering if pine cones would suffice? I understand they will break down eventually and I'm ok with that. Tia
I would stay away from anything that may breakdown as it will eventually impede water flow. They may also play havoc with the pH sending it far too high. Sorry I missed your post & it took so long to respond.
The ammonia is processed by the oxidising bacteria that colonise the grow media. This video might help explain it a bit better. th-cam.com/video/b3KMLZiWYns/w-d-xo.html Hope that helps some.
Nice one Richard 👍 I've seen they're selling tilapia there in the Uk too. Would need to heat the unit somehow to keep those fellas happy though. Cheers & have fun with the build.
Don't think it's needed as the splashing water would add more than enough O2 for a properly stocked system. 👍 Then again, folks do say you can never have too much O2 in a backyard system.😉
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 don't have the aquaponic "bug" Rob but I always enjoy your videos and this was a stella tutorial on how to build a nice sized aquaponic system - especially for those who are just starting out. You've also given me a few other ideas of what I can use an IBC for at my place. Cheers :)
+Self Sufficient Me
Thanks Mark.
Have you ever looked into Duckponics? 😉
Cheers mate.
Just amazing
Quaquaponics? 😂@@RobsAquaponics
@@shaneconroy485 Yep. Seen a few folks use them to raise veg. 😉😉
Hey Sensei ❤
Dear Rob,
Thanks very much for this excellent instructional video. I picked up 3 ICB tanks a couple of months ago and haven't done anything with them yet so I really needed a step-by-step video so I didn't make any mistakes.
I'll use the video every step of the construction to make my systems and I'm confident they will turn out well now - I'd have surely made a total arse of them if I'd gone into the project blind.
I'm going to be using an air uplift for the 'pump' since I already have a decent sized outdoor air pump which should be cheaper to run compared to a pond pump (or three) but if that doesn't work I'll swap that for a submerged pump no worries.
Keep up the good work and all the best for 2024.
Regards,
Richard
How did it come out?
@@jessicaevans7451 (my other channel) I haven't built it yet - it's still pretty much Winter here so there has been no rush. I've been concentrating on my greenhouse with tomatoes, peppers and sweetcorn growing on there and also on the main garden with a nation of onions and garlic which are doing great.
I'll get around to making the aquaponics set up and it will be mostly solar powered - I'll upload any videos to my Thousand Yard Stare channel.
Nice one Richard. Sorry I missed this mate. I haven't played around with the air lift much except tinkering with an aquarium one a while ago. Did you manage to finish the build over Summer?
@@RobsAquaponics My garden has been filled with vegetables over the Summer but it's getting cleared out as time goes on. I'll probably be building the systems over Winter so they're ready for next Spring. As I'm quite far North a water based growing system really works best in Spring and Autumn (and in a 'normal Winter) but if Winter is too cold things can freeze up quickly.
I've had an air lift system working on my pond this year and one air pump is feeding 2 x 2" uplift pipes quite well - the fish seem to like the highly oxygenated water.
I think I just found my primary channel stop for aquaponics
Glad the clips are helping you out some Ryan.
Cheers & all the best mate. 👍👍
@@RobsAquaponics whoa! Appreciate the reply Rob ^_^
Keep being awesome and helping us learn along the way
I've found you for a reason. Thank you. I'm a lone wolf who grows everything in soil but I got turtles and am setting up.thos system. Thanks for your good service. I hope you have great harvest and your families are full and happy
Nice one Jon. 👍
I have supporters that grows with them. Here's their channel if you wanted to check it out,
th-cam.com/channels/Bq3YgZQwARKpRGI45bxTwA.html
Hope the system grows well for you.
Hey Rob, Finally took the plunge today and started my first aquaponics system. Using your design as per this Chop and Flip IBC Build. Your instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Many thanks for the work that you do with these vids.
Nice one Ned & hope the build went smoothly for you mate. What sort of fish will you be adding once it all running ?
Cheers mate.
Hello I was wondering how did you like the system. It seems really functional and easy
Used this video and grew 46 blue Nile tilapia to maturity thank you
One of the best DYI videos I have ever seen. Thanks for helping make the world a better place.
Hi Eric. Hope it gave you a few useful ideas mate.
Cheers & have a top one mate. 👍
Rob
@Hello Eric Holmberg, How are you doing?
I started aquaponics in 2011. I have since given up meat because of my health. My animals enjoy the meat, I save money on their food and vegetables grow faster this way. Win, Win, Win. Thanks for the ideas
Glad I could help with a few ideas Robert.
Cheers & happy growing.
Rob, I've thoroughly enjoyed your video presentations, and in particular the various tid-bits of clarification, thrown in for good measure, to ensure that others just might be able to avoid all the inherent "drama", involved in such projects. Thanks!!!
Glad to hear you found the clip useful David. 👍 Are you just starting out in Aquaponics?
@Hello Nephron, How are you doing?
I was introduced into the aquaponic culture 4 years ago from a random link. Since then I have enjoyed three successful Harvest seasons and have tweaked my system to perfection. Even knowing what I know already I have to say this is by far the best presentation of an aquaponic system I have ever seen . I only wish I came across your Channel 4 years ago. New subscriber
Hi Glenn & thanks mate. 👍
Are you here in Australia?
Cheers mate & happy growing.
Rob Bob's Backyard Farm & Aquaponics. Upstate New York.....the most fertile soil in the North Eastern United States and I am growing food in pea gravel..can't make this stuff up 😁
😃 Whatever works best for you mate + at lest you get a few fish for the table with AP. 👍
Cheers
Thanks Rob. You've become a competent and wise source of info on aquaponics. I re-visit you often. You seem like a humble person too. Thank you.
Thanks IHAYNT. 👍
Hope to be doing a load more once we get the house sorted out.
Cheers & happy growing. 🐟🌱
I wish I’d seen this before i bought the totes I have. Didn’t even think about the top not having a cap. Glad to find this information
Hope the build went smoothly SM.
So after researching this topics for many months, I would like to thank Rob. This video was exactly what i needed to get my system up and running. From start to finish it took me 2 1/2 hours. Rob your advice and help in this video is easy to follow and even easier to achieve. When I tested the system, no media just water, the bell siphon worked first go. So now it is time to set the tank up in its final location and get growing Thank again Rob!!
That's great to hear Kyle 👍😊
Hope the system grows you some tasty veggies mate. Are you going to be stocking table fish in there ?
Cheers
Going to start with silver perch as they seem to be a hardy type fish and hopefully in 6-8 months we will be feasting on fresh homegrown fish and salad.I will be working the system for 12 months to test it all out. After this I will hopefully have worked out all the quirks and expand the system.
Silvers can take up to 2 years to come to size depending on climate & feed rates. Have seen some folks sell advanced ones though which may help you out some. 👍
Kyle Chamberlain h
How’s it going with your system? I’m interested and curious about the long term!
GR8 video, the start where you mention check what was in it..... a definite must, for any reuse, if it has had weed kill in it you can't grow anything and if used as a mini fire fighting unit is lethal. Some use on the back of UTV for a mobile watering system and wonder why there plants die. Just a heads up.
We've had an ibc waiting in the yard for months, this vid is exactly what we've needed to get going. Thanks from the United States.
P.S., love the channel and will be sharing your knowledge in the community to help others get started.
Nice one. 👍
Hope the build goes smoothly for you & thanks for sharing the love. 🙂
Cheers & all the best,
Rob
Any thoughts on using lava rock as grow media? Obtained a pile of the stuff for free and considering using it.
We call it scoria here & a lot of folks use it. 👍 Just make sure that it's natural & nut dyed as that could cause issues.
Great, thank you for the advice! Wish I could share pics of our project as it unfolds.
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm I know this os years later but would maybe around the siphon port putting charcoal to filter water as well ?
Great video ! I have had the honor / misfortune of teaching my brother firefighters.
Its like a room full of MacGyvers with a little bit of an Alpha thrown in for good measure, and over the years have mastered KISS or Keep It Simple Son. YOU have nailed it in this, and most of your Videos....
You appear to be as proficient in Instruction as you are in Aquaponics.
Pat your self on the back, and good on Ya !!
Hi Mate & thanks. 👍 I try to make it easy enough for my 13 y/o self to understand if that makes sense.
All the best to you & your crew MediaHorde.
I think This is the best video I have found so far on building a system like this. Thank You for making it. Liked and subbed. Keep up the good work.
Glad it helped some CWG.
have a top one.
This should be mandatory to learn at high school!
Your setup is awesome
Thanks for sharing!
Glad you think so Antonn.
Cheers mate.
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. 😊
The rain can mess with the pH + will dilute the nutrient level if the system is left to overflow.
Cheers.
Hi Rob Thanks for the awesome videos I'm working on starting a little one at home for the kids so I'll let you know how it's going thanks a million take care
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Far
I finally got started chopping and flipping :) VERY excited! I have everything I need (will be switching from synthetic to an amino acid based iron chelate eventually). I have a pH meter, EC meter, testing reagents, the works!!!
I set up a 32ft camper in an east-west orientation with the doors facing south. I constructed a large timber greenhouse on the south side and installed a wood burning stove. I just harvested my first Del Monte pineapples last summer and I even have some Dragonfruit growing in zone 5. I can't wait to get this thing all put together! Having a four season greenhouse in zone 5 is a MUST HAVE for aquaponics! I'll never need to winterize the system. Anyway - if it wasn't for you and Hallam, I wouldn't even have a greenhouse in the first place! So I just want to say thank you. You've been my inspiration :)
Thank you for sharing this video
Finally setting up my IBC system and my local (large green) big-box store was out of 25mm bulkhead fittings, 20-25mm adaptor bushes and 20mm straight-to-male threaded adaptors. Not sure if it is going to upset flow rates too much, but I went with a 20mm bulkhead fitting and discovered, by happy coincidence, that the 20mm straight-to-female threaded adaptor fits straight onto the end of the bulkhead thread. I cut about 50mm off the bulkhead thread and threaded it into its own fixed, top nut and now two of the straight-to-female threaded adaptors connect my standpipe, to my bulkhead fitting, to my downpipe. Simple! And, as an added bonus, the 65mm Bell sits snuggly around the flange on the bulkhead fitting nut and locates it nicely. I just cut the legs 5mm longer to accommodate it.
Nice one Jonathan& thanks for sharing mate. 👍 It may help a few folks out that are having issues sourcing parts.
Sorry it took so long to find this too.
Excellent how to and very cool build, Rob!
+OneYardRevolution | Frugal & Sustainable Organic Gardening
Thanks Patrick.
Think it's the most involved clip I've made I think & took a few weeks of spare time to knock up.
Cheers mate & all the best.
Hi Rob I have done it all except for the bell siphon. (I need to get over to the local plumbers supply store for the bits). Your bell siphon vid makes it easy, thanks mate!
Keep up the good work champ.
Easy DIY Aquaponics thank you
Easy DIY aquaponics are spammers just to let you know Peter.
thanks for the heads up Rob. I didn't know.
Been searching the web for a couple days to find a video like this. Thank you very much. Very informative and concise.
Glad you found it useful Kenneth.
Just released a page that includes parts list for this build & the required components if that helps any.
www.bitsouttheback.com/chop-and-flip-aquaponic-system
Cheers & happy building.
Wow! That's a ton of excellent info. My brain is full, now. Thank you!
+Jeanette Waverly
Hope it helps in some way Jeanette 👍
All the best.
let me warn you that this is how it starts. just a simple IBC system, then the addiction kicks in and you have to build more,and more and more! I love it!
+Mike4spirit
😃 I started with a basic flood & drain barrel system & it all grew from there. 😉
Cheers Mike.
Love this! Currently looking to relocate, so once our family gets situated I want to try this. I currently have a small greenhouse and I have never tried aquaponics because I thought it would be costly and hard to set up. I really appreciate you taking the time to go through the process. Saved and on my wish list!
Nice one Tina. Will have a few more aquaponic clips coming soon that may help beginners out.
Cheers & hope the build goes smoothly for you.
Dear Mr. Rob just want to thank you for your videos regarding aquaphonics. I learned a lot from your videos... God bless you and more power...
Am glad they've helped you out in some way mate. 👍
Thanks Clark and all the best to you and yours.
"If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he can eat for life" J.C. And Rob takes it up and teaches how to raise fish and food for many.
@Hello Bryan St Martin, How are you doing?
Rob Bob, you are absolutely the best. Thank you!
Cheers Russ. 👍😁
Keeping it on the plastic pallet keeps the metal from getting soaked by wet soil and keeps everything aligned, and secure for future moving should it be needed.
Try using a snorkel tube and pvc cap at the bottom off the side of your bell siphon to help break the siphon . Internet or TH-cam should have a video on how to add one. Great video!
I have no issues with running them myself without the snorkles. 👍
Hi Bob. What size of pump are you using here? Tks and Congrats
Had to re watch it myself as I'd forgotten.
Is a 3000lph jobbie. You can see it at 11:15
Cheers.
@Hello Julio Silva, How are you doing?
This guy is a bloody genius.
Not sure bout that mate. 🤔
Cheers mate & have a top one.
Hey Rob, love all of your videos. very informative! you wouldnt happen to have a parts list for this build?
Glad you enjoyed it Hayden.
I haven't got one laid out sorry but will be adding one to the page on the new website once I finish setting it up.
Are you an Aussie? If not, you should be able to get most of the pats mentioned in most countries.
The hose & irrigation fittings should be available in most well stocked hardware or irrigation supply stores.
The PVC fittings for the bell siphon are laid out in that clip if it helps,
► th-cam.com/video/Ia1BQFTaG7c/w-d-xo.html
It will probably be too late for you but will be letting folks know once the site is up & running in a clip posted to the channel.
Cheers mate.
Proper job mate. Outstandingly clear and detailed tutorial. If everybody made their videos this clear, we'd all save time and money with our projects.
+DW Marschall
Thanks DW. Hope it';s given you a few ideas to play with mate.
Cheers.
The hardest part of this would be finding all the bits and pieces needed, The build its self looks very easy. Nice job on the video, I am sure this well help a lot of people.
Maybe someone should put a kit together to sell, Then all you would need is the IBC, Pump, parts kit and media to fill the bed....
+lifeinthailand
Thanks Paul.
You can get kits here but like most things it's far cheaper to do it yourself.
Let me know if you want to have a crack. Have sent over a bit of gear over to Thailand & Cambodia. Works out cheaper than getting it delivered from North America a few expats have told me ;)
Cheers mate.
+Anne
Have had a few folks ask so might try & work something out. Are you in SE Queensland?
Have had a few request so it might be something I add to the list of goods we sell in our blog store 👍 Will post a clip once it happens but I wouldn't hold your breath 😉
Cheers.
Hi Rob Bob's, I have recently moved to Brisbane and very new to Aquaponics, I was going to enrol in the Murray Hallam course but figured after watching your videos that I should just dive in and get my hands dirty. I have watched this video a few times and I am starting to put together a shopping list required to do this build. I was just wondering (A few things) if a complete list exists for this build already? Also if this build is still current based upon your learning over the past few years since making this video. I am based up in Strathpine and would love to rack your brain over some beers sometime!
Hi Rob, have watched this video about 10 times and today went and bought an ibc and all the plumbing to build one like this one. Planning on having Marron and not sure what sort of fish yet. Thanks heaps for all the info, it has been heaps helpful.
Nice one Timmy. Hope the build came together without a hitch.
Cheers & happy growing.
I’ve started my own backyard system and it was a hit. I’ve shared a few vids
on my channel
I couldn't see them there sorry mate.
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm. Here the link, not sure if the helps. Let me know what you think. th-cam.com/video/fdlfTO_dJO0/w-d-xo.html
Hey Rob, first off great video. Second noticed the plane at the end of the video and realised you live very close to me. Small world. Have a great one.
West if Brisbane at Ippy. 😉
Cheers.
@@RobsAquaponics Leichhardt myself.
North Ippy 👍
This is the best video I have found. I will also be purchasing your beginners guide also when we get started in the spring!
Thanks Sarah. Hope you find the guide just as helpful.
I do have a playlist with some other tours that might help you out with some ideas.
th-cam.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYgscZSEviNBv2TB03Ou5E3I.html
Cheers & all the best with your build.
Thanks Rob cut one up in the weekend very easy to follow your instructions,Just waiting on pump and plumbing cant wait to have it up and running Thanks heaps,Rodd nz
Hey Rod.
How did the build go for you mate?
Cheers & have a top one.
Thank you for this video. It was the best video and most detailed instruction video I have watched for building a starter IBC system. Very awesome! I feel like I can actually attempt this now.
I'm glad it has helped you out some Ladorna. Have you started to plan your first build?
Cheers & all the best.
Rob.
This winter I will work on getting it built and plumbed so that next spring I can be ready. This summer I made SIPS and grew tomatoes and spinach.
Nice one Ladorna. We've grown some great veggies in our self watering beds.
Cheers.
I did one of these in 2011 and it has been running ever since. I have 2 plecostomus to handle the algae and use a pond filter to take care of the solids.
Nice one CG 👍 Mum has said that she's getting a bit of solids build up in her bed. I think it may need a bit of a clean out before we add on the rest of the beds, filter & tanks.
Cheers mate.
We did our first chop and flip. So far doing great! Waiting for our fish to arrive, but rest of system is up and running!
Nice one D&M. 👍
Cheers & happy growing folks.
Best and easiest way for us to set up our first small aquaponics system before we go larger. Thank you so much Rob. Helped us heaps! 👍🏼
Am glad I could help some Rose Bud. 👍
Hope the build goes smoothly for you. 🐟🥦🌱
I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Thank you for sharing. Your gardens are INCREDIBLE! Jeepers! I wish I could get to that point! I must be doing something wrong. Im just starting aquaponics w/betta jars. I can get a seed or 2 to sprout in my rock wool & hydroton, then -poof! It’s dead! Never going to get fresh herbs or lettuce at this rate! Our betta jars were supposed to practice so I can build the system you build here IF I could successfully grow anything in betta jars.
I think you need to take the plunge & build a slightly larger system Valerie. The small betta fish just don't consume enough food to properly feed a plant unfortunately.
I know a lot of folks post articles on them but it's just more a gimmick than a practical growing method.
Hope you get to have a crack at a larger system soon.
Thanks SO MUCH! Cheers!
Definitely a lot of great information. I could have improved my system by watching this FIRST! I'll just have to make some changes now. I could have probably saved myself the drama of the big fish die-off that I had a week ago too! Live and learn. Thanks for the video! Loved it!
+David Morales
Hi David & am glad it's helped in some way mate 👍
Sorry about the die off. Do you know what caused it?
I'm still not sure. Killed everything except for 7 goldfish. I won't introduce any new fish until I find out.
+David Morales
Have you added the new fish yet mate ?
No, not yet. I still have a few, about seven, goldfish that have survived, but I am making some changes to my aquaponics system. I'm going to wait until I am all finished with them. In the mean time, I've been using the tank water to feed my container gardens. No waste here!
Great explanation, you demystify and speak in laymen's language, well done, I am on my way to starting my Aquaponics system thanks to you :)
Hope the build goes well for you Keith. 👍
You are very smart and creative
Thanks 😁👍
learned a lot from your aquaponic system, plus it has no big drama.
Thanks Green Beans.
Have a top one mate.
This is the best and most in depth diy I have ever seen and I’m totally going to be able to build one thanks to this.
Am glad it's helped some Squiggles. 👍
انت رائع وخلوق تمنيت ان يكون في بلادي مئة رجل مثلك , بارك الله فيك .
مرحبا.
آمل أن يساعد الفيديو في منحك بعض الأفكار المفيدة.
شكرا وتمتع بيوم جيد.
(google translate)
Hi.
I hope the video helped give you a few useful ideas.
Thanks & have a great day.
Thanks Rob. This is very helpful. The wife has been asking for one of these. You're a lifesaver, matey.
Still hoping you have a crack at one Ian as I'd like to see what you come up with 😉
Much appreciate sharing your passion and offering us the chance to learn from your experience mate 👍Much peace and love from Germany
Thanks George. 👍
Cheers mate & have a top one.
Great videos. Love all your little tips like grinding off the edges and not cutting all the way through the tanks.
Glad you like them WeCan. 👍
Hope the build goes smoothly for you f you have a crack at a system.
Thanks for talking metric ! Good job cobber.
No problem Paul.
Cheers & have a top one mate.
Excellent instructional video! Thank you for sharing.
Glad it was helpful Brett.
Hope the build goes smoothly for you when the time comes.
Well done Rob!
Thanks Perry. Hope it gave you a few useful ideas.
Cheers mate.
THAT was awesome. Brilliant presentation.
Thanks Michael.
Have a top one. 👍
Seems simple. I have a pump already that was for my saltwater tank, but it's not running anymore. Thanks for the awesome info
No problem mate.
Hope the build goes well for you. 👍
Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🌱
Thank you. I'm about to select my pump, you gave me some excellent things to consider.
Glad I could help Andrew.
I love going back through your old content. You really do make excellent content mate. Much appreciated.
Thanks Warren again Warren. 👍
Cheers mate.
As always, we enjoyed the video and the info. That perennial basil is looking good!
Cheers - Brian & Sandra
Thanks Brian & Sandra.
Have trimmed that plant right back but I think it will survive Winter OK in that spot.
Cheers & all the best to you both.
Rob.
perfect, very well explained and from her we can make any modifications we want according with what materials we can find
Thanks Leonardo. Hope the build goes well for you if you have a crack at your own system.
Cheers.
Rob
Thanks! Loads of good info and easy to understand!
Glad it was helpful P & W. 😁👍
You could take that red screw cap of and put some PFT plumbing tape on the thread and screw it back on and then silicone as well to doubly prevent leaks.
I live here in Chico small town beuitiful trees just love this house and very awesome
Cheers. 👍
Thanks Mate, Started my first unit today, cut and setting up, Philippines.
Hope the build went smoothly mate.
Cheers Noel.
You're awesome at what you do and maybe even better at teaching it.
Thanks for all the knowledge!
Thanks BX. 👍👍
Cheers & happy growing.
greetings from Guyana, Rob Bob very informative and creative build, thank you.
Hi Anthony & thanks mate.
Hope the build goes well for you if you have a crack at one.
Cheers.
excellent walk through. made the system seem a lot less complex to the average folk. oh i mean me.
Thanks for sharing!!
+Adam Craig
Thanks Adam.
Cheers & have a great one.
Hi Rob,
Do you have a video for installing two grow beds for one IBC fish tank? Your video's are very helpful thanks!
I don't sorry Don. If you were to use 2 grow beds I would go with a larger fish tanks to make sure that there's water in there at all times if the beds are being run as flood & drain. 👍
Cheers.
Hi Rob Thanks for the practical and informative clip on starting in aquaponics. Have just completed my first chop and flip following your lead and all is going well. The plan is to add more grow beds and to convert my old garden beds into wicking ones all in good time. I have found you instructions clear and easy to follow and I know where I'll be coming for information when the time for expansion comes. Regards Konrad Newcastle NSW
Konrad Kandlbinder
Is great to hear the clips have helped you out some Konrad. What fish are you looking at using in the system?
Cheers & happy growing. 🐟🌱🌱
Going to start with gold fish because as the system grows it will probably become a sump tank. I'll add a tank with fish for harvesting when I become more confidant all is under control.
Excellent work
Many thanks & hope it helps you out with a few ideas.
Cheers.
What I really like about this setup is the readymade pallet for moving. Not to mention the square/rectangular shape to form rows.
I really enjoy your presentations I love your enthusiasm and great knowledge of the subject great job.
Glad you like them Phil.
Cheers. 👍
excellent tutorial in full details,just wanna know those small brown balls what do you call them and where can i buy them sir,thaks
The plants are growing in a fired clay pebble called "Lightweight expanded clay aggregate" or LECA for short . Most hydroponic stores will sell it as will some of the larger garden supply companies.
Hope that helps some Remigio.
Excellent Video and an epic beard might i add. I had a modified one of these at my old home but we moved about a year ago. Still have all the pieces and I think you inspired me to get it back up and working. Love your channel. Keep doing what you doing.
+jblah72
Hi there & thanks 👍
Hope the system goes well for you once it's up & running mate.
Cheers.
Im 16 and im trying to learn a lot about aquaponics, seems fun. Do you think shade balls could stop algae growth?
I don't think they would be a good idea as they might reduce the amount of air exchange at the surface. As long as the top of the tank is shaded from direct sun you shouldn't have many issues.
Hi, Rob great video thanks. I built this as shown and the bell syphon worked perfectly until I filled the tub with gravel and clay balls, the water then just flowed through the dump pi[pe and didn't fill to the top, what do you think could have changed?
Sounds like you're having flow rate issues OF. Try slowing the flow down a bit & that should help to break the siphon.
Let me know how you get on.
Another great video. I really like how you explain everything and fast forward thru the build to keep it interesting. I don't know how you can switch back and forth between metric and US measurements so easily, but that is helpful. Thanks
+Greens&Gills Greenhouse - G3
I grew up hearing dad work in imperial at his factory so measurements aren't that hard. Volumes still get me though ;-)
Glad you liked the clip.
Cheers.
mate, thankyou. just about to start my first one and have looked at a fair few vids.
you have broken it all down and explained what 'i think' i need to know ...so far lol
very appreciative ... will follow for more info ... and let the ads run till the end so you get a few cents too :)
cheers :)
Hi Jay.
Hope the build is going well for you mate & hope the clips help you with a few useful ideas.
Thank but there's no need to sit through the ad's 👍 😉
Cheers & have a great one.
Rob.
Can you grow other vegetables too or it’s only for lettuce? If yes what kind of vegetables? Thank you. Helpful video.
Hi Same Tefera. We grow all sorts & will be planting some potatoes in a new modified bed this week.
The most recent video will give you some idea.
This link skips the potato harvest & takes you straight to the aquaponics section,
th-cam.com/video/KS7nvOnrT68/w-d-xo.html
Cheers & happy growing.
@@RobsAquaponics Thank you much
Hi Rob, Thank you so much for the wonderful Video. The most detailed and explained. Also glad, that you are in Aus.
No problem Saru. Hope the clips give you a few useful ideas you can use on your own build at some point.
Cheers.
Best idea sir thank you for your helpful video 🙏
No problem mate. 👍
Cheers & all the best.
could you fill half the grow bed with rock then the top half with clay pebbles? ( to save a little money)
Have done that in another bed Robert & it worked well. 👍
Cheers mate.
Good job, dude! Thanks for your video.
No problem & happy growing mate. 👍🌱🐟
great work rob..
very soon im going to give it a go.. going to uses your guide
You have the best instructions
I'm glad you're finding the videos helpful GP. 👍
A slight tip to a problem I've experienced. Very often I have to lift the venturi cover ( hope that is correct) to get it draining properly. I had a thought that it is randomly lifting/floating, thus not working correctly. So, yesterday I put a rock on top for weight to prevent any lift.....it is now working consistently
Hey Kumadude. If it works, go with I say. It sounds like you have the drain pipe sloping slightly uphill from the downpipe in the bell siphon.
Howdy Rob, you are correct, I stupidly cut the ibc centre support beam, thus it is at a slight angle. I also stupidly did not stick the base on solid flat base and thus every year or so I have to jack it up and stick some hardwood under to level it all out. After time the wood bugs and everything else perishes that wood base and I start again. Can't complain too much fishing is now great in the river behind my backyard, trout Murray cod and eel tail catfish.
Hi sir. All of your videos really inspired me with all the details included. Am living in Lebanon. Have started my small aquaponic container with one strawbery plant and a couple of basil plants, and just seeded a few seeds of parsley and they started to show above the clay pellets. What I would like to know when starting a new system if it is advisable to start to settle the fish first before planting or to plant the growing bed then add the fish? Your advise is really appreciated.
Hey Samir. I think it's probably better for beginners to cycle the system before adding fish. An easy way to do this is by adding a little bit of fish food every day as you would if there was fish in there. That will provide food for the naturally occurring bacteria so they will colonise the beds. I think it's a good idea to get an aquarium test kit to measure the levels of ammonia, nitrite & nitrate so you know when the system has cycled so you can safely add the fish.
Hope that helps some.
Rob, ive been building that ibcs for years here in philippines for others... You know... I can suggest that you can just flip the frame of the upper portion of ibc (growbed) so that you dont need to put epoxy on the inner tube opening of the frame. Just flip only the frame and drill holes so that the straight tube will have hole to put on the bolt...
I did the same with the last few I built.
Cheers Robhie. 👍
Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm thats cool sir... Thought you still havnt figured out. Hehehe... Thanks for the info sir.
Thanks a lot for taking the time!
No problem Bill.👍👍
Cheers mate & happy growing.
Thanks very much for your insights. This is a system I am setting up based off your videos. It will be set up at Medlow Bath in the blue mountains at 1050m above sea level.
Thought I could add photos 🙂
You can't here sorry Steve. Hopefully TH-cam will allow folks to post pictures in the community tab in the future.
Hope the build goes smoothly for you.
Cheers.
Hi Mr Rob love the video I am astounded do all that happens I'd the bed fills with water n drains n the plants grow how do you know how much water or how fast it should fill
Hi there. The total volume of the fish tank needs to be run through the media in the grow beds at least once per hour to clean it for the fish, which in this case is about 600 lph. Other than that the only other factor you need to take into consideration is how much water flow you need to operate the siphon efficiently.
Hope that helps some.
Hello Rob, trying to find an alternative media. Something cheap, I was wondering if pine cones would suffice? I understand they will break down eventually and I'm ok with that. Tia
I would stay away from anything that may breakdown as it will eventually impede water flow. They may also play havoc with the pH sending it far too high.
Sorry I missed your post & it took so long to respond.
Hi Rob, what about ammonia? Thanks for your reply
The ammonia is processed by the oxidising bacteria that colonise the grow media.
This video might help explain it a bit better.
th-cam.com/video/b3KMLZiWYns/w-d-xo.html
Hope that helps some.
great video mate. inspired to give it a go. it's a bit colder here in the Uk so I'll be looking to cover it up and have cold water fish.
Nice one Richard 👍 I've seen they're selling tilapia there in the Uk too. Would need to heat the unit somehow to keep those fellas happy though.
Cheers & have fun with the build.
I wonder if you could add a venturi to the output of your siphon.
Don't think it's needed as the splashing water would add more than enough O2 for a properly stocked system. 👍
Then again, folks do say you can never have too much O2 in a backyard system.😉
Really good video! level headed and precise build instructions. Just about to start my first IBC system and you taught me so much, Thank you .
Nice one Wilksy01.
Hope the build went well mate. 👍
Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🌱