Aquaponics Plumbing Crunch Time

[carlyai]

Just knocked my hole in the fishery room to extend the pipes to the sump in the greenhouse etc. 

Now time to connect up the pipes to the filter, add water and fix all the leaks.

So initially I'll have the fish part split from the growth beds and sump in the greenhouse. The drain water from the fish tanks will go via the pump to the filter and back to the fish tanks.

If it all works I'll throw in some fish and see what happens.

Let's have a look Timetogrow ????

[Crossy]

What sort of fish stocking density are you looking at?

 

Aeration? 

 

What type of fish?

 

You'll need nets / covers to stop your precious fish comitting suicide.

 

Are you going for float beds or media (or a combination)?

 

Looking forwards to progress reports.

 

[carlyai]

3 hours ago, Crossy said:

What sort of fish stocking density are you looking at?

 

Aeration? 

 

What type of fish?

 

You'll need nets / covers to stop your precious fish comitting suicide.

 

Are you going for float beds or media (or a combination)?

 

Looking forwards to progress reports.

 

Hi Crossy.

 

Fish type: Talapia (taptim I think). At first then Baramundi.

Stocking Density: Becaùse of the huge filter media area, I was thinking of 100 fish per 1000 L tank. 

Aeration: Is from the 3/4 " pipe plumbed in already. Air pump, top right. 

Nets are a go.

Media is clay balls...big surface area and lots of bacteria colonization.

Not to sure of my filter pump sizing as yet, but would normally be able to turn over 2000 L/H, but with the bubble bead filter you have to size for filter flow and not the fish tanks volume. Have analogue flow controls which should fix that.:)

 

 

[carlyai]

Got the plumbing and leaks sorted (surprisingly few leaks, but of coarse in the most difficult place). 

All working OK. 

Next job to check the flow rate (should be 2000 LPH) and square up the installation. I installed a 4000 lph water pump (provision for 2, one backup). I'm not sure if I'm getting the required flow rate due to the filter and pipe resistance but will do the bucket test today.

Found a few places that sell Taptin fingerlings, and plan to make a trip soon. Think I'll start with 30 in each tank....see what happens. 

Got my fresh water test kit, never been used and has exceeded the expiry date, but will use it and also see what happens.

I think once I get the fish going I'll have to concentrate on backup power. I have to extend my diesel genset power to the garage as it only works for the house at the moment and install the long overdue auto start/stop.