Building system help/questions

[Andrew]

Hello all,

I am new to aquaponics so please forgive me if I ask silly questions.

I have experience in maintaining aquariums so I understand the cycle process and all that.

I'm looking at constructing my own system, not sure on gallon size, I'm thinking 30-75 range.

Is there any good instructions with photos for building one? I'm more of a visual person so its hard to understand how to piece it together with out good photos.

From what I've researched is it necessary to drill holes 2 inch by 2 inch in the bottom of the grow bed? I would like to raise the bed off the tank for support and easier access to tank for feeding, cleaning/water changes if needed.

For the return pipe from grow bed to tank is it better for straight run or do 45 runs?

How far up would you put return pipe & pump input?

Do you trust your system or do you add a emergency return line for safety.

How would you calculate pump from fish tank to grow bed volume? And size of grow bed for size of tank?

How would you decided if a grow bed or say rafter would be a better option? ( I'm thinking starting with herbs and working up to lettuce , peppers etc.)

If placed in front of window with sun in morning to noon/1 area would lights be required? If so what would you recommend?

Would you block back of tank to help slow algee build up or just get algee eatters?

[Andrew]

I am getting a 40 gallon tank from my friend. I'm looking at getting a 53x29x4 grow tray.

[George]

Whatever your mind can conceive, you can build but you must have sufficient aeration and bio-filtering.  Media Beds can provide lots of bio-filtering but whether adequate would be determined by fish load and feeding.

Should you go with a media bed, there are at least three options for water return to fish tank, (1) continuous flood, (2) timed flood and drain and (3) siphon.  I can't speak to siphon but options 2 and 3 don't require a specific size of hole, only a hole adequate to drain the water volume pumped to grow bed.  

I've read that you can grow lettuce with tap water and a candle so although you may be limited in what you can grow, you can use light from your window.

Generally it is recommended that tanks be shaded but your choice.

good luck