Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-29T08:27:09ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaashttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2808637422?profile=original&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topic/listForContributor?groupUrl=ibc-aquaponics&user=2vhmivsdpsi0e&feed=yes&xn_auth=noAdding more sump tanks - question!tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2017-02-25:4778851:Topic:6396522017-02-25T14:41:35.931ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>Hello,<br></br><br></br>I have the following IBC Tote setup (covered in another thread here) <a href="http://imgur.com/a/kU75t">http://imgur.com/a/kU75t</a> and I need to add another sump tank for additional water capacity and I've burned out 2 pumps now as I just quite dont have enough total sump capacity.<br></br><br></br>I started to dig another hole next to my existing sump to connect them via the 2" ball valve on the bottom. I hit my septic tanks drain field and had to stop. Now Im stuck and need some…</p>
<p>Hello,<br/><br/>I have the following IBC Tote setup (covered in another thread here) <a href="http://imgur.com/a/kU75t">http://imgur.com/a/kU75t</a> and I need to add another sump tank for additional water capacity and I've burned out 2 pumps now as I just quite dont have enough total sump capacity.<br/><br/>I started to dig another hole next to my existing sump to connect them via the 2" ball valve on the bottom. I hit my septic tanks drain field and had to stop. Now Im stuck and need some help!</p>
<p><br/>Is there a way to connect a new IBC tote to a sunken IBC tote and have them work together as 1 large sump? I am completely puzzled and stuck on this, I cant think of how it would work without having to add another pump to the system or re-plumb nearly everything.<br/><br/>Any help would be greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p><br/>Thanks!<br/><br/></p>
<p>--Blake</p> Got my IBC system up, having a plumbing problem...tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-06-09:4778851:Topic:6312062016-06-09T01:03:30.703ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>Hello! Ive just got my new system up and running and your seeing my plumping in the middle of a rework. Before I cut to many pipes and give myself a bigger headache I thought I'd ask the community to help verify what might be going on and ensure I am solving the problem in the right way.</p>
<p>The system can be seen here: <a href="http://imgur.com/a/kU75t">http://imgur.com/a/kU75t</a></p>
<p>Where I am currently at: I Have a sump tank with a single pump in it pumping upwards. This splits in…</p>
<p>Hello! Ive just got my new system up and running and your seeing my plumping in the middle of a rework. Before I cut to many pipes and give myself a bigger headache I thought I'd ask the community to help verify what might be going on and ensure I am solving the problem in the right way.</p>
<p>The system can be seen here: <a href="http://imgur.com/a/kU75t">http://imgur.com/a/kU75t</a></p>
<p>Where I am currently at: I Have a sump tank with a single pump in it pumping upwards. This splits in 3 places - about 25% up to a return back into the sump tank, about 75% up it connects over to the plumping that feeds the grow bed. Then at the top it dumps into the fish tank. The fish tank drains from a gravity drain back directly to the sump, keeping the water level in the fish tank constant. The 3 grow beds are all flood/drain systems setup with a bell siphon, all working correctly.</p>
<p>My issue: Over time the water coming out at the top of the pipe, into the fish tank loses power and eventually stops. This means no water making it to the fish and is obviously a bad thing. If I stop/Start the pump, plenty of water making it to the fish, good power, etc. I assume this is because I have bleeds located below this point and over time gravity wins and takes all the flow into this pipes instead.</p>
<p>My idea to fix: I am guessing that I need to run all piping to the maximum high (top of fish tank) then T from there and have it feed down to the grow beds and seperately into the fish tank, that way 100% of the water makes it to the maximum height and is then just forked to its ultimate path.</p>
<p>Anything else that can cause this? Im assuming this is due to the waterlevel fluctuating in the lower sump tank so the head heigh is variable. When the sump is very low (when the top tanks are all about to drain) the pump has to work harder to push another foot or two upwards which results in lower flow to the top? Any way to work around this? Am I misunderstanding the problem?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p> Storing Fish Watertag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-05-17:4778851:Topic:6296992016-05-17T03:00:04.926ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>I'm planning to drain and clean my IBC fish tank but due to the amount of rain we've had I don't want to put it on my gardens right now. Is there any reason I shouldn't put in in my rain storage tank for future use in the gardens?</p>
<p>I'm planning to drain and clean my IBC fish tank but due to the amount of rain we've had I don't want to put it on my gardens right now. Is there any reason I shouldn't put in in my rain storage tank for future use in the gardens?</p> How flexible are IBM Totes?tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-12-31:4778851:Topic:6205882015-12-31T11:57:24.239ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>I need to bring 3 totes into basement.</p>
<p>I will be cutting off the top 1 foot.</p>
<p>How flexible are the totes to fold back to get through a 3' door way?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Would rather not take door jams apart.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Craig</p>
<p>I need to bring 3 totes into basement.</p>
<p>I will be cutting off the top 1 foot.</p>
<p>How flexible are the totes to fold back to get through a 3' door way?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Would rather not take door jams apart.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Craig</p> Requesting help with media/plantstag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-08-15:4778851:Topic:6133172015-08-15T18:01:56.490ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>Hi there, my IBC tote system is functioning well, fish are getting bigger(started with goldfish) and plant growth is amazing however fruit production is disappointing to say the least. Several posts recommended hand pollination and i tried but almost no female flowers to pollinate squash, peas or cucumbers and shaking tomato plants hasnt helped. Tiny hot peppers are great as is rosemary and basil. I took a picture of the media which is building up a layer of "thatch" and roots to the…</p>
<p>Hi there, my IBC tote system is functioning well, fish are getting bigger(started with goldfish) and plant growth is amazing however fruit production is disappointing to say the least. Several posts recommended hand pollination and i tried but almost no female flowers to pollinate squash, peas or cucumbers and shaking tomato plants hasnt helped. Tiny hot peppers are great as is rosemary and basil. I took a picture of the media which is building up a layer of "thatch" and roots to the point where water isnt penetrating in those areas. I moved the water pipe to a "cleaner" area and that seems fine but</p>
<p>is the "thatch" something I need to remove(picture attached)?</p>
<p>how many plants in general for a 4 x 4 clay pellet media bed(I may have over planted)?</p>
<p>Which plants are best to produce aquaponically in a greenhouse?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks to all who have been generous with responses in the past. </p>
<p>My inclination is to remove the existing plants and start again.</p>
<p></p> IBC Tank Drain - Fish Screentag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-08-02:4778851:Topic:6120472015-08-02T00:03:17.425ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>I saw someone use the IBC drain as the solids outlet run out to a sweeping 90 to veritcal into a radial flow filter. Thought that was a great way to go until it was time to put fish in... hmmm, how do I keep the fish in the tank?</p>
<p>Looking for ideas of how to screen the fish to keep them in the IBC while still allowing "solids" to escape out the drain.</p>
<p>Thanks for any help you can provide! (can you tell I'm new to this? hahahahaha)</p>
<p>I saw someone use the IBC drain as the solids outlet run out to a sweeping 90 to veritcal into a radial flow filter. Thought that was a great way to go until it was time to put fish in... hmmm, how do I keep the fish in the tank?</p>
<p>Looking for ideas of how to screen the fish to keep them in the IBC while still allowing "solids" to escape out the drain.</p>
<p>Thanks for any help you can provide! (can you tell I'm new to this? hahahahaha)</p> Update to my IBC systemtag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-07-19:4778851:Topic:6109602015-07-19T14:09:41.935ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p> Plants are doing amazing. Peas growing all over the rafters, squash growing over the media bed, down to the floor, tomatoes tied up to the rafter and flowers everywhere however, fruit production has been extremely poor. 3 tomatoes, one huge cucumber, several smaller squash not growing very much, the chiltepin peppers have lots growing but thats about it. I added a 50% shade cloth, exhaust and input fan at opposite ends of the greenhouse. Water is staying in the low 80's. Fish seem to…</p>
<p> Plants are doing amazing. Peas growing all over the rafters, squash growing over the media bed, down to the floor, tomatoes tied up to the rafter and flowers everywhere however, fruit production has been extremely poor. 3 tomatoes, one huge cucumber, several smaller squash not growing very much, the chiltepin peppers have lots growing but thats about it. I added a 50% shade cloth, exhaust and input fan at opposite ends of the greenhouse. Water is staying in the low 80's. Fish seem to be more or less active depending on the PH. About 12 died in April and May, lost only one since and they are growing. I shake the tomato plants for pollination but shaking all the plants doesnt seem to be doing anything so I am thrilled with the plants but disappointed in the production. Adding about 10 gallons of water a day due to evaporation, filling two 5 gallon pails in the morning and then putting that water in the tank the next morning. </p>
<p>Any recommendations to increase the production? Is hand pollination the only way and is it different for each type of plant? Thanks to all for your help. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Mike</p> Source for IBC Totes in North Pugt soundtag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-06-22:4778851:Topic:6087982015-06-22T17:17:32.564ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>They usually have 2 or 3 available each week.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><a href="mailto:jon@mtbakervapor.com"><font color="#0563C1">jon@mtbakervapor.com</font></a><br></br> <span class="baec5a81-e4d6-4674-97f3-e9220f0136c1" style="white-space: nowrap;">(253) 269-2928…</span></span></p>
<p>They usually have 2 or 3 available each week.</p>
<p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><a href="mailto:jon@mtbakervapor.com"><font color="#0563C1">jon@mtbakervapor.com</font></a><br/> <span class="baec5a81-e4d6-4674-97f3-e9220f0136c1" style="white-space: nowrap;">(253) 269-2928<a title="Call: (253) 269-2928" style="margin: 0px; border: currentColor; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 16px; height: 16px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: middle; float: none; display: inline; white-space: nowrap; xg-p: static !important;"><img title="Call: (253) 269-2928" style="margin: 0px; border: currentColor; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 16px; height: 16px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: middle; float: none; display: inline; white-space: nowrap; xg-p: static !important;"/></a></span><br/> 3715 Irongate Rd, Bellingham, Wa</span></p>
<p></p> 3-tote system - Design questions and pump size questionstag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-01-25:4778851:Topic:5944122015-01-25T14:30:26.988ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p><br></br>Long time luker, first time posting. I made a small 50 gallon system out of two large tupperware containers that worked great for about a year. I've sinced moved homes and my system broke in the move. I took this as a sign it was time to upgrade! I've purchased 3 275Gal IBC totes to use in making a system. I was looking to get two to follow this design:…<br></br><br></br></p>
<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p><br/>Long time luker, first time posting. I made a small 50 gallon system out of two large tupperware containers that worked great for about a year. I've sinced moved homes and my system broke in the move. I took this as a sign it was time to upgrade! I've purchased 3 275Gal IBC totes to use in making a system. I was looking to get two to follow this design:<br/><br/><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW-v25G-LOA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW-v25G-LOA</a><br/><br/>But when I went to buy they offered me a great deal if I took a 3rd tote and I figured bigger is always better :) In looking around youtube I am having a harder time finding a 3 tote design. Here are two that sparked my interest:</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656380185?profile=original" rel="nofollow">http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656380185?profile=original</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>As well as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtP68IhLTOA" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtP68IhLTOA<br/><br/></a></p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with a 3+ tote system that could advise me as to the best layout? I am stuck between the idea of 1 tote being fully for a fishtank (where you just cut a hole in the top to acces the fish, so you do not create a growbed from this tote) the 2nd tote you would cut a grow bed out of and the other side would be my sump tank. And I am torn on what to do with the 3rd tank. Do I make another fish tank? Another grow+fish? or cut it into two grow beds? <br/><br/>Lastly - what size pipe should I expect to use with the IBCs to move enough water to the grow bed from the sumps? I see most people doing 1" to push water around and 2" for returns. Any suggestions around pump size would be greatly appreciated as well.<br/><br/><br/></p> What size PVC pipe and threads for IBC tote bottom valve?tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2014-09-27:4778851:Topic:5802922014-09-27T04:12:38.918ZCasey Haashttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/CaseyHaas
<p>I was told the bottom valve on my IBC totes were 2" pipe thread so I went to the store and got the PVC 2" pipe female connectors thinking they would screw right on. I cannot even get them started. Is this a standard size for IBC totes or do they differ by manufacturer? Anyone have any ideas or am I missing something? What is anyone using to connect to the bottom valve?</p>
<p>I was told the bottom valve on my IBC totes were 2" pipe thread so I went to the store and got the PVC 2" pipe female connectors thinking they would screw right on. I cannot even get them started. Is this a standard size for IBC totes or do they differ by manufacturer? Anyone have any ideas or am I missing something? What is anyone using to connect to the bottom valve?</p>