Hot tub

[juell seidel]

Hey everybody I'm just starting a project and am looking at a hot tub that needs work so thinking that might be of some use for my fish. I live in colorado and would be able to keep the water from freezing. I think it could work any ideas would be helpful. I know I would have to replumb some but seems like it would work thanks for your ideas  Juell

[David]

My brother started his system in his little used spa. It worked great until he decided to go bigger. No need to change the plumbing unless you want to use a solids lift overflow (SLO) drain. That is my preference but depending on your growbed and spa volume, you can just throw a sump pump into the spa and have the beds drain back in. That's what he did and it was an easy way to get started.

Good luck!

[juell seidel]

thanks David I think this will hold 2 or 3 hundred gallons. It's pretty big. I found a green house today so will have to start thinking about grow beds also. 

[Jeff S]

While it's nice to use what you have an IBC tank might be more practical long term. Lots of info out there on the how to's and would probably use less space in a greenhouse than a hot tub. I use IBCs for fish and grow beds. Simple construction.

[juell seidel]

You are probably right but I'm to cheap to throw away anything useable.

[Jeff S]

That's how I got into aquaponics. I saw a video on it and said " hey I've got 2 IBC tanks. I can do that" The rest is history. But I have found IBCs to be the most simple and cost effective way for me. I found a source for them @ $35 each. Typically they're around $75 but you can get 2 nice GBs from each one. Food grade is nice but not necessary.

[juell seidel]

I'm also thinking about not having it inside the green house. Haven't set anything up yet probably take a couple of months. May be even putting it in the ground, I need to put in some type of foundation for the house. maybe concrete or treated lumber. could you send me pictures of your grow beds. I found a place that sells used equiptment so will look there also.

[David]

One 275 IBC, cut. Two 55 gal barrels cut in half. Two 55 gal barrels on side for sump. One 30 gal barrel for RFF filter. Food grade IBC / drums purchased used from re-sale supplier. 18 channel catfish. The IBC and sump are insulated to help stabilize water temp.
 
juell seidel said:

I'm also thinking about not having it inside the green house. Haven't set anything up yet probably take a couple of months. May be even putting it in the ground, I need to put in some type of foundation for the house. maybe concrete or treated lumber. could you send me pictures of your grow beds. I found a place that sells used equiptment so will look there also.