IBC - Best ways to cut out them??!!!

[Roger Pilon]

Hi!

I have 4 IBC ready to be cut out. My challenge is how to cut them without making a mess.Some of them will be dedicated for media growing system, some for DWC.

 

For DWC system, I know that I will need a minimum of 12 inches, plus an additional 2 inches for Styrofoam panel on top of that. Correct?

 

On the other hand, for media system a 12 inches height is recommended.

 

The challenge is to find the best way to cut these IBC tanks and for DWC see and for media system. You see I am very good as messing up things. This is why I'm asking advices before proceeding.

 

Merci!

 

Roger Pilon

[k edmonds]

Hi Roger,

 

I used a Oscillating multi-tool.  It took slightly longer to cut than if using a circular saw, but it allows more control and does not throw shavings all over.  They are available at all the big box stores.  Mine came from Harbor Freight and cost around $30.00 plus another $10-12 for an extra blade.  I have been cutting all my IBC's and barrels with it, works great for me.

Kip

[CliveP]

Hi Roger,

 

I've gotten pretty good results cutting an IBC with a RotoZip rotary saw - at least the tank. I am planning to try a 4 1/2" angle grinder with a metal cutting disc for the frame.

 

Clive

[Kobus Jooste]

I have found that a small angle grinder with a thin metal cutting disc is very useful tor cutting through anything aquaponic - pvc pipes, barrels, tanks, steel frames etc.  Just watch out for molten plastic if you allow the disc to stand still in one spot for too long, such as when you cut through a really thick tank or plastic pressure vessel.  In stead of shavings you end up with a fine powder to clean up, but that is not such a big issue.

[Roger Pilon]

I want to thank you all for the answers. Now, I feel more confident about cutting these I BC. No, I have another question. 

 

Question,

 

What is the best way to cut off the top, not in terms of tools, but in terms of design?

 

A) Is it better to cut the top off up to where the walls of the tank become straight (180)?

 

B) is it better to keep the round angles and just cut everything on the real top of the tank? in other words, you keep the 4 round border plastic angle intact and you just cut a straight square on the very very top of the tank.

 

Bottom line, do you keep the corners, the round ones or  do you take them off keeping just as a final project the straight 4 walls (no round corners)?

 

Thanks

 

Roger

[Sahib Punjabi]

Namaste Roger,

 

You may have already read this. Just in case you have not, there is a great article in the latest magazine (issue # 10), of Backyard Aquaponics that is available via this website - see link below.

 

I am starting my Phase II of my Aquaponic Research Fish Farm and will be using two IBC totes that I will not be cutting but using the full tanks. I am going to insulate them with foam board and build a siding frame around them. On the top I will use the 4x2 HydroTex or Botanicare Black tray (or similar) as a grow bed (filter). Now that I have read this article in issue # 10, I may consider using a 4x4 tray (may have to build it), and placing it either on rollers or on tracks. I will sharet photos when done :-)

 

http://theaquaponicsource.com/proddetail.php?prod=EMABA010

 

God bless,

 

Roger Pilon said:

I want to thank you all for the answers. Now, I feel more confident about cutting these I BC. No, I have another question. 

 

Question,

 

What is the best way to cut off the top, not in terms of tools, but in terms of design?

 

A) Is it better to cut the top off up to where the walls of the tank become straight (180)?

 

B) is it better to keep the round angles and just cut everything on the real top of the tank? in other words, you keep the 4 round border plastic angle intact and you just cut a straight square on the very very top of the tank.

 

Bottom line, do you keep the corners, the round ones or  do you take them off keeping just as a final project the straight 4 walls (no round corners)?

 

Thanks

 

Roger

[CliveP]

Hi Roger,

 

Are you planning to float your rafts directly on the IBC itself? I'm also planning an IBC based DWC system and reckon that an IBC stocked with 50lb of fish at maturity will support  96 sq ft of raft ( 3 rafts @ 4x8 ft). I'm planning on building a wooden frame holding about 7" of water for the rafts.

 

Clive

[Roger Pilon]

Bonjour CliveP!

 

The aquaponics system I am building now is based on Friendly Aquaponics, it will be a raft system, 12 inches high and only 2 rafts. Later I want to add a media bed to it to make it a mixed system.

 

Roge

CliveP said:

Hi Roger,

 

Are you planning to float your rafts directly on the IBC itself? I'm also planning an IBC based DWC system and reckon that an IBC stocked with 50lb of fish at maturity will support  96 sq ft of raft ( 3 rafts @ 4x8 ft). I'm planning on building a wooden frame holding about 7" of water for the rafts.

 

Clive

[AlbertF]

Is it crazy that I used a circular saw with a cutoff disc to cut thru the steel cage and plastic?
remember to wear a mask and safety goggles!
http://aquaponicsinparadise.com/APforums/index.php?topic=76.0