3-tote system - Design questions and pump size questions

[Blake Allen]

Hi guys,

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW-v25G-LOA

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:

https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656380185?prof...

As well as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtP68IhLTOA

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? 

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.

[Jeff S]

Radial Flow filter. With a lot of fish you'll probably need one to separate a lot of the solids before they hit your GB. Keeps your beds from gunking up. Or you can throw a lot of red wiggler worms in your beds to break down the poop. They will actually enhance your nutrients too. Lots of neat things you can do.LOL

Michael Garver Jr. said:

the only thing I didn't catch is what "rff" stands for