Comment

Comment by wes on March 17, 2011 at 11:30am

Wow that is encouraging. I built two grow beds 7' by 4' by 12' deep out of 3/4 ply wood, that’s why I asked about the thickness. These beds are very heavy but will last for a long while. I also made two sump tanks with 3/4 plywood 25"long 4' wide by 21" deep and they didn't sag in the middle either. I am trying to see how thin I can go with the wood in future and still have good water holding capacity. I also researched friendly’s micro aquaponics system by getting their manual and there systems seem to be the best for on the ground low cost beds for DWT. They use 1/4 " plywood and the ground for the bottom and liner an put stakes every 4' on the sides for water support and those systems rock with being able to hold the water with no problems.

Comment by Greg Fox Jr on March 17, 2011 at 10:47am

I will say that when the beds are full of media and water the bow out a little in the middle, however it looks like the design will hold.  Hopefully the construction will last for a while.  Lumber + water + time = trouble, but it was the best I could do with little budget.  I've been researching fiberglass mold forming.  Seems pretty straight forward, if not very much toxic...

Comment by Greg Fox Jr on March 17, 2011 at 10:42am

1/4" plywood with 2x4 reinforcement and 1/4 trim around the rim.

Comment by wes on March 17, 2011 at 8:21am

Wow a very clean and professional looking job. What is the thickness of the plywood you used???