Hey Chris, I decided on using the configuration I have because it is all gravity fed down to the sump. I had considered putting the sump under the beds in the middle, but with 4 beds I needed a larger sump tank.So, it ended up on the end.
I had some problems and I am glad the sump ended up where it is. So far it is working really well, although I have a lot to learn.
Yes, it is constantly waterd and there is a screened drain on the bottom of the container. Ther perlite wicks the water good enough to keep the entire area moist but not soaked.
Hi there Chris. I grew those Diakon radishes in a top watered perlite bed that was about 20" deep. They grew quick but needed a little more space between them (which is why some are shorter...they were getting shaded out).
I just put holes through each place I needed a pipe to go through, and I used plummers tape on all the pipes. Last year me and my friend used some glue on some pipes, but the problem with that was if anything needs changed you have to cut and reconnect your pipes. This year when I put it back together I used only the tape and it's so much easier. Silly me left spaces between the grow beds because I thought I'd need to get in between them. So then I did what most people do and drilled holes in the top sides and roped them together so they don't push out in any spots. The barrels are not so bad also if you take quartered split pieces of logs and kinda shove them up beside the barrels if you have any problems with them. They have a little curve so it works well with the barrel.
Hi Chris,you ask about my set up. Well I found something like it on you tube. But I didn't at first have much money so I started looking for what I could afford. I did have to build mine upside down compared to the one I saw on you tube, but It worked. I would say one thing, the barrels cut in half can be a pain, so if I could have, I would of used flat containers for my grow beds. If I move I am giving mine to my next door neighbor and starting all over because it is much too much to move, lol. He also loves things like this and has learned about it from me and can't afford to make his own. I am putting Red Nile Tilapia I just bought last week from the store here and they are the healthiest fish I have had so far. Last year I used Gold Fish and then added Bass and Blue Gill someone gave me. peace love
Thanks for joining the Aquaponic Gardening community! I hope you find it a fun place to explore aquaponics. There is a real blend of experienced and new aquapons in this community, so please don’t hesitate to get in there and start asking questions. Everyone is quite happy to help out new members – no question is too basic.
A great place to start is to read the “How to Use This Site” link on the upper right corner, “Start Here” section of the Home page. You might also find the “Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb” guidelines helpful.
Please add a profile image, participate and check in with us every day! We are constantly posting news about aquaponics and the good food movement.
Normally Sylvia Bernstein, the community's founder, would be welcoming you, but she is vacationing in Japan and I am helping out by welcoming new members in her absence. I am certain she would be excited to have you join and she will be looking forward to getting to know you upon her return.
Thanks again for joining us, and I too look forward to getting to know you too. See you around the site!
Chris Carr's Comments
Comment Wall (7 comments)
You need to be a member of Aquaponic Gardening to add comments!
Join Aquaponic Gardening
Hey nice to meet you, my name is pin chen.i want you to be my friend i have somthing very important to discuss with you reply me to my email below
Hey Chris,
I decided on using the configuration I have because it is all gravity fed down to the sump. I had considered putting the sump under the beds in the middle, but with 4 beds I needed a larger sump tank.So, it ended up on the end.
I had some problems and I am glad the sump ended up where it is. So far it is working really well, although I have a lot to learn.
Yes, it is constantly waterd and there is a screened drain on the bottom of the container. Ther perlite wicks the water good enough to keep the entire area moist but not soaked.
Hi there Chris. I grew those Diakon radishes in a top watered perlite bed that was about 20" deep. They grew quick but needed a little more space between them (which is why some are shorter...they were getting shaded out).
I just put holes through each place I needed a pipe to go through, and I used plummers tape on all the pipes. Last year me and my friend used some glue on some pipes, but the problem with that was if anything needs changed you have to cut and reconnect your pipes. This year when I put it back together I used only the tape and it's so much easier. Silly me left spaces between the grow beds because I thought I'd need to get in between them. So then I did what most people do and drilled holes in the top sides and roped them together so they don't push out in any spots. The barrels are not so bad also if you take quartered split pieces of logs and kinda shove them up beside the barrels if you have any problems with them. They have a little curve so it works well with the barrel.
Hi Chris,you ask about my set up. Well I found something like it on you tube. But I didn't at first have much money so I started looking for what I could afford. I did have to build mine upside down compared to the one I saw on you tube, but It worked. I would say one thing, the barrels cut in half can be a pain, so if I could have, I would of used flat containers for my grow beds. If I move I am giving mine to my next door neighbor and starting all over because it is much too much to move, lol. He also loves things like this and has learned about it from me and can't afford to make his own. I am putting Red Nile Tilapia I just bought last week from the store here and they are the healthiest fish I have had so far. Last year I used Gold Fish and then added Bass and Blue Gill someone gave me. peace love
Welcome Chris,
Thanks for joining the Aquaponic Gardening community! I hope you find it a fun place to explore aquaponics. There is a real blend of experienced and new aquapons in this community, so please don’t hesitate to get in there and start asking questions. Everyone is quite happy to help out new members – no question is too basic.
A great place to start is to read the “How to Use This Site” link on the upper right corner,
“Start Here” section of the Home page. You might also find the “Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb” guidelines helpful.
Please add a profile image, participate and check in with us every day! We are constantly posting news about aquaponics and the good food movement.
Normally Sylvia Bernstein, the community's founder, would be welcoming you, but she is vacationing in Japan and I am helping out by welcoming new members in her absence. I am certain she would be excited to have you join and she will be looking forward to getting to know you upon her return.
Thanks again for joining us, and I too look forward to getting to know you too. See you around the site!
Gina Cavaliero
Welcome to
Aquaponic Gardening
Sign Up
or Sign In
Or sign in with: