Does the grow section of an ibc tote system need additional support?

[Patricia A Murray]

I am putting together a system in a small greenhouse. We built a wood frame fish tank and lined with pond liner, approximately 300 gallons. I have an ibc tank that we cut in two. The bottom section will be a sump tank. The top section will be turned upside on top of the bottom piece and will be the grow bed. My question is...does the top upside down piece needany extra supports because of the weight of the gravel and water?

[Keith Rowan]

yes!

you'll need to support the growbed along the bottom of it, or, use the pallet (bottom) of the ibc for the gb.. makes it much easier!

[Michael Welber]

I agree. The metal frame also keeps the sides from bowing out. Definitely use it. 

[Patricia A Murray]

Thanks!

[Bradly]

I just posted a similar question before stumbling across this one....

My tote tops are upside down and sit just above the ground, and I put 6 concrete blocks under the 6 main points of the tote frame, do you all think this will be enough??

[Patricia A Murray]

I put the grow bed on the pallet bottom and it all actually worked. I filled it with part of the gravel and added water.  The siphone worked.  Thanks

 

[Patricia A Murray]

This is a pic of our simple beginnings. The long black thing is the 300gal fish tank. The bottom ibc piece is the sump tank and the top is the grow bed. Thanks for your help. I am sure I will have more questions

 I am hoping to get it completely together by this weekend and begin cycling.