Comment

Moderator Comment by Bob Terrell on May 25, 2013 at 9:02am

Cool Phil, I made one out of an old fridg.  Removed all ther plastic from the inside, cut a few holes in the top, used the shelves as my racks, put a steel pan in the bottom for the chhips to burn in and also cut one small hole in the bottom side to allow some air in (3/8),, a heck of a smoker and works great to do lots of meat or fish at one time.

Comment by Phil Slaton on May 25, 2013 at 8:06am

Well, not to offend the purists by discussing it ... I used a hole saw and split clear tubing to take care  of the sharp edges.  I cook for 7 - 8 hours.  After 7 I pick up the fish with tongs.  If they are still dripping, I cook them longer.

Comment by Jim Fisk on May 25, 2013 at 7:41am

Pretty cool Phil. I do however want to be a fly on the wall when that sharp steel cuts a nick in the wire and not only will he have smoked bacon but his eyes will light up and his hair will stand on end as well when he goes to open it. Just say'n.

I am also curious how he controls temperature as that is a big deal when smoking. The basic concept does meet KISS and is certainly good in a pinch. Tractor Supply does sell some great smokers for not a lot more than he spent on that trash can etc. and you won't get that galvanized metal taste in your fish.

Some of these UT vids must drive wiring inspectors crazy not to mention insurance companies.

Comment by Phil Slaton on May 25, 2013 at 4:53am

Home Built Smoker - Best and Cheapest going http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUS1jeTGc68

Comment by TCLynx on May 17, 2013 at 11:14am

Lava rock works.

Expanded Shale/Slate works

1/2" or 3/4" river rock (that is quartz type free of limestone.) works

Basalt

Granite

They all work, just measure the pros and cons.  some are easier on the fingernails than others.

The smoother rocks might not have as much surface area but the truth is if you are following the recommended stocking densities for the amount of media you have, the porosity of your rocks isn't going to make a substantial difference in the nitrification (you actually need lots more area in the beds to handle the solids and plant roots than is required for nitrification so it all tends to work out no matter which rocks you choose as long as you stock according to conservative backyard numbers like 1 fish to grow out to 1 lb per cubic foot of gravel bed.)

Comment by Leo White Bear on May 17, 2013 at 11:06am

William-

IMHO, lava rock is a great medium to use because it is light, has the ultimate surface area for the bacteria to grow and thrive, relativly inexpensive to purchase.

On the other hand it is very dusty and needs multiple washings to remove most of the dust, is very rough on the hands when planting transplants and removing the roots at end of growing season.

 

I prefer using a quartzite granet.  For me it has all the pros that lava rock does except it has little surface area as compaired to many other media, it is found around here (Central Wisconsin) very redily and is extreamly inexpensive.  Use whatever is easiest for you to procure.

Comment by William Kohut on May 17, 2013 at 9:39am

Can I use lava rocks as a growing media

Comment by John Cubit on May 17, 2013 at 9:16am

2x4 basics ROCKS.  I have a picnic table I made with their kit and it has lasted 10 years now!  EASY EASY Kits.

Comment by TCLynx on May 16, 2013 at 6:19pm

Shelves

Comment by TCLynx on May 16, 2013 at 6:18pm

easy shelves 2x4 basics

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