need help with system design

[Ryan Garlington]

I bought a 100 gal rubbermaid tank. I plan to raise mozambuque tilapia and use expanded clay media. I live in North Texas.
First off, do I need to use a filter to catch solids? How many grow beds should I use? Which size? What kind of pump can I get that isn't too loud?

Thanks to everyone
-Ryan

[George]

One or two more of the 100 gal rubbermaids would do for filtering,   Keep reading.  

[Alex Veidel]

No, if you're using media beds, you do not need to use a filter. The fish waste will be collected by the media. If you put redworms in the beds, they will break down all your major solids, and work toward increasing the beneficial microbial population in your system as an added benefit :) A recommended ratio for growbed to fishtank volume is 1:1 or 2:1.

Have you read Aquaponic Gardening by Sylvia Bernstein? It's a good read that provides a lot of solid foundational information....

[Ryan Garlington]

Thanks. Ill read that. 1:1 sounds great to me along with no filter. I'm going to go slow and build everything, cycle a while then add fish.

[Rob Nash]

Ryan, when it comes to "gallon marked" tubs, go 1:1  

try something like this...

[Ryan Garlington]

Thanks Rob- beautiful wood trim there. I think I'll do an ugly version of that.

[Alex Veidel]

That is some seriously gorgeous woodwork Rob :)

[DJ Wambach]

You may also take the time to go through the online class that Sylvia put together, I have read her book twice and got the class as a Christmas gift and enjoy it allot.