Backyard Aquaponics: Initial setup

I've finished setting up my second aquaponics system, this time a CHIFT PIST system in my Austin, TX backyard. Still need to cycle it (get the bacteria levels up so it can convert ammonia to nitrates) and fill it with grow medium, but the basic system is finished! More updates, including a making-of video, to come.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• aquaponics
• backyard
• yard
• texas
• austin
• garden
• chift pist
• barrel
• Austin
• Texas

[gimmieb]

Brian, really like the videos. They're very informative. Like how you discern the problems

and then design solutions for them. Is water evap/loss a big problem with these systems?

Looking forward to seeing the results. You've come a long way from the kitchen ap setup.

Next stop 1,000 gal tilapia tank?

[gamercubed]

@gimmieb Thanks! Someday I'd love a big tilapia tank...if this one is a success I'm sure there'll be a third project in my future ;).

It's really too early to say about water loss from my own experience as it's been pretty rainy here ever since I set this up. I'll have a better idea after our hot and dry summer. But in general, AP setups are considered really water-conserving (something like < 1/10 the water requirements of conventional farming), which is why they're so popular in Australia.

[lifeofavampire]

With ur 2 x 2 issue....run a 2 x 4 or 2 x8 across under the 2 x 2s u have supporting ur barrels now to help hold them up above the top of ur sump barrel from the front of ur system towards ur privacy fence

[gamercubed]

@lifeofavampire Haha, already did exactly that. Will be posting another video shortly.

[mpatobin]

outstanding! can't wait to see this in the summer