Grow Bed Tank Stands

[gavinl]

Hi Murray

Just wondering whether the steel grow bed stands that you use have steel supports across them to support the growbed from sagging or whether the fibreglass growbeds are strong enough not to need them.

Any chance of a picture of just the stand? Also, are you going to sell them soon?

Thanks

gav

[Murray]

Hi Gavinl,
We were manufacturing the steel stands but ceased doing so because of the cost. There is $100.00 plus of steel in one before we even add labour and other costs (welding equip, paint, bolts & nuts etc)
You can see in the second edition of Practical Aquaponics Magazine a "how to" on using sleepers and concrete blocks to make a very strong and reasonably priced grow bed stand. A stand will work out to about 60 or 70 dollars using all new materials, much less if you can get materials from a demolition yard.
This concrete block and sleepers type of grow bed stand is attractive, strong and very practical. The materials can be obtained almost anywhere.
Yes, the grow beds must be supported across the bottom with good support. If a common gravel is used as the grow bed media in the 585 ltr grow bed, the combined weight of the gravel and water when full is approx 1,100 kg.
It is therefore necessary to site your grow beds very well on a good solid substrate with a sturdy stand.

[gavinl]

Thanks Murray - much appreciated.

gav