Lock, Stock and four smoking barrels.

[gtpratt]

Okey dokey, I figured I may as well tell you all my plan and take any advice you would like to offer.

First I have bought (so please dont tell me not to ) a pump that will push a large volume of water quite aggresively around a large system. 15000/hr @ 2M

I intend to set up a small system with scope to enlarge therefore I will throttle back / aerate fishes (hope they like cyclonic environment )

I have purchased two new down grade fibreglass bath tubs, I couldnt go past them as they were $33 for the pair. On same shopping trip I bought 4 blue 44 gallon drums (the plastic ones) which I intend to turn into grow beds / fingerling enlargeners (is that a word?)

I also intend to push some of the water through a 90mm storm water and have hanging tomatoes/strawbs on the back neighbours fence.

I was wondering if I can I catch the pet fish from the pond and put them along with some pond water into the system when I have it set up to get it started?

Ummm I need to work out about light for the fish. I want them to be happy before I eat them. Do fish get bored? Hmmmm.

Now I see a plethora of fish food options, I wonder about making my own pellets and fingerling food, any suggestions recipes that work etc welcome.

That is a long enough post for my first try..

Regards.

Graham.

[GaryD]

Hi Graham,

Welcome to APHQ.

Since it's too late to tell you not to buy that pump, I might suggest that you should buy some much larger tanks. You will have trouble keeping the water in your four blue barrels once you start that pump.

You could keep that pump for your next system and buy a much smaller one to run your blue barrels and bathtubs.

Gary

[gtpratt]

Hi Graham,

Welcome to APHQ.

Since it's too late to tell you not to buy that pump, I might suggest that you should buy some much larger tanks. You will have trouble keeping the water in your four blue barrels once you start that pump.

You could keep that pump for your next system and buy a much smaller one to run your blue barrels and bathtubs.

Gary

He he he, I figured it would have some kick, I want to get some of those 1000 litre plastic drums but can only find realy expensive ones ($400 each) and these smell like acetone. I figure there must be a supply of cheap ones arond somewhere within driving range.

If anyone knows of one please let me know.

I will look at an additional smaller pump if I cant get bigger drums.

Kindest regards.

Gra

[Hamish]

I think you can get brand new ICB's for about $400. Second hand ones do come up on ebay every now and then for about $200. If you can get some that have had Molassas or other food products it would be best. Or soap product (as long as cleaned out well) - or even chlorine (again will need to be well cleaned).

[GaryD]

Hi,

I would opt for a mega bin over an IBC anytime.....but particularly once they get over $150. Mega bins have a capacity of 780 litres......they are 1162mm x 1162mm and 780mm high. They cost around $300. They will support weight on top, they are easy to clean and far more aesthetically pleasing than an IBC.......and they can be used outside without falling apart. IBC's that are not buried in the ground degrade in about 3 years.

If I could not afford the fibreglass tanks that I use, I would choose mega bins over anything else that's available. We raised our first couple of lots of Jade perch in these things so I know that they work well.

Gary

[Murray]

I am repeating what has been said before, sorry, But the cost of good equipment is minimal in the long run.
Don't muck around with rubbish or suspect equipment. It is just not worth it. In the excitement of wanting to get started it is easy to convince ones self that the low cost plastic fantastic will be good. I am not knocking using recycled materials. Go for it if you must , but make sure it is good stuff and you know where it came from etc. IBC's are fine , if you can get a good one for the right price, but why would you pay 300.00 for one of those when a few dollars more will get you a megga bin or a fg tank.

The best low cost recycled option are old bath tubs, very cheap, the only suspect thing that has been in one is somebodys fat bum. They are deep enough, strong enough and easily obtainable.
They are very ugly, don't do much for the look of tha back yard, but they are cheap and they work.

[gtpratt]

Hi,

I would opt for a mega bin over an IBC anytime.....but particularly once they get over $150. Mega bins have a capacity of 780 litres......they are 1162mm x 1162mm and 780mm high. They cost around $300. They will support weight on top, they are easy to clean and far more aesthetically pleasing than an IBC.......and they can be used outside without falling apart. IBC's that are not buried in the ground degrade in about 3 years.

If I could not afford the fibreglass tanks that I use, I would choose mega bins over anything else that's available. We raised our first couple of lots of Jade perch in these things so I know that they work well.

Gary

So... where would I find mega bins?

I have found I can get food grade IBCs in Sydney for $250 (plus travel etc).

We have decided to get biger water capacity so the fish dont get blown out of the bath.

Naturally all of the sudden we will find ourselves with the big system up front rather than a P O C system. still you all have proven the concept so why not?

Also has anybody tried waterbed heaters under these mega bins to keep heat input to the water?

I figure that cool room foam from the tip etc all around the bins and beds with a cover at night should keep most heat in?

Regards.

Graham.

[Outbackozzie]

Keeping the fish tank warm is not a problem - its when you pump that water into your big growbed radiators.
There is not really an efficient way to do it, unless everything is inside a greenhouse.

[GaryD]

Hi Graham,

Mega bins are made by Viscount Plastics for the horticulture industry.

I'd suggest that you contact Viscount Plastics and see who their Sydney agents are.

Gary

[gtpratt]

Hi there,

thanks for the advice I have found that there is a distributor in Queenbeyan next door to Canberra.

Prices are coming but I can pick up mega bins in sydney for a coupla hundred!!!!

Will keep you posted.. Also if I need to go to sydney to get some is anyone interested in Canberra in getting one/some? we could save transport costs?

Kindest regards.

Gra.