Growbeds--barrels vs lined wood frames

[momofboys]

Hello folks,

My husband and I are still in the research mode of AP, but expect to have our first system built by end of March. We'll be attending a workshop mid-March and helping build a system with 10 half-barrel growbeds.

Our current question is which type of growbed do you experienced AP people recommend--barrel halves (split lengthwise or crosswise), or plastic-lined wood frames? It seems the barrel halves would require a *whole* lot of extra plumbing, but might be more durable long-term. The lady whose workshop we'll be attending said that many small growbeds (i.e. barrels) are easier to maintain--you only have to clean one small one at a time instead of one huge one. (I didn't know we had to clean out the growbeds?)

My husband is quite skilled in both plumbing and carpentry, and we can source the materials for both systems very, very cheaply, so price is not a consideration. We have a tiny side yard, so our first growbeds will have to fit within an 8' by 12' area or less(this is about half of our side yard). We do have a true 'backyard' behind the house, but it is only 12 feet wide, and the chickens reign back there.

We'll be using an IBC tote for the fish. Not sure about the sump yet. (Do we really need a sump?)

Sorry if too much information,
Any input much appreciated,
Michelle in Austin, TX --it's planting season now!

[Outbackozzie]

If you are only using an IBC as the fish tank, go for barrels. If you are going for a big system, make bigger growbeds.

I have 24 x 1/2 barrels, and I should have just built bigger beds.

I have not had to clean a barrel yet, but they are easy to maintain planting wise.

[Murray]

you only have to clean one small one at a time instead of one huge one. (I didn't know we had to clean out the growbeds?)

One of the reasons I believe in one foot deep grow beds is that there is more volume to take care of the solids that end up in there from the fish tank.

I have 300mm deep (one foot) grow beds that are 3 years + old and never been cleaned out. They are still going just fine. On present indications it will be a few years yet before I will need to give them a clean out.
I am sure they will need to be cleaned out one day, but 3 years is not too bad I feel.

Fish species has a lot to do with it too. Here in "Down Under" we have silver and jade perch who do not poop all that much compared to Tilapia and the like.

My guess is that a one foot deep large, grow bed would be even more important if running with fish like Tilapia.

The smallish half barrels would clog a lot sooner than a much larger bed, that is for sure....but how long that would take...who knows.

Go for the bigger beds....There is never enough grow beds anyway. Once you start picking those wonderful veggies, you just want more and more...