Hello Everyone!
New to the site, and permaculture in general.
Just starting my IBC build here in Tempe. It's only 250 gal, but we're just starting out and it was a good price. Lots to learn, but very excited by all the info I've been researching.
The plan is to build it, test it, figure out the ph levels, all that good stuff, and then stock it with tilapia. As far as crops go, just the usual greens and veggies, maybe garlic and onions.
I have the tote sitting in the backyard, so that's a start right ? :)
Replies
hows it looking. interested to see how it is working out
If you are using gravel, be sure to add some sample to a 5 gallon bucket and test PH before and after you add it. One of the most common problems we see is that the gravel will change the PH of a system. This may be from contaminates such as limestone or others. If the PH changes, avoid the gravel, and find a new source. Good luck with the system, as someone else mentioned check out Murry's site! If you ever need a hand let us know!
I ended up using growstone(tm). I loved that it was so light, pourous, and a really decent price.
Just got my timer, so I'm just cycling the water right now and my kids are wondering why that's so exciting heh.
Have you ever thought of using plain old water with a piece of foam on top for some net pots? Ive had great success growing tomatoes and peppers in a water raft bed. You can also pick our brains at this group- http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/group/arizona-aquaponics
good luck to you. What are you going to use for media? Have you seen the murry hollman ibc for aquaponics dvd?
No, I haven't, but I have watched (too) many youtube videos on the various setups, trying to get the best from each one.
I'm still up in the air about the media.. as I'm on a tight budget, I might just use some gravel for now and replace it with expanded clay/shale later. I know it's much heavier, but I believe it will work for my purposes.