Building an ibc aquaponic system

Download the Manual here www.ibcofaquapo...
How to build a really simple IBC aquaponic system using a minimal amount of tools.
We also have step by step instructions, parts lists and pictures of many different IBC aquaponic systems. You can download "The IBC of Aquaponics" an interactive pdf manual on building IBC aquaponics systems for free from our website...
Totally free, over 180 pages of information. www.backyardaquaponics.com
available 18 July 2011.
For those who want to complain about the background music in the video, yeah ok, we get it. Every second day there's another new comment saying turn the music down. The video is what it is, it's there and it's free, if you don't like it, move on to something else.

[@bkpickell]

I completely agree with you. I hate when instructional videos has background music. It is way too distracting.

[@sharonh4944]

I love this! Well done. You know what else is brilliant about this? There is Just Enough talking! You have said only what needs to be said and no babble, and no silence which leaves you to guess exactly what to do.

[@yukonrick4506]

They start on my 14" x 32" barn this week and this is the system I want. I have 1 IBC but will need more. I raised Blue Tilapia this sumer in our pond. Saved about 75 for breeding. They will do great for this type of aquaponic system. Best Video with a straight simple system I have seen yet. Thank You So Much, Rick from Indiana.

[@MrFrederickvet]

this was my first video when researching on Aquaponics...really impressed me now today I have my own system 3 time the size of this

[@yusufyal-sharhani5759]

I would love to see Your system.

[@Daleeram1]

Who cares if it was not in HD? I don't! Very informative video, thank you.

[@850lamar]

I would like to see more professional people like Plumbers, Electricians,Engineers and such getting involved. When people start helping people there's no limit to brilliant systems that can be created at affordable prices not to mention the quality of the Food that can be produced from sharing the knowledge. Keep sharing we can change the World through Compassion and Love for One Another. God Bless

[@Patriot3]

What a great way to use IBC's for aquaculture. I am installing 9 330 gallon tanks in my green house this week and had planned on doing it differently until I saw this video. I have built 5 of them in the last 4 hours and this design saves me $100 per tank form the way i was going to do it. Thank you very much for sharing your idea's.

[@gunlover1955]

An IBC is a small transport tank used to transport liquid on a truck in the USA, I used to use them at work too. This is a good idea THANKS FOR THE VIDEO

[@RCvolunteer1978]

we must promote this . This really can help end hunger in many parts of the world including USA and to Kenya

[@chrisstephens9258]

Look on Craigslist in central Florida for IBCs.. I found 8 of them for $50 each previously filled with molasses. I am so glad I found your video backyardaquaponics! This is very well done and helped me easily build my system taking my time though.

[@Timper325]

I have watched several aquaponics videos and this is by far the best system I have seen yet. I cant wait to build my own. Thank you very much for this awesome video.

[@thehomesteadcraftsman8975]

These tanks are pretty handy, seen em used for all kinds of cool projects from buried cisterns to watch towers. Thanks for sharing.

[@westmc45]

This was very helpful and forget the negative comments some people just don't appreciate good help I just bought my IBC's and will start this system this month

[@NoGoodGamer30]

Thanks so much for creating this video! Many people who complain just discourage people from sharing information. The information shared here is really invaluable!

[@rxmas7234]

Got my IBC, made my cuts, now I'm cleaning it and painting it. Lots of great info in your video and I did download the entire PDF for even more. Thank you!

[@8148652379]

Hi there what pdf you mean please?

[@surferizzy]

Nice system and detailed instructions. You don't need a pump that powerful. A 1000 Liter per hour or about 275 gallons per hour pump will actually work just fine. Also, the pipes to spread the water on the top when it comes in is not needed one bit. You can just have the hose come straight into the grow bed to fill it. Remember, water finds its own level. Otherwise, great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@Capucorn]

I love how easy the setup was no must no fuss really easy I enjoyed watching it Thank you

[@Sbhabhi]

Watched your video.only one word. Lady you are the man!!! Cheers and wishes

[@RIPghosthunters]

Definitely the best and easiest system of all the videos I've watched to build and run. Thank you. I'm on it now!

[@MarineResearch]

Thank you for providing this informative bio-regional self sustaining information to the planet.. Blessings to all

[@bibonivine]

By far the best video on youtube on this subject! Thank you for taking your time for the newbies.

[@pricepatrick644]

Hey this was the best video I have seen yet, you are a real woman! I am just getting started and this is a BIG help, I am excited to get started. Thank you for taking the time to give us the details and the book.

[@ScottFix]

Very nice video. The best part of aquaponics is the flexibility you have when creating a system. All you need is some creativity to work with your surrounding and anything is possible.

[@NicoFluffbeard]

Thank you for all the details. Some fussy people (like me) like to see all the steps just to make sure. Good work!

[@paulpellicci]

Thanks a lot....that was the best system set up I have seen. If only I could find local ibc containers in Buffalo.....

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Ah! When the pump stops.... Now it makes sense, and that's exactly what I said at the first. The video should have text correcting what is said. At 21:04 she says when the water gets to the pre-determined height it will overflow the pipe and drain into the fish tank. That's what a siphon does. This would always drain into the fish tank and, as you say, would need the pump to be turned off in order to drain the bed. Thanks. I'll go look on the website using your tips.

[@joelmalcolm2850]

Trout generally are fine in water up to 20 degrees C, in some areas even higher. You don't need fresh water, recirculating the same water is fine, we have done this for many years now.

[@CDN7311]

Thank you so much for this great video. My wife and I are planning and prepping system the last few weeks and your video has been a real hit.

[@fightdhr8866]

Holy crap 9 years .ago.I way behind..nice work..✌

[@jendymcdonald9934]

Really good demonstration! Appreciate it! This will help with my build this week.😃

[@thetremoloco4801]

awesome video :) i love the sound of an angle grinder and panpipes together

[@tsungie231]

Absolutely lovely, I enjoyed every minute of it. I am doing an assignment on aquaponics and this video was very informative. Thank you

[@sajidhussaininformation3909]

Soft hands but doings hard

[@2peoplefellinlove]

Terrific video. I have been researching the subject for a long time and the biggest problem I have is winter in Pennsylvania.

[@ansaribaksh1973]

Thanks a million. Added some seedlings today... can't wait to see them grow!

[@cellatext]

Thank you so much for sharing... I'm here in Ohio and about to start my unit from scratch. Loved all the details you added for us and the free download! Cheers!

[@MustangWriter]

Great informational vid. I learned more aquaponic system basics here than in other watched videos. I feel like I can do it now. Thumbs up!

[@user-kc5wv2nb8d]

بذلتي جهدا كبيرا .. وصلت المعلومه، شكرا ايتها المعلمة.

[@royhoco5748]

very informative video - suggestion - secure the electric cord to the water supply line with electrical ties and have both the cord and the supply line coming out the same opening in the cage around the fish tank. I would fill the bottom 3 inches of the fish tank with small gravel so the fish will have a more natural living area and it is possible the fish would mate, lay eggs, and hatch more fish. I would consider putting a few large rocks or concrete blocks in the fish tank for hiding places for the fish. I would also consider a small cricket grow box to supply fresh insects for the fish.

[@cf453]

My understanding is that gravel in the bottom would prevent removal of solid waste. The waste would then go into anaerobic digestion, and the resulting hydrogen sulfide could kill the fish. You'd have to vacuum all that gravel twice a week at least, and it's a maintenance nightmare. The hiding places are a good idea though.

[@TheDevildogger]

You don't change over the water. It constantly recirculates. That's the beauty of this system. Read about the nitrogen cycle. The fish 'waste' is cleaned from the water by the plants in the grow bed.

[@roadking6414]

I believe a 1:1 ratio is typical for those folks that are new to aquaponics however a well established system can go as high as 1:3... where 1 square foot of fish water would supply nutrients for 3 square feet of grow beds.

[@PrimoQuestMarketing]

In this video, you use a 3,000 liters per minute pump (almost 800 Gallons per minute), which seems a little large for such a small system. I am using a 500 GPM pump (1893 liters per minute) for four grow beds, one fish tank, one sump, with a reservoir sump water holding tank. Everything is moving along very well so far. With one small system, such as the one you are showing in the video, a 300 GPM (1,136 liters per minute) should be sufficient.

[@joelmalcolm2850]

Yes there are a few people in the UK doing aquaponics, check out the backyard aquaponics forum and you'll find members from over your way.

[@qcdavis2388]

your background music is peaceful and enjoyed :) the ibc prep is detailed and a tad laborious. I hunt and fish @ my local markets :)

[@bosatsu76]

1. Some builders highly suggest a growing bed depth of 12 inches (30cm) for the full effect of bacterial and worm environment/flood zone and a 2 inch (5cm) dry zone on top. 2. And really, turn off the music, it gets in the way of listening and appreciating your instruction. 3. Use a face shield rather than (or in addition too) glasses. Metal sparks are very hot and can ricochet between face and inside of glasses. 4. What do you think of using a siphon system rather than a steady drain.

[@spaceroamer]

I see that they make external pump as well as the submersible type like in the video. That would get the electrical cord out of the water container. I would still protect the circuit with a GFCI or RCD. Unplugging it, when you work in the water is the safest.The devices that protect the circuit fail from corrosion and voltage spikes from storms. I have one hooked to my well, for my drinking water, and test it now and then.

[@a206h]

15:30 you can also use lava rock...which is very cheap in Washington State when purchased at a soil/bark supplier. I think I pay a few dollars a bucket. It can be hard on the hands...so i use it as my bottom layer in the grow bed, and then use expanded shale or hygroton for the top 10 cm. Easy peezy

[@TheWinezen]

thank you for your meticulously documented video. very helpful

[@STLEO1]

The music is very soothing

[@mrpreparedallthetime1099]

I agree with you on the music. If they don't like it look for a different thing. I happen to like the music and I also appreciate your information as I will be visiting your website thank you very much

[@harrymrtuluhungwa4717]

You made it look so simple. Thanks... How do you remove the solids at the bottom of the fish tank?

[@fdukes30]

first off let me just say very good presentation on this and am looking forward into building my own which will probably turn into a bunch of them lol, but wanted to answer some ?'s people were asking like how to power it, you can buy solar panels that are more than capable of powering the pump for it and to solve the sun problem simply build in doors if you have the space and these products can be down sized just depends on what you are wanting to grow.

[@RomanoRomaker]

I download your manual. It is excellent. Thank you so much.

[@rickhermann9947]

an IBC is 275 gallons or 1042.25 liters. fish generally need 2.5 gallons or 9.48 liters of water per fish. being that with this setup you cut the top off, and don't fill up the bottom completely. make adjustments for how much water and multiply by the 2.5 or 9.48 I came up with about 75 trout. but I am going to do less then that, somewhere around 50. some fish are sensitive to temperature, you might want to check that out too

[@malachy1847]

Sort of 'Hurler on the Ditch' comment,one can see this lady has serious mechanical knowledge...and can apply same both in practice she could make a buck or two building same for other folk... thanks for info provided on this upload i will have a go myself........... Great upload....

[@dkroen17]

Very informative video and very relaxing background music. Thanks for making it!

[@mackhinastation]

This is brilliant. You're amazing! It's a great use of an IBC and they're super cheap to pick up. Thanks heaps for sharing the guide for free!

[@joeshittheragman42]

@khonzoh I have a Solar Array that is on Net metering. That means I only pay for electricity if I use more than my solar system puts back into the Grid. I keep a bank of Batteries charged with a small trickle charger. If my power goes out I can throw my breaker on the Grid Breaker panel, and use my Inverter connected to the batteries and run necessary items for many hours. There are links you can find on how to make your own solar panels for less than $100 each, or use a wind turbine.

[@kevinsnellingutube]

Fantastic !! And to think I was going to take my old IBC TO the local dump !!!!

[@ansaribaksh1973]

One of the best videos I've come across on IBC aquapoincs. Using this as my "instruction manual" to build my own. Few minor changes to work with what's available where I live (Trinidad & Tobago). I would greatly appreciate it if you could send me some more details on how you did the siphone. Maybe some close up pictures as well? Great video.

[@therotaryrocket]

Thank you so very much for making and sharing this awesome video. And thanks for the tough productive work your doing to better our world. I plan on making one very soon, so I really appreciate you making a video including very good detail.

[@nickminchin9932]

Have you used syphon valves in any of your setups? If so, do you find constant-flooding or flood-and-drain (i.e. syphon valve) systems better? Interested more so in vegetable growing rather than leafy greens. Thanks!

[@TheDevildogger]

Awesome video, I am making my IBC system tomorrow. Just a couple real quick questions, how many fish will a 275 gallon container support? And how many grow beds would this size fish tank 'feed'? IOW, would four ibc sized grow beds be too much for one fish/water tank? I love the job Faye did, showing it doesn't take a big, burly he-man to do the construction. This is great information and so easily accessible and easy for a novice, like me, to understand, KILLER VIDEO!

[@hiiphooray]

Aquaponic is my favorite thinks and i love it

[@MrWackozacko]

Great video, i pretty much copied it. Thank you for freely sharing the information, bring this to the people and change the world!

[@chucknnitahoskins9028]

Really great and detailed video. Thanks so much! I was going to do this last year and bought one of the IBC's but had no idea what to do with it, lol.

[@khonzoh]

I so much enjoyed the video very informative and educative. My main concern is how long can one keep the pump running in 24 hours the reason for this question is power is quite epileptic in Africa where I intend to setup and teach people on how to feed there families cheaply. Thanks for the wonderful video.

[@audiolabguy]

I never have a problem finding them in VT on Craigslist. Good luck!

[@forsya]

Great information! Keep up the good work at spreading the word for aquaponics.

[@ciarrington]

Thank you so much for all the detail you put into this video. I am very interested in this project and your video really helps take so much of the guess work out of it. Thank You very much!!!

[@laraabbott9260]

Hi, thanks for this great video. Its amazing how critical people can be!! If you don't like the video, go out a buy a system.

[@mageejt]

GREAT VID JUST A SUGGESTION IS THAT THE IBC EXTERIOR NEEDS TO BE PAINTED BLACK FOR TWO REASONS. THE FIRST IS TO PREVENT ALGEA BUILD UP IN THE FISH TANK AND SECONDLY TO DELAY THE BREAK DOWN OF THE IBC DUE TO SUN LIGHT.

[@spaceroamer]

I see the pump goes in the water with the power cord. If it is a 120 v pump, are you plugging it into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet? That would trip if there was a problem that may get you electrocuted, as long as you test it often. I like the idea of low voltage or not having the live line in the water. Great video and information, i plan on putting up a greenhouse and system like that in it.

[@sauxbmUSMC]

Man I want to do this so bad. Love y'alls stuff

[@brucecomeau8515]

Thank you for this informative video. I really appreciate the effort put into it. We are in the process of making good use of all your hard work. I am sorry some people have to be rude with their comments.

[@wagfer]

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Many Blessings to you!

[@flatworm00]

Very cool! I have downloaded your manual and am starting my first growbed.

[@MrstonecareAu]

Great video, I love the way you were so informative. You and your family are doing great things really lovely of you to share your amazing ideas. much love

[@joelmalcolm2850]

Thanks for the valuable feedback Brent.

[@brendahodgins]

Craigs list for your area and food farms may have used ibc. Just make sure it was used for food only.

[@chabilly]

Great video. Thanks for all the information.

[@hjls1974]

great video guys,also good to know whats been in an ibc you purchase,cant be too carefull,cheers.

[@stevep41]

Saws ALL would be easier and faster. Just use a metal cutting blade for the steel and a regular construction blade on the plastic. Good video =D

[@canopener1195]

steve pierson A grinder might be all she had. I'd suggest that if that was a cutting wheel for iron that she throw it away because it could possibly explode since she cut plastic with it.

[@rxmas7234]

I started with a sawzall but it hurt my hands and was very difficult to handle. The grinder was a much better option for me. To each his own, it all comes out the same.

[@joelmalcolm2850]

Not a siphon... A standpipe. Check under "building a system", then "the plumbing" it shows pictures of the stand pipe and media guard and how it goes together. The water drains out of the two small holes when the pump stops, this empties the bed.

[@joelmalcolm2850]

Hey Bill, you do have many hydroponic shops in Oklahoma, google hydroponics Oklahoma and you see many of them.

[@joelmalcolm2850]

This is aquaponics Pierre, and likewise I've been doing it for many years. You need the nutrient levels in the water for the plant growth so you can't just have new water flowing through all the time.

[@RupertofOZ]

No there are distinct differences between the two methods... and "ebb & flow" should not be used in aquaponics... Likewise, while siphoned flood & drain system may drain "fast"... timed flood & drain... (or even hydro ebb & flow)... may not... Could I suggest that you join the Backyard Aquaponics forum community... It would help answer your questions.. and develop your understanding of aquaponic principles....

[@peterlue1156]

Wow! So simple and awesome!!!

[@alanhowlett2723]

You can make the pipe flexible with hot water (as you said), but a hair dryer is also very good. :-)

[@stile30175]

Grazie di questo video.. mi avete fatto risparmiare molti soldi!!!!

[@snapsalot]

If your fish are happy and have enough food they will breed. Ive had many large ponds, never done aquaponics. But in my ponds you could start with a couple koi fish and a few gold fish. Within a few months to a year you would go from maybe 10 fish to hundreds. It all depends on if the fish have the right food and the right environment.

[@idahocntryboy5984]

All I can say is you are awesome! I have read that you can put one fish per five gallons of water and looking at what you cut off you should have around a 200 gallon tank. If I increased the sizes of my growing beds to more than one could I put in forty catfish? Of course I would extend my sprayers and have my return go back into the main tank as well as increased size of pump? I live in the cold climates of Idaho so I will have my tanks inside a grain bin with heat by wood during winter.

[@sb3smiles310]

how did that work out, I would like to try in Vermont

[@victorfernandes6168]

Fantastic, i have followed bit by bit and it has come out very nice. thanks

[@brendahodgins]

I was counting how many bags You used. Three were shown, it seems to me a forth or part of a forth was used, Is that correct? Great diy video. Thank you, you will have us all eating healthy in no time!

[@thedude83ish]

If you look you can often find once used IBC totes for a lot less than 300.

[@1meanmaorimean1]

Man this is awesome, thank you so much for this video

[@starwarsman2709]

You could drain after done use plastic ties put all in bags materials and fish and be able to ship a completely built system

[@Halfdantheblack]

I should also add that my daughter is a biologist working for an environmental firm, and even she admits that 95% of what they do, which is very expensive stuff required by law, does nothing to help the environment. Farming is really getting hurt and reduced and the corporations are taking over as a result. That doesn't bode well for our future. I believe in power at the bottom of the pyrimad not the top. Enjoy your day!

[@STLEO1]

This is what we all need to be doing right now bc these stores will be closing and we need better foods

[@heetel64]

I got mine from a coca cola bottling plant. They import the flavoured water for various fizzy drinks in these and then when empty sell them. Phone them and ask. These containers are also used in the same way for other chemicals that are then bottled but try and stay away from these as when you wash them out, there may be chemical residue left as well as the negative environmental aspects of draining onto earth or into a drain. Good luck.

[@Zoart1]

By far the best - Ty so much