Harbor Freight 10x12 Greenhouse and IBC Aquaponic system

This is my Harbor Freight 10x12 Greenhouse with a IBC tote Aquaponic system. I've detailed modifications to the greenhouse and the aquaponic set up.

[@fortheloveofcake93]

This. This is it. After looking through countless setups, this one is the cleanest and most practical DIY. Using 3 IBC split between grow beds and sump tanks is perfect.

[@sly2kusa]

What an awesome design! Only thing missing is a solar panel for your power, but other than that - excellent customizations!

[@tomsanders9491]

Excellent build. Thank you for sharing your proof of concept. I patiently wait for updated video to see in full production

[@n3qdz]

Awesome thank you I am planning my system using 55 gal poly barrels and I can totes. I was unsure about space. You have plenty of space. Thank you so much for your video

[@durganbuilt5703]

That is a great looking system! My wife and I are in the planning phase of our system and you have given us a perfect template to follow. I especially like the two separate tank idea. I had not thought of that but I love the idea of two types of fish! Thanks!

[@darrellmillner930]

Thank you, for both the greenhouse review and the aquaponics details. Greatly appreciated. I look forward to catching up on the other vids

[@mikehotel02]

great looking system ,well done, the only thing you need now is a stilling chamber in the swirl filter outlet tube to slow the swirl so it settles more.

[@onebigkahuna69]

If i ever get a chance to build an Aquaponic system. I think i'm going to use your system design.

[@EJackson82]

Very nice and clean setup. It looks great.

[@TheRealJoga]

This is a Great system! One of the best ones i've seen yet.

[@hotdogsandhandgrenades]

very nice. best home set up I've seen yet

[@ericsmith7357]

I have to say Sir you did an excellent job!!! Thank you for deciding to share it.

[@Rusty6450]

thank you for sharing. I have a Palram 8x12 greenhouse which looks very similar to yours. I didn't think about putting the IBC's outside the greenhouse and that is interesting.

[@J1SMOKES]

Great job... looks very professional and organized.

[@jungsomewhat]

Great looking setup and very good video, I am going to use your system, again I must say great presentation, explained really well regards from the UK

[@badWithComputer]

I've been researching a lot and this is by far the best system i've seen.

[@slademcneill8801]

BadWithComputer Thank you. I’m going to have to replace all the greenhouse plastics due to dry rot. I guess they’ve reached their maximum lifespan. Other than that everything has held up great. Right now I have goldfish and bream. The system could definitely use more. Also, if I monitored all the levels and adjusted them accordingly I would have better yields, but I haven’t taken the time lately to do so. I lost most of my tomatoes this season due to horn worms. I guess I should’ve been monitoring them closer.

[@paulbrown4539]

@@slademcneill8801 nice system . I'm thinking of doing something similar. I'm in the Crestview area

[@heckyes]

That swirl filter is top notch baby!

[@alaninkarachi]

Brilliant video. Simple, clear and very practical. So glad you did not spend time showing how to drill holes etc etc. Just v good. Thanks,

[@yeschefwithchadkubanoff]

Really clean pretty setup

[@antonmoric1469]

What an excellent, well-built system! Thanks so much for making the video and sharing. I have been interested in aquaponics since I read about musician John Denver's system years ago using a geodesic dome.

[@slademcneill8801]

Thank you. Unfortunately it was destroyed by hurricane Michael in 2019. You can see the aftermath in my last video on my channel. Haven’t decided if I’m going to rebuild it yet.

[@herberwilson7332]

One of the most effective way to create your own aquaponics system is to take full advantage of aquaponics experts, no need to try and fail like they used to!

[@tammyannewilson5090]

Beautiful system..Love the whole design..

[@carlos_spicy_weiner]

i cannot believe the L.O.D for this system, 10 out of 10 :)

[@PeterSonnyFortunato]

Slade , really impressive. I Look forward to seeing it in person.

[@dominicspagnuolo3753]

very professional set up... great work..

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Wow! Some really great ideas here. Thanks for sharing. Hope there's a follow-up video.

[@mtmountainflyer9734]

Nice set up. Thanks for sharing!

[@YourSweetEyes]

Great video! BTW: I've never known of anyone with the first name of "Slade" except my 11 year old grandson, who was named after my mother's family name; it's a fine name!

[@aquaponicssource5005]

Thank you for keeping it really simple for me

[@baysword]

Very nice well thought out system. Looks like you planned ahead with local fish. My only concern would be with the wood frame in contact with the ground. I'm in the Florida panhandle too and would be concerned with rot and termites.

[@TheArtisanbard]

beautiful system!

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

glad to see this -- great start, will view the progress

[@MichaelHoybook]

Great video. Simple but very effective system. That's what I'm looking for.

[@patrickschooley3503]

really nice set up!

[@bjaminf113]

Came back to this to see if you or someone else had rebuilt it. Looked to be a great system! Hope you guys are doing good!

[@slademcneill8801]

Decided not to rebuild it. It was small and more of a hobby experiment. Almost completely recovered from hurricane Michael. just a little more cleanup on my property. I lost 29 acres of planted pines.

[@bjaminf113]

@@slademcneill8801 glad to see you're finally getting through it!

[@tholeetruck]

Nice set up. I like it.

[@marisolmena2912]

this is really nice can't wait to start mines

[@o.o1163]

I like your set up🤗😊, I'm at the beginning too and I'm doing a growbed inside, I live in northern Massachusettes😊

[@slademcneill8801]

Lisa Martinez look at my last video. Mine was destroyed

[@rosejafari8917]

I used railroad ties for my base. I then screwed the base on it. I might screw the bottom plate to the base or double face tape. Still working on the rest. Lots of luck (for both if us).

[@svichit21]

very nicely done...

[@insurroundsound]

what a nice setup!!

[@bluefalcon1952]

Nice setup.

[@tecnoblix]

Wow! Nice setup. I'm in Central Florida and am working up the motivation to do something like this.

[@slademcneill8801]

Yep, I get on these kicks to try something new every so often. My aquaponic system was one of those. It has it's pluses and minuses. Not to much maintenance. But does not produce a lot of vegetables. Nor does it grow root type vegetables like potatoes.

[@thomasscarbrough3420]

Looks damn good! Nice job.

[@rscotthudson1959]

Nicely done.

[@lightfusionproductions4891]

Beautiful!!!

[@victorybeginsinthegarden]

very nice and neat

[@3jcalm]

love the setup man!

[@johnmay5957]

you did a great job. i am jealous. id like to know more about your swirl filter design

[@margof1437]

i liked & subscribed! Margo keep em coming.

[@Mothana808]

Well lets hope it works beautiful as it looks

[@slademcneill8801]

Abufaza3_Gam3r it worked pretty good on certain vegetables. Collards, peppers and all herbs grew well. It was fun, but definitely not big enough to stop going to the grocery store. Lol.

[@Mothana808]

@@slademcneill8801 yea i have seen the the newer vids and am sorry to what happend to it. Hope you recover

[@TheRealJoga]

Would like to see a video of how you did your swirl filter.

[@palmaraja4850]

I found a useful compilation of videos that should help on Fast Track Grower

[@kpennett]

Here's a comprehensive list of Aquaponics "ideas" with several swirl filter ideas... kzbin.info/aero/PLZM2PDcCezYYIgIPzjT_Y9ncb77ywW_zy

[@josecantu6843]

Very nice , good job

[@buffalo_chips9538]

you got enough tank space there to supply a TON of more growing space. Especially if you branch out into a floating raft system. Be careful about over stocking on fish. Id say you are pretty close to not even be at a 1-1 ratio. I wouldn't put more than 8-10 catfish in the tank. More than that you will not be able to keep up with the nitrate production

[@jbroheretoday]

Very nice sir.

[@kenfarley957]

nice setup

[@slademcneill8801]

Thanks. There's only river rock in the system, no lime. However, my pH is on the high side due to the water in North Florida coming out of the limestone aquifer. I may have to install an RO filter if the nitrification process does bring it down naturally.

[@maxtama6001]

+SLADE MCNEILL There are many components to studying home aquaponics. One resource I found that succeeds in merging these is the Keiths Ponics Site (check it out on google) definately the best info that I have ever heard of. look at this awesome site.

[@bigkat2207]

shame on you sir, shame on you for building an absolute flawless beautiful system. Im jealous. So now I must copy off your incredible constructed system. Thank you for sharing your video and again shame on you

[@naomitangel7229]

Nice Video clip! Sorry for butting in, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you researched - Patlarny Gardening Expert Principle (do a google search)? It is a smashing one off product for learning how to expand your produce with the clever art of aquaponics without the headache. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my buddy after a lifetime of fighting got great results with it.

[@saulsanchez7805]

Es un excelente proyecto, son personas con mentes brillantes que buscar solución a los retos que se nos presentan a diario en nuestras vidas.

[@rockyboyer7974]

BIG KAT can you provide a diagram drawing of the layout with materials?

[@andarooriordan5660]

probably my favorite AP setup video thus far. another video/ list on cost? did you do any video's on build process?

[@slademcneill8801]

Drew Dan I do not have any build video. Just a few pictures. I’ve been remodeling my house so that’s why there hasn’t been any updates.

[@smokeydabeecharlescoleman8365]

You appear to have enough land, why not consider geothermal cooling? Nice setup btw.

[@danpowell8958]

Great video. Love your swirl filter and would like to duplicate on my system. Could you share with us : where you got the water jug and whether it has a screw on cap, and what you used to install the drain line to it and how you did it.

[@slademcneill8801]

It's a water bottle from Walmart. I used a black flexible plumber coupling with hose clamps to attach the bottle and the PVC.

[@shtf6210]

Damn. I want one

[@steventeague5818]

Very nice system, well thought out, any updates?

[@reneebrown5598]

Thank you for posting this video. I live near you but in Alabama. I have been thinking about putting in an aquaponics system about half the size of your but what i truely intend to grow in there is tropical fruit that just cant handle the cold at all. In order to get fruit off our bananas they can't freeze back and I've already got 2 papaya tree sprouts and dearly want to get dwarf mango tree. They grow small averaging 8-10' tall so i should be able to fit it all in there are you planning on using anything for cooling? I'm thinking of using geothermal cooling and a hot compost to heat with small fans to keep the air moving. That way in spring when i need to amend my raised beds I'll have quite a bit of compost to use. By putting in perforated drain pipe in the outside compost bins it should keep it pretty warm which is what I'm going for. No less than 55degrees

[@slademcneill8801]

Renee Brown I only plant what is in season. I tried growing out of season vegetables and fruits but the expense to heat in the winter was too much. Yes, if you can figure out a way to naturally heat the greenhouse that may work.

[@MrMadmax478]

Very Nice set up. Did you check you media to make sure you didn't have any limestone in it? Doesn't take much limestone to put you in pH hell zone... hehehehe Fish won't mine the high pH, but the plants will grow really slow and not be happy.

[@joansmith3492]

great looking system. have you considered catching some of the rain water off the roof?

[@slademcneill8801]

If you watch some of my other videos, you'll see 2 rain barrels off my barn.

[@007380]

Nice setup you have there. How often do you flood the grow media or does the water continually flow through the system?

[@slademcneill8801]

Roger Smith the system has about a 10-15 min cycle using the bell siphons described in the video.

[@TheGregWoodBand]

Nice design work Slade. Dig that DIY swirl filter, what's the top part made of? Did you try an open air system prior to green house?

[@stevehei8035]

Slade, what is the green material you used on the outside? Great video!

[@rickjones1450]

Hello, just wondering how or where you got your brim and catfish for the tanks? I am interested in doing the same and live in the panhandle. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Rick

[@sandhollowhomestead6972]

the swirl filter interests me. Do you have a generator back up incase the power is out? Fish won't last long without oxygen and neither will the plants. I like the greenhouse reinforcements. Good stuff! I just sub'd you so I can keep up with your greenhouse aquaponic experience.

[@slademcneill8801]

Yes, I have a generator for my entire house if we lose power. The swirl filter is just a water bottle and a five gallon bucket. It works well. Right now I'm growing collards, lettuce, spinach, strawberries, aloe, and rosemary. I need 20 more bluegill in each tank.

[@vijaybabaria3253]

Awesome setup, curious how do you keep manage fish in the winter?

[@donnievick3076]

It's Florida...

[@kahuna414]

nice system, but if water pump stops no air will get to the fish. i would have a backup air stone.

[@slademcneill8801]

You should watch the video again you can see the aerator and I also talk about it

[@abdulraheman4]

how long that gravel filter works?? I believe they may turn brown or some algae formation will happen which makes the system looks Greenish and not good looking?? What are your views on this, this was my observation

[@MyCreatorSpace]

It's symetrical 😍😍 BUT! Where is the thermometer... Something with a WiFi connection so you can see it at phone.... Be nice to know if the fan stops or something.. could kill the plants

[@frankrizzo3067]

Wow great job! I see a lot of bad reviews for the harbor freight green house. Did you have any stormy weather how did it hold up. I would like to buy one or two for my yard. I live in AZ the monsoon season can really mess things up. I will be watching for update videos keep up the good work!

[@slademcneill8801]

Frank Rizzo check my channel. Total loss on the GH.

[@peterrei280]

nice video, i have almost the same system, but I can't keep fishtank outside : it's to cold in spring and autumn

[@slademcneill8801]

DavideGalasio I’ve lost a few fish during the winter months but not too many. What kind of fish do you have?

[@myothernewname]

Updates? I just bought a 10x12 greenhouse and am looking at a very similar setup.

[@onebigkahuna69]

I keep coming back to this video and thinking he's an Engineer or very OCD on making things.? I think it's almost Textbook on how to build an Harbor freight Aquaponic system.?

[@margof1437]

i really like this set-up! i just got 3 ibc totes, & I am looking for designs that work. This is surely one of them that I w/consider.Hv any costs breakdown info? Respectfully, Margo

[@slademcneill8801]

Harbor freight GH was $500 on sale. Totes were $90 each. Attic fan, mister system, and shade cloth $200. I also ran water and electrical. Can't remember the the cost. Also aerators and pumps $100. Electrical use is not much, but a little more during the summer when the fan runs. Hope this helps

[@margof1437]

Wonderful! that helps me gauge how much further I hv to save for & what to acquire next. Im in the Midwest, so though still 70 degrees, it's changing fast.I hv not cut into the IBC's yet, so I may cover them up,& gear up after fall/winter. But I very much appreciate your taking the time. Respectfully, Margo

[@woundeddove6569]

+SLADE MCNEILL Could you email your purchase list to [e-mail]...Very nice set up.

[@majorleehunge]

Excellent video Slade. I live in Dothan and was curious if I could tour your "facility". Let me know if you are up for that. I am looking to build a system similar to this and could use some pointers. Thanks in advance!

[@slademcneill8801]

Sure. That wouldn't be a problem. I'm not sure how to get my info to you though?

[@majorleehunge]

my email is [e-mail].

[@robertoler3795]

well done how is it working?

[@madhuseetaram7434]

10×12 room size means 100sft only/- is it sufficient to make this

[@billshultz7040]

hope he used a non toxic pvc, but nice work

[@shnarklevonbarkle110]

Great video. Do you know why it is illegal to have Tilapia in Florida?

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

it's a non native invasive species, so they basically take over where ever they go -- they are hearty, they love warm water, breed fast, live long, and eat just about anything I don't know if that law is statewide. I do know there are many rules about handling the species -- you can't release your farm talapia it into the wild.aaa

[@Jstro14]

I have heard that tilapia is a geneticly modified fish is there any truth to that?

[@edniklas8157]

Internet Rumor. Tilapia are an ancient food source for the Nile to the Jordan River. Changes are most of the fish talked about in the Bible were Tilapia. They (US grown) also have lower rates of dioxins and mercury that many other popular fish like salmon and tuna. For anything you read on the internet check out Snopes or similar sites. www.snopes.com/food/warnings/tilapia.asp

[@jamielingenfelter5206]

How long did those boards that are holding the grow beds up last before they rot out from the moisture just wondering I've built a few systems myself but not as big as that hopefully coming up soon I'll be building my big system

[@slademcneill8801]

Jamie Lingenfelter if My system wasn’t destroyed by hurricane Michael they would still be perfectly fine. They were pressure treated and they never got wet

[@jamielingenfelter5206]

I'm sorry to hear that I'm thank you for getting back to me

[@dannyfletcher6912]

once the fish go in how often do cycle the water 1 time and hour or 2 times ir what. Seen didnt people doit different so i was askind

[@dkroen17]

thanks. How is the green house during a storm?

[@slademcneill8801]

No problem with the modifications. Without them the panels blew out easily.

[@anotherdamnyankee3805]

Love the job you did but the video sound was way to low.

[@donnievick3076]

That's what volume knobs are for.

[@muwongeemmanuel5894]

I have 10 PVC tanks 40,000ltrs 8 by 4 by 1.3 mtrs. How may cat fish can I grow? How many grow beds do I need

[@slademcneill8801]

Catfish didn’t work for me. Neither did panfish. Tilapia is the best to use, but are illegal in north Florida. I ended up using goldfish but they are not for eating. Tilapia will breed in tanks. The more fish the more grow beds. Also how much water flow matters too. You just have to practice with it. I had one tank of fish feeding three grow beds

[@TinnonFamilyFarm]

do you have more info on your swirl filter setup

[@swanyut]

is any of that plastic considered food safe ?

[@slademcneill8801]

swany it's all foodgrade plastic

[@1968dodger2419]

any plans on your system?

[@davidseverance5431]

where on the panhandle are you?

[@slademcneill8801]

David Severance Jackson County

[@anonymousprepper1463]

I built mine for $200 total

[@muricawoo6587]

Catfish take too long.. Over a year to be barely plate sized. And that's if you buy them from almost a yr old 3in fingerlings.

[@rebeccamascagni548]

I just discovered Simply Love Gardening (search google for it!). I got everything I needed from one place.

[@joediantonio1073]

SPEAK-UP, can,t hear you