How to Build a Chop & Flip IBC Aquaponics System

[@laurel8732]

Nice idea for the piping system! And thank you for the anti clogging tip for the syphon kit.

[@mking3219]

Keep spreading the good word brother Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers MK. Hope all's well with you mate.

[@zacherybutter7349]

An updated video! I really like seeing progress/new ideas to aquaponics and you’re the only channel I follow for it.

[@RobsAquaponics]

There will definitely be more to come mate. Happy growing.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Learn about Aquaponics 🐟 🍓🍅 with my "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only US$19.95. You can see the guide in action on my website, ► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide Or, buy directly here, ► bit.ly/AquaponicsBeginnersGuide Don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video, bit.ly/Subscribe2Rob & share the clip around if you think it may help others too.👍 Cheers all & have a top one. 🐟 🌱🍅 Rob

[@bullterrier1970]

Again amazing content. Thanks Rob.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Max. 👍

[@wizzzard_ponics]

great rework video rob, it was this video that inspired me to make my own system, now look what you have done, the system accidently grew, lol both plants and in size..

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one mate. Hope the system is ticking over nicely.

[@wizzzard_ponics]

Mate.. it's growing mad.. now I have enough fish and they are getting to size.. now 100 jade's 50 bass 50 sleepy cod.. 50 per tank except cods are in sump..

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@wizzzard_ponics 🤣 I can imagine it would be Dazza with that amount of fish. 👍

[@wizzzard_ponics]

Mate.. this might seam strange.. your system 3 grow beds approx 50 mature fish.. my system 3x bigger now so need 3x fish.. finally I have nitrogen in system. Finally plant available food.. so all good fish still not mature so in time things can only get better as fish grow.. p.s. bass are slow growers new jade's are same size.. 10 months apart.. new jade's will be bigger by end of summer.. sleepy cods are slow but I think they also will be bigger than the bass by summers end... at least when I harvest a tank I have 2 other tanks to keep system going loving it so far

[@darterkiyounes6917]

Very nice and detailed video, thank you for sharing your experience.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful!😁👍

[@markwallis5629]

Thanks for the amazing videos and channel.. Just starting a project at home to clean my ducks water. I have found your videos amazingly helpful and think I can adapt some of it.. I'm mostly doing it to be water concious, as it does get dry at times in Warwick QLD.. We have a few projects in Papua New Guinea too so I will be wading my way through your videos for instruction and inspiration..

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad you're enjoying the vid's Mark. 👍 How is your system going?

[@dksfollies4772]

Very nice presentation brother

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers DK. 😁👍

[@dksfollies4772]

@@RobsAquaponics thx brother

[@johnscrub]

I have just acquired an IBC tank. Am going to try to make a system. My question is in the video, why do you cut the Section out inbetween the fish tank and grow bed? Instead of incorporating it into one or the other? Great videos very helpful and easy to follow

[@RobsAquaponics]

You can if you want John. 👍👍

[@johnscrub]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks have a great day

[@skippyvsamy6768]

Hi Rob. I've been watching here and there for a few years. I was wondering how difficult it is to power with solar energy? Is the cost worth the effort?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Solar systems of this size would be fairly easy. I would suggest that the amount of panels used is more than required so you can collect enough energy to run it at night as well.

[@skippyvsamy6768]

@@RobsAquaponics excellent. Ty 💕💕

[@oguzayhan7460]

Thanks Rob for sharing your knowledge with us. I watched almosted every videos that u upload. I wold be very happy if you could do in house aquarium aquaponic system with edible fish.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I would like to but don't have enough room for a large tank in the house. I would only keep fish I want to grow out to 500g/1lb in a tank no smaller than 500L/130gal tank.

[@danielgeorge1030]

I am starting a farm in 2023, I plan to use aquaponics for overwinter greens and fish, I have watched and saved all of your videos and I plan to purchase your guide. Have you ever combined species in an IBC system, such as crawfish in the bottom with tilapia on top or a mix of catfish and tilapia? Is it better for species to remain separate? You are truly the guru.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey Daniel. We did have red claw crays in the sump tank with some decent sized goldfish. We think that the goldfish ate most of the crays as they moulted so that was a bit of a mistake. I also think that other crays helped that along as well as they will happily feast on each other. I do know folks that run multi-species fish tanks. Just try & match species that won't predate on each other. Trying to keep all the fish around the same size will help a lot. Tilapia & cats should be OK from what I've seen. The tilapia will grow faster than the cats & you may have issues with the cats having a crack at new tilapia fingerlings when it comes time to add them in after the first lot are harvested. BTW, not a guru, just happy to help where I can. Cheers & have a top one mate.

[@Noobly2]

My IBC tote should arrive this Tuesday.... What are the measurements in inches once you cut the grow bed off? I'm hoping i can get this to fit through my door 30" to the basement.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I run through the measurements at the 4:00 mark. 😉👍

[@ElaineDuran-t6w]

Very interesting video. I’m inspired to build one now at my house due to the cost of food and all. Plus it looks like a very interesting hobby. How would this do in extreme temperatures? I live in west Texas.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I've seen a few folks do it in all parts of Texas Elain. You just need to plan the layout to shield the fish & shade the plants from the hottest parts of the day (generally from midday on). Cold can also be an issue if you get the cold winters there as well.

[@ALKACER2005]

Good vedio👌

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks😁👍

[@yvesderamaut7440]

Thx for the vid! Question:what kind of fish are they? Second Question: what in winter time when it gets below zero?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I use Aussie native Jade perch (Scortum Barcoo). We only get below freezing for probably 6-8 hours all winter so it isn't an issue for us here. I do currently use a heater in the fish tank to keep the fish on their feed but if it was set up with more sun on the tank I wouldn't need to. Cheers.

[@halfbinz]

I’ve got a bit of an odd one. Simple setup, not running fish at the moment. However loads I put in will grow really well but just won’t produce. Last year with winter veg put a good mix in grew really well but wouldn’t produce anything and had to pull all out. Recently put capsicum in that’s grown crazy, loads of flowers but won’t produce anything. Also not sure why you try make these filters when you can just buy a decent bio filter that does it all for you and takes up ten times less space. I run one and works a treat. Clean if maybe once a year

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sounds like you may have a nutrient issue. Potassium with help with fruit & flower development. Not sure what you mean with the filters? Do you have a link to the filter you're using & can you let me know what size system it's running on?

[@TeacherMom80]

Thank you SO much for this! I am from America & have 2 IBC tanks & am very excited to build this! I do worry about it being a drowning hazard for young children who may lean over the edge to see the fish. What safety precautions could be taken to help prevent that? Thanks again! Take care! I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey Teacher Mom. A simple sheet or wire like hog panel would do the trick. I had a timber lid over the opening in our first system like this but you could still see the fish through the sides & rear of the tank. I hope your system is growing well for you. Sorry it took a while to get back to you.

[@TeacherMom80]

@@RobsAquaponics Great idea! Thanks! That’s okay that it took a while to write back. I understand. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. 😀 Take care. Stay healthy & well!

[@ysleem90]

1st comment!

[@MichaelHoffmannG]

What kind of paint do you recommend? The guy at the home improvement store recommended an alkyd enamel paint, but I've been reading that that can leech toxins into the tank. But also that no kind of paint is aquarium safe... 😅 After following you for years I finally got myself an IBC and the space to use it. I'll be buying the guide next payday. Thanks for all your very informative videos.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Most will flake off of the HDPE. There are now some plastic primer paints available but haven't tried any myself. Some folks will lightly sand the surface to give the paint something to grip onto. A lot of folks frown on that now due to it creating micro plastics.

[@davecannabis]

i find 3 bathtubs make a good small system

[@RobsAquaponics]

Would like to build one a an ornamental system at some point.

[@michaelyoung1892]

Hey Rob, could you put some edible floating plant on top of the water to reduce evaporation and create an extra level of food production

[@RobsAquaponics]

You can but it may cause issues with the plumbing. I had issues with duck weed in our first large build gunking up some small valves.

[@michaelyoung1892]

Hey Rob, could you hang some rain=gutters on the metal around the perimeter of the tank - so the water from the bell siphon would gravity-drain through those before returning to the fish tank?

[@RobsAquaponics]

You could but the flow would be rather fast. Might spill a bit out the side if they're not deep enough.

[@pickle3305]

Hey man, I am very fonding of the build. I was wondering instead of using ibc containers, if I have a small mountain at my disposal could I dig holes and use pond tarp?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sorry I missed this mate. You can use tarps in holes. I'd suggest you form it up with board around where you're running the drainage pipes through though. Would love to have a gander if you make it & post a vid. Sorry again for missing this.

[@petery4801]

👌❤

[@RobsAquaponics]

👍👍

[@zach6331]

Hey Rob. Building my first system right now. I've got my design ready but I want to do a gravity feed from the Tank to the filter and ti the grow bed can yiu explain or reference a system

[@RobsAquaponics]

I call that a single loop & mention it in this video Zach, kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoK0cmh4pbx-m8U It's the third system in. Hope it helps with a few ideas mate.

[@lisabringans121]

Hi there Rob I have just built a ibc bell shipon aquaponics but my issue is I only have 12 volt battery charged by wind generator and 2x solar panels = 200watts Can you please point me in the right direction for a reliable 12volt water pump to handle my ibc set up Thank you Alan

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sorry I missed this Alan. Did you end up finding a pump?

[@TheDor-t3q]

Hi how are you securing the top grow bed to the wood planks and the wood planks to the fish tank?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I use wire & tie the timber off through holes in the metal frame. The bed is then wired to the timber through holes it it's cage. Hope that helps some.

[@ramoneoliveira5851]

Like

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers mate.😁👍

[@teresadeel7317]

I see where you say it will take about 6.5 bags of grow media (expanded clay or shale) but what size are the bags? I have found various size bags for sale by weight.

[@RobsAquaponics]

They are generally 45-50L in volume as sold in shops here Teresa. Do they have cubic feet listed on them at all?

[@aussieroo9471]

Question 600ltr holds around ten fish to table size, how long until table size?, and ten fingerlings will that be enough for a full bed of plants ? if not how long before i could fully plant out with greens? thanks Rob great stuff mate.

[@rattanack1413]

Check out the youtuber togetherwegrow he has a solar set up and his energy consumption is less than 100 wat per hour. He uses solar panels with a 12 volt system.

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@rattanack1413 I'm still waiting on a build video from Chuck. It would help a lot of folks out. BTW I think you commented on the wrong post. 😉

[@RobsAquaponics]

That would depend on a few things mate. Jade perch will grow to size in 8-12 months generally speaking. Silvers will normally take over 12 months. The amount of fish the system can hold is actually based on the volume of media in the grow bed. Systems should be progressively planted out otherwise the plants won't get enough nutrients to start off with. This link will take you to a section on cycling a system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6LCfoFqoL-Fors I talk about starting of plants after the section on cycling itself. I also have a video dedicated to cycling in the "Starting A DIY Aquaponics System" playlist, kzbin.info/aero/PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf Hope that helps some.

[@aussieroo9471]

@@RobsAquaponics That's a great help thanks mate. I going to run two systems , Hochos flood n drain Dutch bucket hydroponic for fruiting high ec plants, and your single chop flip for leafy greens and maybe beetroot later in the growth. Again thanks for the info, I love you channel. Costa X Aquaman lol.

[@corwinwhitehorn7759]

@RobsAquaponics Why don't you put the bell siphon in the middle (where there's already a opening)?

[@RobsAquaponics]

That can cause dead spots with poor water exchange in the other corners of the bed. It can also be an issue for some to be able to reach into the center + they have get over grown very quickly. Hope that helps.

[@ALKACER2005]

Hi Rob, does it allaw to Put NPK in fish tank because of elements deficiency? Is that will harm the fish?

[@RobsAquaponics]

N (Nitrogen) is what the fish waste is so no need to add that. P (Phosphorus) is generally in high enough amounts so isn't added by most. K (Potassium) is added by many, especially those that grow a lot of fruiting plants. Most will add K in the form of bicarbonate or hydroxide to help buffer the pH as both are fish safe. Hope that helps some.

[@chrishawkins4066]

Hi guys/girls. what size media would be recommended in blue metal? Options are 10mm and 20mm

[@RobsAquaponics]

20mm / ¾" would be best.

[@MilesProwerTailsFox]

Don’t use valves use a tiny hole on the hose The hole needs to be a lot tiener than the en of the hose obviously You can turn on the pump and slowly increase the hole size

[@RobsAquaponics]

It's a lot easier to regulate flow with a valve. Over time the hose will clog up a bit with biofilm meaning that the flow will get retarded some what.

[@jean-daniellanthier7970]

Hey Rob, do you believe this build needs to be solidify if used with rocks or gravel instead of clay? Thank you, its a really helpfull video, just the good lenght to have all the info and not to long to lose half a day! Awesome work!

[@RobsAquaponics]

It may pay to add some extra timber supports under the bed & also make sure that the system itself is sitting on stable ground 👍👍

[@drrahilakurdi5943]

🌷🌷🐠🌷🐡🌷🐋🌷🐟🌷🐬🌷

[@RobsAquaponics]

😁😁👍👍🌺🌺

[@MichaelHoffmannG]

I want to add that if someone is using lava rock instead of hydroton, the dust from it is probably very high in iron and makes a great additive for compost or for adding back into the water later. It can affect pH initially but it oxidizes and turns into a weak base pretty quickly. I found that peas do really well with the extra iron if your fish can tolerate a little dust.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers for that.

[@gregjensen7492]

In New Zealand, our government MPI and trout fishermen are anal to the max and other than goldfish, we can't put any other fish in it! It sucks 😡

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have spoken to a number of folks from NZ that find the regulation over there really harsh.

[@jamaicanfarmershut]

jamaicanfarmershut