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Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:16 pm

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This morning I finished opening up the last tank for the grow bed.


The Grow Tank ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden )
Guess what, my old quality hacksaw blade is still in one piece and is still ready to go on to the next sawing task! When come to hacksaw blades the best is a must or there'll definitely be lots of set back and frustration.


Retrieving Parts ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden )
Having done the grow tanks I started retrieving as much parts as I can to be reused.


Garage Attic ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden )
The next place to check out is the garage attic where many things were stashed away and forgotten. Sometimes it is just a frustration when looking for something that isn't there but today it is a treasure chest for me cause there were some pvc pipes that I can use.


The Hardwares ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden )
Next is the shopping trip itself and I went to the largest plumbing hardware store in Malacca. I was disappointed that they do not carry the 32mm to 15mm elbow. According to them that is a rather a odd size and they don't think anyone manufacture it. If they don't have I guess it is pointless to go else where to look for it. Guess I had to stick with what I had done and make use of additional reduction adapter 32mm to 25mm.

Next I guess would be the assembly and layout.

OK the cost so far:

1 pc 200 litres Drum = $45.00
5 pcs 25 litres cans = $20.00
1 pc Funny Hand saw = $3.90
1 tube 300gm silicone sealant = $6.00
8 pcs Reduction Adapter 32 to 25mm = $5.60
8 pcs Reduction Elbow 25 to 15mm = $4.80
1 meter 32mm pvc thin wall pipe = $2.50
1 meter 15mm pvc thin wall pipe = $1.50
1 pc best quality hacksaw blade = $3.80



Last edited: Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:31 pm

This blog entry has been viewed 562 times

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Jerry Sullivan wrote on Sat Feb 12, 2011 6:27 am:

It's nice to have spare parts to use for projects. They are good for solving 'problems' or starting a project without going to the parts store.

A question about system balance: There are two systems, a pump system for nutrients, and a siphon system for the return water. Each will run independently. How do you regulate the water flow so that one system does not get ahead of the other? Either pumping too much water or siphoning off too much. Is there a potential problem here? Maybe this would show up during an initial test?

Jerry

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KK Ng wrote on Sat Feb 12, 2011 2:55 pm:

Totally agreed with you Jerry, but sometimes I just forget I had it or where was it!!...hehe!!

About the system balance, I haven't really do the maths yet but the basic is that the grow tank should be filled within 20~25 minutes before the siphon action kicks in. I have timed the time needed to drain the the grow tank with the same bore pvc pipe. There is no danger of siphoning off too much because all the water is to be drained out anyway. I guess the real problem here is getting the right size pump the first time. If I don't get it right the first time I cannot return it for a bigger unit so I might end up with a few units which is a no no for me.

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Jerry Sullivan wrote on Sat Feb 12, 2011 4:22 pm:

Hi KK,
Sounds like a larger unit with a valve to regulate the flow would mean buying only one submersible pump, removing the guess work from the equation.

Jerry

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Jerry Sullivan wrote on Sun Feb 13, 2011 5:27 pm:

Hi KK,

It's Sunday morning and I was looking at the pictures and thinking. If you have not thrown away the cuttings from opening the grow tanks, there is the possibility to use them as a baffle to protect the plants from excessive water pressure. This depends a lot on the configuration. They looked too nice to just throw away.

Just thinking again:-)

Jerry

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KK Ng wrote on Tue Feb 15, 2011 1:50 pm:

Hi Jerry,
Yes I think a larger unit with a regulating valve would be logical.

I am sorry I am not with you here about the baffle thing and yes I still have all the cut out pieces, would appreciate if you can give me more details.

My mind is kind of a chaotic at the moment so can't really think straight!!

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Jerry Sullivan wrote on Tue Feb 15, 2011 3:11 pm:

Hi KK,
I have several submersible pumps for my ponds. A 1600 gph and two 900 gph. Each produces a fair amount of pressure, especially if the water does not have to rise to far. Depending on how the water enters your grow tanks it would seem that you may need to place a baffle in the tank to prevent the water pressure from disturbing the plants. A baffle could be made from the pieces you cut from the tanks. If you had thrown the cut pieces away that option would no longer be available. This may all be moot if your configuration of the grow tanks has allow for protecting the plants from excessive water pressure. I just hate to have an idea and too have prematurely thrown away the opportunity to apply it.

Jerry

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KK Ng wrote on Wed Feb 16, 2011 1:48 pm:

OK I see what you mean, thanks!

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Nelson90 wrote on Sat May 30, 2015 11:58 am:

Hi KK Ng, I read your set up post, you mentioned that you have been to scrap site to acquire some cheap equipments.
Do you mind to share where is that place?

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