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Next, Lend Me Your Minds
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 3:21 pm With the fish tank safely secured and in place, I am now into the grow beds. At first I thought that it is going to be easy until I take a closer look at the barrels that are going to converted to be the grow beds. So please lend me your minds. 
Stable side ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) After rolling the barrel around , I found that laying it this way is the most stable. The 27cm height is more than enough for the grow bed. Laying it down this way means the opening hole will be just at 50% of the height and might be a problem for siphoning out all the water. 
Concept ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This is the concept and it looks simple enough but as I look at it more in detail, it becomes more complicated. Initially I thought of using the Bell Siphon and I changed my mind because it takes up space in the grow bed. Moreover I do not want to make any hole in the grow tank because more holes means more chances of leaking. Since there is already a hole I'll make use of it the best way I can. To make use of the existing hole, I'll have to make use of the Loop Siphon which I think is possible to incorporate into the design but what would be workable and most efficient. 
Design 1 ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) In this design, I am not sure wether the water in the 42mm chamber would be drained out or not. I have to make use of 42mm dia piping because the existing hole can fit a 42mm dia pipe snugly. 
Design 2 ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This might work but ....... 
Design 3 ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This will work but I think the water in the first section of the 42mm pipe will back flow into the grow bed. 
Design 4 ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) I like this and I think it will work. Well..... Wanted to try it out physically but all the hardware shops are closed for the Chinese New Year break. Guess I had to wait for next week! GONG XI FATT CAI This blog entry has been viewed 492 times
Wedgies
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:55 am Before starting on the wedgies, thanks to rain I am able to collect more than enough water to fill up the tank to the max. 
Stress Test ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) After having it filled, I can now very confidently say that the stress at the opening is minimal if any and 100% no leak at the screw cap holes or any other part of the tank. I tried rolling the tank but it need lots of effort so there is indeed a need for some kind of stopper. After consideration, decided on the wedgies .... as Sojerd said it "THE best idea in terms of cost and simplicity." 
Old Timber ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Found a piece of left over very hard wood beam which was used in the renovation of my house about 20 years ago and so no extra cost but high value! 
Accidental Beveled ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This species of wood is rated as the second most hard wood from the tropical rain forest. If any termites dare to take a bite at it, I am sure they will have to go see a dentist after that!! Having not saw a piece of hardwood for a long time and with my glasses on for the first time, the end result is a beveled edge instead of a true 90º flat face. A contoured or concave face would be great but due to my laziness ........ 
Accidental Benefit ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Anyway this error actually worked in my favor because of the sloping part of the wedgies actually fit nicely to the tank. With a little tap the wedgies fitted snugly into position and it is almost impossible to remove it after that. 
Neat ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Well Jerry, it is the barrel against the wall with a couple of wedges. It is really stable and neat. This blog entry has been viewed 444 times
Anti-Roll
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 4:06 pm Jerry suggested that I should have some kind of barrel support so that it would not move ....... I have been looking at it but wasn't really able to decide. After sitting down infront of the barrel and starring at it off and on for about two days, these are my thoughts. 
Full Cage ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This look very secure but ..... err is this like over doing it? 
Half Cage ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) I guess this might be a better solution because the cage is not at a tangent to the circumference of the barrel so it actually stop it from moving I think. 
The Wedge ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The most simple form just like a car wheel stopper used when changing a flat tyre. Everytime I try to think for more solution the wedge always come to my mind. I think this is the best because it is simple to move and simple to apply. The cost is minimal. Anyway it is raining again now and I would be able to fill up the barrel tomorrow with the water I am collecting now. With a fully filled up tank I would be able to see how the wedges perform in real situation. Tomorrow WEDGEY day!!! This blog entry has been viewed 1713 times
I'm Pleased ....
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 2:44 pm By noon today, the silicone sealant would have cured for more than 24 hours. 
50% full of rain water ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Filled it with the rain water collected yesterday and managed to fill up 50% of the capacity. 
No Leaks ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Check out my handy work and there is no leak. Turn the drum around so that the other hole is checked too to ease my my mind that it is OK too. yes it is OK and is keeping my fingers crossed because this is just initial. 
6 hours later ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) 6 hours later after my lunch, afternoon beauty sleep and weeding about in the mini farm, I was a bit nervous while keeping my fingers crossed as I approached the half filled tank. Hey it is as dry as a bone ..... I did it. I am pleased ....... This blog entry has been viewed 1667 times
It's Open!!
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 4:09 pm Yesterday lost all my photos in my alzheimer suffering camera but early this morning I was rewarded with sky juice fresh from the sky. 
Sky Juice ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) It had not rained for more than 2 weeks now so it is indeed pleasant to have it but it overstayed it's welcome and it is still drizzling now ...... almost midnight now. Anyway the timing couldn't be better because tomorrow I would need the water to test out if it is still leaking after redoing the leaking area yesterday evening. 
Double Secure ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This time instead of one cable tie, I used two - one at the base and another at the rim. This was done after the drum was cut. 
It's Open ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The design for the opening was changed after Jerry made some very important comments on my last posting. Thanks Jerry, I think the band in the center should be strong enough, if it is not I guess I'll have to reinforce it. 
Inside View ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The inside of the access hole is not flat so I am not able to sealed it with a gasket. The best way I know how is to silicone it. I did it for both the access holes practising better safe than sorry. The silicone curing time is 24hours and since it had been raining and raining the whole day today, I decided to let it stand for another day before proceeding to do the leak test. The drum is made in Germany and I guess it had to meet with some kind of standard in relation to the welded part of the top cover. Knowing that the drum is made in Germany gives me more confident that the top cover would stay in place. The tear at the access hole must be caused by over tightening of the screw cap. The O-ring for that cap is missing and I had to use excessive force to open it when I got it. Keeping my fingers crossed for the moment of truth!! This blog entry has been viewed 403 times
The Crucial Cut ........
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 2:17 pm I did a leak test on the 200litres drum and found one of the access hole is leaking. 
( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) There was a crak at the joint of the moulding of the drum due to excessive forced used to shut the stopper. I repaired it from the outside with silicone rubber and kept my fingers crossed that the job is done. I did another leak test this morning and ...... arrghh!!!! water is still trickling out. On closer examination I concluded that the sealing must be done both on the inside and outside. In order to reach the area that is having the leak from inside I'll first have to make an opening large enough for my hand to get in. Since I have to make an opening for the fish to go into, I guess I might decide where the opening should be to convert this drum to a fish tank. 
On the Floor Position ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The drum will be placed on the floor in this position(it is now against the wall) with the two opening parallel to the floor. I feel that this is the best arrangement because should any one of the screw on caps (the white things) decide to leak while in operation, at least half of the water would be retained. I do not need any drain hole so I see no reason to have one right at the bottom. What do you think? 
Minimised Cutting ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This is how I am going to make the opening at the side of the drum and when it is lying down on the floor it would be facing up. I am thinking of 15cm wide and if it is not wide enough, the maximun I would go is 30cm. I want a small opening enough for me to put my hand in to do work like sealing the leaks for starters, pump placement and off course catching the fish for the dinner table when it's time ... hehe!!! A small opening would also mean less water loss due to evaporation and more difficult for the fish to jump out to go for a walk!!! I hope I had covered all different aspect for the conversion from drum to fish tank before I make the crucial cut. OK the expected 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 1 pc 600litres/hr submersible pump = ? PVC pipes and fittings = ? This blog entry has been viewed 547 times
Zee Tool
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 3:45 pm 
Very Simple Tool ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) This is the tool that I mentioned earlier and I found it in a unique bargain store with a unique name - Super Cowboy. The yellow part is the handle and it is made of plastic. The black blade is a piece of hacksaw blade and it goes into the handle. The lenght of the exposed part of the blade can be adjusted by losening the wing nut at the end of the handle. I got it yesterday and on the way back home I had to drop by at my mum's place to answer plumbing emergency call. Her plastic stop cock head broke and water was gushing. With the new tool in hand I used it to saw the PVC pipe and had the stop cock replaced. It worked and it is real cheap!! OK the expected cost so far: 1 pc 200 litres Drum = $45 5 pcs 25 litres cans = $20 I pc Funny Hand saw = $3.90 1 pc 600litres/hr submersible pump = ? PVC pipes and fittings = ? This blog entry has been viewed 401 times
Committed
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:38 pm Went to the scrape yard and got myself committed this morning, it is getting real exciting. 
The commitment ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Those drums filled up the Old Chariot. 
The Hardware ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) I have no idea what the content of the 200litres drum was but it didn't have any foul smell and it is really clean inside. The 25litres drums were used for orang and apple cordials...... they smell pleasant. It is nice to see the hardwares physically as it really take away lots of the guessing work. I laid them out on the area that they were supposed to be and they fitted well. Now I have to start looking for lumber for the racks to support the grow bed and keep the 200litres drum in place. Next I'll have to modify the drums so that they are useable for the purpose. I have never modify a plastic drum before so I am wondering what would the best tool to cut it. A powered jig saw .... good choice but mine is broken, a blade???? These are heavy duty drums so i guess a blade is out of the question. I guess my best choice now is to Google it. This blog entry has been viewed 525 times
Design & Technicalities.
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 2:42 pm For the design, I am keeping it as simple as possible. 
The Design ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The design looks simple enough and I am sure you are aware that putting the design on paper is simple but building it is whole lot of different story. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I would not have much obstacle when I start on it physically. Now for the technicalities, I will be following most of the information from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Universiti of Hawaii at Manoa in the internet and whatever useful information I can get from any website. The Maths The 200 litres drum for the fish need some modification work because I will be lying it on the ground. The drum need to be cut along it's side so that there is an opening. After this modification, I would expect to at least contain 180litres of water. According to most website, to have healthy fish, the total volume of the water need to be filtered every hour which means I have to have a pump capable to move at least 180litres per hour. My plan is a 400litres per hour pump, always more is better than not enough. As for the grow bed, the containers should be flooded every 15~20 minutes and an automated draining system is needed. To ensure that the grow beds are flooded within 15~20 minutes, the pump must be able to top up 100 litres (Since the are 5 20litres grow bed - 5X20=100) during that time. Oops I think the pump capacity is just enough and I am not comfortable with that. 400 litres per hour pump will provide a volume of 100 litres theoretically in 15 minutes. So the pump must have a larger capacity, at 600 litres I guess. To drain the water after flooding, I think I'll go with the bell siphon system http://www.siphons.com/operation.html of it's efficiency instead of the loop siphon system.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf4GYqhedTw Frankly I have not really make up my mind yet ..... will see how it get along ya!! OK the expected cost so far: 1 pc 200 litres Drum = $45 5 pcs 25 litres cans = $20 1 pc 600litres/hr submersible pump = ? PVC pipes and fittings = ? Last edited: Wed Jan 12, 2011 2:45 pm This blog entry has been viewed 501 times
A Visit to the Scrap Yard
Category: Aquaponics | Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:44 pm Yesterday morning I made a visit to the scrap yard to dispose of my couple of months collection of recycleable scraps. It was a good trip and I am happy with the items they have that I can make use for the aquaponics. 
Very Large and Very Small ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The 1000 litres tank is superb and at $280 per piece, is OK with me. A new tank of approximately the same capacity made of fiber glass will set me back by $800 which I will never pay for it. With the $280 one I can cut about 1foot off from the top and I'll get two open top tanks, one about 3 feet deep which I can use for the aquaculture while the other is about a foot deep which will be ideal for the hydroponics or veggies growth bed. The smaller 25litres tanks at $4 would be great for additional veggie growth bed without eating a hole into the pocket. There is a problem here because I do not have the transportation to transport the tank back to my home. To arrange for hire transportation would be a hassle and I do not wish to go through that. Then a bell rang in my mind that I should actually be looking at sizes that are more portable for me to move around by myself since I might have to change the location. Moreover there are many uncertainities so I guess a smaller set up would be safer. 
The Ideal Size ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) These 200litres tanks is just ideal and the price at $45 I think is a steal. I have a couple of these smaller size drums at home and they do not deteriorate in the sun, maybe super slowly. To transport these 200litres drum is no problem for me. For the grow beds to go with this 200litres drums, I'll make use of the 25litres containers, maybe 4 or 5 of them. I guess this is the most ideal set up for start up and if the project works out to be relly fun then I can easily expand it base on this set up. Now to the drawing board to work out the technicalities set up design with these available hardware. Last edited: Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:50 pm This blog entry has been viewed 2030 times
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