{"id":674,"date":"2016-04-22T04:45:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-22T04:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/desima.co\/?p=674"},"modified":"2019-07-01T11:43:34","modified_gmt":"2019-07-01T11:43:34","slug":"ibc-tote-aquaponics-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/desima.co\/blog\/ibc-tote-aquaponics-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"IBC TOTE AQUAPONICS CONSTRUCTION"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE IBC AQUAPONICS DIY INSTRUCTIONS <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download this free PDF guide for building your own IBC Tote, backyard aquaponics system. It’s basically the same information that is in this blog post, but organised so that you can print it out. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Follow this guide to build your own IBC Tote aquaponics. I will update this post later with information on how to construct the bell siphon. Hope this infographic helps you to get started in your journey to healthy, organic and fresh produce for your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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IBC Tote Aquaponics Construction Infographic <\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Remember if you use this infographic on your website, you must have a link back to this page and our home page www.desima.co<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


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A big shout out to Rob Bob, please go check out his youtube channel. The information here is from his videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Build A Chop and Flip IBC Aquaponic System<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create an Aquaponic system, you will need an IBC (intermediate bulk container) with the capacity of at least 158 gallons. It is essential to rinse the entire container thoroughly, due to the possibility of foreign chemicals being present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1.Taking out the IBC:<\/strong> To remove the IBC from its cage, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver, or a screw gun and t-40 and t-30 drill bits. First, remove the top bars holding the container in and save them for later. Remove IBC from cage.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2.Cutting the Fish Tank and Growth Bed:<\/strong>Cut the IBC approximately 1 foot down from the top, or right below the 20-gallon mark in the tank. Mark this spot all around the container using a marker and straight edge. Cut lines evenly with a hacksaw or reciprocating saw, removing the top of the IBC. Save the part you just cut off for later, as the part you cut off will be the growth bed. Tip:<\/strong> Clean up edges with a razor blade.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3.Altering the Cage and Pallet:<\/strong>Using a screwdriver, take off the screws attaching the cage to the pallet. You will also need to remove the legs of the pallet. Next, remove the valve cover, this can be done with pliers.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4.Cutting the Cage:<\/strong>Before cutting the cage, remove the black corner pieces by dislodging them with slight force. Next, start cutting the top two rungs of the cage off with your hacksaw or reciprocating saw. There will be a clear opening for the fish tank; however, you need to cut both rungs on either side in order to widen the opening. Set aside the top part, because it will become the cage for the growth bed. Tip:<\/strong>Always wear protective gear when using the saw, and sand down any sharp metal edges. Cover metal edges with sealant.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5.Assembly Prep:<\/strong>Fill any gaps in the pressure release valve (located on the bottom of the growth bed) with an aquarium grade sealant. This will stop any leaks from the valve.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6.Fish Tank Assembly:<\/strong>Place the pallet without legs on the ground, and then place your new fish tank on top of it. Dig a small hole under the valve opening in order to assure a flat surface and proper drainage in case of a leak. Tip:<\/strong>A level surface underneath your whole tank is very important. Next, place the cage back over the fish tank. It will fit snugly without screws. <\/em>Reattach the valve cover with zip ties.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7.Growth Bed and System Assembly:<\/strong>Put two pieces of hardwood on top of the fish tank structure. They should be longer than the cage itself. Place the growth bed cage on top of that. The growth bed should sit approximately 1 foot back from the opening of the fish tank to ensure an easy reach into the tank. Screw the two top bars from the cage back in the openings you will find in the growth bed cage. This will be the support for the growth bed. The growth bed container can now go into its cage. You are half way done, congratulations!\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8.Pump Assembly:<\/strong>You will need a 793gal\/hr magnetic drive water pump. This will send fish tank water into the growth bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n