Aquaponics: Reusing Your Water Tote

Intermediate bulk container
Aquaponics is a practice that combines growing fish through aquaculture with growing plants hydroponically. Aquaponics tanks can be stocked with everything from guppies to catfish, and the water from the fish is reused to provide nutrients for plants. While there are several ways to set up this type of system, water totes are becoming an increasingly popular option. When properly cleaned, old water totes, also known as intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), can be used to create simple backyard aquaponics setups.

While there are a few ways to turn these storage containers into aquaponics tanks, here is one simple way to do so using a single IBC.

Obtain and Prep Your Tote


Used water totes are easy to come by, but when you are using one to create an aquaponics setup, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. A tote that was used to store or transport dangerous chemicals is not well-suited to this project. Even with extensive cleaning, traces of the chemicals may still remain. It’s best to use food-grade water totes only when building an aquaponics system.

Choose a tote with a capacity of no less than 158 gallons and rinse it thoroughly prior to starting the project.

Remove the Top of the Water Tote


An aquaponics setup requires a fish tank and a grow bed. To accomplish this using a single water tote, you will need to remove the top. Measure down approximately 12 inches and cut the bars all the way around. Next, use a square to mark the tank, and cut it as well. Remove the top, which will become the grow bed.

File the cut edges of the bars to remove any sharp edges. Depending on what you used to cut the plastic, you may also want to sand those edges to make them smoother. Seal the pressure release valve using an aquarium grade silicone sealant. This will prevent it from leaking.

Assemble the System


Cut several long wooden beams and place them on the top of the bottom tank to support the grow bed. Next, place the grow bed on top of the beams and attach it securely. The top should be installed upside down so that the valve is on the bottom. Don’t align it with the bottom tank. Instead, situate it back further so part of the top of the fish tank is accessible. It should sit approximately one foot behind the opening of the fish tank.

Aquaponics diagram

While not necessary, you may want to consider covering the tank in dark-colored paint, wood or foil. This helps shield the system from sunlight and reduces algae.

Install a Water Pump


You will need a pump to transfer water from the fish to your grow bed. You can build your own pump, or you can use an in-line or submersible pump. Make sure the pump you use is appropriately sized for your application. There are several options for creating pumps to use in aquaponics systems. Do some research to determine which one is best suited to your skill level and your system.

Fill the Tank and Grow Bed


With the system assembled and the pump in place, it’s time to fill the fish tank and the grow bed. The fish tank needs to be filled with clean water. You will also need to add a source of ammonia to start cycling the water.

Begin by adding a small amount of ammonia to your tank and use a test kit to determine when the ammonia level has reached approximately 5ppm. Make note of how much ammonia you added and add that amount daily. Test until your test kit shows that nitrite is present. Once the nitrites have appeared, add only half the daily dose of ammonia. Continue testing daily until nitrates appear and the nitrite level drops to zero. Once this happens, you can add your fish. Cycling takes roughly four to six weeks, so be patient.

While the fish tank is cycling, feel free to get your plants started. Fill the grow bed with thoroughly rinsed clay balls and plant your desired plants.

Conclusion


Pak Choy vegetables

This is just one of the many ways to build an aquaponics system using a recycled water tote. While this one uses just one tote and provides space for just a few plants, you can also use multiple totes to create larger systems. Once your system is up and running, you will have an efficient and effective means of growing fresh, organic produce without all the hassle of a traditional garden.

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