How to Build an Aquaponic System – Chop & Flip IBC Build
This Video is from the Youtube channel: “Rob Bob’s Aquaponics & Backyard Farm”.
Hi Folks. Have been asked MANY times over the past few years if I could post a clip on building a basic aquaponic system & have finally found the time to knock one together.
This is a basic aquaponic system made from a recycled IBC tank that would take the average handyman a day to build & set up. The beauty of this Chop & Flip system is that it can be added to over time, after you’ve gotten the bug & want to grow more tasty fish & veggies in your own backyard.
The cost for this build was just under AUD $240 for the tank, pump & all the required plumbing which was bought from retail stores. It would work out a fair bit cheaper if bought from wholesalers & online stores. The clay cost an extra AUD $150 but rock & other media would be a lot cheaper.
2:48 Stripping down the IBC
3:25 Cutting up the cage
4:05 Marking & cutting up the IBC
6:05 Setting up the fish tank & grow beds
11:00 Pump & plumbing into the grow bed
14:32 Bell siphon
20:20 Adding media to the grow bed
22:15 Pump flow rates & a look at a finished system
25:58 Fish stocking rates for this system
Another great video. I really like how you explain everything and fast forward thru the build to keep it interesting. I don’t know how you can switch back and forth between metric and US measurements so easily, but that is helpful. Thanks
+Greens&Gills Greenhouse – G3
I grew up hearing dad work in imperial at his factory so measurements aren’t that hard. Volumes still get me though 😉
Glad you liked the clip.
Cheers.
Proper job mate. Outstandingly clear and detailed tutorial. If everybody made their videos this clear, we’d all save time and money with our projects.
+DW Marschall
Thanks DW. Hope it’;s given you a few ideas to play with mate.
Cheers.
I don’t have the aquaponic “bug” Rob but I always enjoy your videos and this was a stella tutorial on how to build a nice sized aquaponic system – especially for those who are just starting out. You’ve also given me a few other ideas of what I can use an IBC for at my place. Cheers 🙂
+Self Sufficient Me
Thanks Mark.
Have you ever looked into Duckponics? 😉
Cheers mate.
Just amazing
Hey Rob, Finally took the plunge today and started my first aquaponics system. Using your design as per this Chop and Flip IBC Build. Your instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Many thanks for the work that you do with these vids.
Nice one Ned & hope the build went smoothly for you mate. What sort of fish will you be adding once it all running ?
Cheers mate.
Hello I was wondering how did you like the system. It seems really functional and easy
I love going back through your old content. You really do make excellent content mate. Much appreciated.
Thanks Warren again Warren. 👍
Cheers mate.
One of the best DYI videos I have ever seen. Thanks for helping make the world a better place.
Hi Eric. Hope it gave you a few useful ideas mate.
Cheers & have a top one mate. 👍
Rob
@Hello Eric Holmberg, How are you doing?
We’ve had an ibc waiting in the yard for months, this vid is exactly what we’ve needed to get going. Thanks from the United States.
P.S., love the channel and will be sharing your knowledge in the community to help others get started.
Nice one. 👍
Hope the build goes smoothly for you & thanks for sharing the love. 🙂
Cheers & all the best,
Rob
Any thoughts on using lava rock as grow media? Obtained a pile of the stuff for free and considering using it.
We call it scoria here & a lot of folks use it. 👍 Just make sure that it’s natural & nut dyed as that could cause issues.
Great, thank you for the advice! Wish I could share pics of our project as it unfolds.
Rob Bob’s Aquaponics & Backyard Farm I know this os years later but would maybe around the siphon port putting charcoal to filter water as well ?
Hi Rob Thanks for the practical and informative clip on starting in aquaponics. Have just completed my first chop and flip following your lead and all is going well. The plan is to add more grow beds and to convert my old garden beds into wicking ones all in good time. I have found you instructions clear and easy to follow and I know where I’ll be coming for information when the time for expansion comes. Regards Konrad Newcastle NSW
Konrad Kandlbinder
Is great to hear the clips have helped you out some Konrad. What fish are you looking at using in the system?
Cheers & happy growing. 🐟🌱🌱
Going to start with gold fish because as the system grows it will probably become a sump tank. I’ll add a tank with fish for harvesting when I become more confidant all is under control.
Rob, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your video presentations, and in particular the various tid-bits of clarification, thrown in for good measure, to ensure that others just might be able to avoid all the inherent “drama”, involved in such projects. Thanks!!!
Glad to hear you found the clip useful David. 👍 Are you just starting out in Aquaponics?
@Hello Nephron, How are you doing?
Really good video! level headed and precise build instructions. Just about to start my first IBC system and you taught me so much, Thank you .
Nice one Wilksy01.
Hope the build went well mate. 👍
Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🌱
Thanks Rob. You’ve become a competent and wise source of info on aquaponics. I re-visit you often. You seem like a humble person too. Thank you.
Thanks IHAYNT. 👍
Hope to be doing a load more once we get the house sorted out.
Cheers & happy growing. 🐟🌱
Rob these are some amazing backyard aquaponics systems. You sure have a lot of experience and knowledge. Thanks for all you do to inform all of us on this sustainability.
Cheers from Cda 🇨🇦
No problem Shawn. Have you had a crack at making your own?
Cheers.
Hey Rob, love all of your videos. very informative! you wouldnt happen to have a parts list for this build?
Glad you enjoyed it Hayden.
I haven’t got one laid out sorry but will be adding one to the page on the new website once I finish setting it up.
Are you an Aussie? If not, you should be able to get most of the pats mentioned in most countries.
The hose & irrigation fittings should be available in most well stocked hardware or irrigation supply stores.
The PVC fittings for the bell siphon are laid out in that clip if it helps,
► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia1BQFTaG7c
It will probably be too late for you but will be letting folks know once the site is up & running in a clip posted to the channel.
Cheers mate.
What I really like about this setup is the readymade pallet for moving. Not to mention the square/rectangular shape to form rows.
Love this! Currently looking to relocate, so once our family gets situated I want to try this. I currently have a small greenhouse and I have never tried aquaponics because I thought it would be costly and hard to set up. I really appreciate you taking the time to go through the process. Saved and on my wish list!
Nice one Tina. Will have a few more aquaponic clips coming soon that may help beginners out.
Cheers & hope the build goes smoothly for you.
You’re awesome at what you do and maybe even better at teaching it.
Thanks for all the knowledge!
Thanks BX. 👍👍
Cheers & happy growing.
Best and easiest way for us to set up our first small aquaponics system before we go larger. Thank you so much Rob. Helped us heaps! 👍🏼
Am glad I could help some Rose Bud. 👍
Hope the build goes smoothly for you. 🐟🥦🌱
This is the best and most in depth diy I have ever seen and I’m totally going to be able to build one thanks to this.
Am glad it’s helped some Squiggles. 👍
I think This is the best video I have found so far on building a system like this. Thank You for making it. Liked and subbed. Keep up the good work.
Glad it helped some CWG.
have a top one.
Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅
Now you can with Rob’s “Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners” Guide for only $9.95.
You can see the guide in action on my website,
► https://www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide
Or, buy directly here,
► https://robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525