Grow Beds - external October 2010

Previous to the introduction of the aquaponics system I had a productive vegetable garden of approximately 60 square metres. The idea of the aquaponics is to compensate for a loss of much of this garden in the summer months when water is scarce. Initially I looked at building my own beds but given my work commitments and 'lets get it done' attitude, I settled on ready made beds. I sourced one from a local pool manufacturer and two other units from the local supplier ' backyard aquaponics. Both units were made from stabilised PVC but the beds purchased from 'Backyard aquaponics' (BA) were much sturdier.

The cheaper unit was to be positioned just above pool height inside the pool enclosure whilst the larger grow beds from 'BA' were to be housed on the old vegetable garden site and raised for easier access.  The old vegetable garden site is approximately 6 metres from the pool edge and I had to run the piping under the pool fence and paving.

The drainage from these three units would return via a common exit line out the existing pool ducts.

That was the original plan, but there were a couple of hiccups!

Excavation and piping for the first in line

grow bed - cheapie from 'Tank Master'

Raised grow beds courtesy of

'Backyard Aquaponics' with in-ground Tomatoes

( on drippers) planted to reduce their visual impact.