Wicking Beds. How to make IBC Self Watering Garden Beds MKI

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  • čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
  • How to make an IBC wicking bed.. An easy & water efficient gardening system for veggies & herbs.. Will be making up a few more of these for our front yard so we can maximize the food production from our plot..
    The original Idea belongs to Colin Austin...
    waterright.com....
    Scarecrows garden blog is another place that sold me on the idea..
    scarecrowsgarde...
    Wicking Barrel MK II • Wicking Barrel... Self...
    Feel free to pick me grey bits about how it has gone for us...

Komentáře • 282

  • @ritcheymt
    @ritcheymt Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the ideas, Rob Bob! Using cold galvanization paint and using an old Venetian blind slat for drawing the cut lines on the tank are both new ideas to me.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před rokem

      Cheers mate.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před rokem

      I don't recommend you use the drains that I used in this build. They clogged up too easily.
      This video will give you some better drains to play with,
      czcams.com/video/hL7PgoTlImE/video.html
      Hope that helps & the build goes well for you. 👍

  • @truthdefender54
    @truthdefender54 Před 11 lety +1

    Great video Rob, I think you could teach a blind man to drive.
    I really appreciate the fast forward bits, you're right, we got the picture mate.
    I have three IBC's and planned a small AP system but winter temps get to -10C occasionally here in Arkansas USA. Besides, no electricity needed for these beds.
    You've made an old disabled hippie gardener happy! Thanks

  • @WanieB
    @WanieB Před 11 lety +1

    i live in the US and love your videos, thanks. i recieved my first IBC container couple of weeks ago and i think i will try your method. thanks for the videos.

  • @stormman8393
    @stormman8393 Před 3 lety +1

    Mate, what a great video. I've never gardened in my life but I'll have a crack at this.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 3 lety

      Hi Ross. I'd suggest you check out some of the updated videos I've posted to this playlist,
      czcams.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYgCL4xDq6qcTQqDfW2tSdxF.html
      Have made a few improvements since this build, in particular, I don't recommend the simple shade cloth drain hole configuration anymore.
      Hope that helps some.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Glad you liked the clip & watching the beds get built.. I find it a lot of fun to build them... Have to make a few more for my parents soon...
    Have a good one...
    Rob

  • @Sbhabhi
    @Sbhabhi Před 11 lety

    Boy I thought very easy and thought it was store bought mechanism.And Rob it was really nice seeing you do all this work even though I totally underestimated the human effort in cutting/painting, etc.. Thanks for widening my narrow viewpoint.The best thing i liked is the finished product -very creative,neatly packed and delight to watch.

  • @lelechim
    @lelechim Před 3 lety +1

    I'm in the United States. Love your Aussie "Righty-o" :D I bought a used IBC tank that's still sitting in my driveway. I was going to use it for collecting rain water but I think I'll use it for this purpose instead.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 3 lety

      Nice one mate.
      I have some updated video build versions of this bed that includes better drains & water reservoirs if you're interested.
      IBC beds with a few modifications that's similar to this one,
      czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.html
      IBC build with a lager water holding capacity,
      czcams.com/video/InQW7838HrM/video.html
      Hope that helps some & the build goes smoothly.
      Cheers.

  • @TheFirstgoldking
    @TheFirstgoldking Před 9 lety +1

    Great garden. im in alaska I built 3..8'×8'×2' beds their still Frozen 6weeks into farming season.. good video sir..

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 9 lety

      VN Dustoff Have a newer clip that has a few modifications that might interest you too..
      czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.html
      Hope they help to give you a few useful ideas..
      Cheers..

  • @amyh1011
    @amyh1011 Před 10 lety

    What a great idea. We do self watering planters, and never thought of doing it with larger containers, but now I'm gonna have to try it. Cabbage butterfly - too funny!

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 10 lety

      Hi there Amy... Have found that they grow some great produce like the Aztec corn we have just started to harvest :)
      If your interested in trying a larger bed out have a look at the updated IBC clip... Have improved the reservoir a bit so it holds a bit more water.. Self watering Wicking bed, IBC beds with a few modifications.. Hope that helps some..
      Found a few of the cabbage caterpillars on the daikon this morning :/ Made a nice snack for the fish ;)
      Cheers & have a great one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    No problem..
    I think they make great planters... I plan to put 7 or more across our front fence to boost our food production..
    Have fun building them & planting them out Tawana..
    Rob..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    We tried that a few seasons ago.. We cut out little white plastic butterflies then put them up around the garden..They didn't work but the girls had fun making them & decorating the patch :D»
    I have seen little solar powered units that have a butterfly jiggling around that are supposed to work.. Koo really wants a net so she can hunt them down.. Her & her grandfather spent about an hour chasing them down with my fish nets last weekend.. Thanks for the suggestion & have a great one..

  • @KaleidoscopeJunkie
    @KaleidoscopeJunkie Před 9 lety +6

    I mark the plastic for cutting before pulling it from the cage. I just run My marker along the cage. It misses 1 inch spaces at the perpendicular supports but that isn't a problem.
    :-)

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 9 lety

      Hey there.. I get a bit pedantic & place the IBC on a flat surface & measure up ½ way on the IBC & cage for my cuts as there isn't a bar where it's needed.. czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.htmlm43s Have found that the cages do vary a bit..
      For the aquaponic grow beds I use the cage though as the bars are where in the right spot fo the way I like to cut them..
      Cheers & have a great one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    I found with the barrels that the water will overflow from the outlet pipe before the reservoir is full if it was situated beside the fill pipe.. Further away means the more likely the "res" becomes full before overflowing showing that the bed is full..
    Thanks for asking the question as next few beds I make will have the hole situated on the far "long" corner of the fill pipe side if that makes sense..
    Thanks again for asking & helping...

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety +1

    **waves back over the fence from Ipswich SE Queensland..**
    It certainly is glorious winter here for another week..
    Thanks for watching :)»

  • @TheRowdyJ
    @TheRowdyJ Před 8 lety +2

    rob, you always have good stuff for us.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 8 lety

      +rowdy hansen
      Thanks Rowdy.
      There is an updated version of this clip that has a few extra pointers if it helps any.
      czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.html
      Cheers & have a great one.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    We have been buying them from a local landscaping mob.. Bianca & I did a quick calculation on 1 bed & think that that it paid for it self in 3 growing season dollar wise but when you consider the quality of some of the veggies compared to store bought & the convenience I think it would be much sooner.. Hope that helps some... Have a good one..

  • @brianmorris8045
    @brianmorris8045 Před 10 lety

    Good one mate, I like your commonsense manner of explaining your project...keep up the good work.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 10 lety

      Morning Brain & thanks..
      Have an updated version of this build with a few modifications if you're interested..
      Self watering Wicking bed, IBC beds with a few modifications..
      Cheers mate & have a great one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Thank you & glad you find the clips useful..
    Have a great one :)

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    No problem & thanks for watching..
    :D»
    Have a great one Miss Doing..

  • @andrewhanlon9473
    @andrewhanlon9473 Před rokem

    Another way to 'draw' a cutting line at mid-height: take a length of sewing elastic, join ends by knotting, slip over cube and adjust on all 4 faces to same height - can check by eye, or by set square - then cut by eye, adjacent to the elastic band. Or use a texta-maker, then cut.

  • @willytaylor4792
    @willytaylor4792 Před 9 lety +1

    nice job rob,i am figuring out a practical way to manage the wicking bed to the aquaponic setup and have it fill automaticallly

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 8 lety

      +Willy Taylor Hey Willy.
      Search online & on YT for Earthan beds ;-)
      Paul van from Earthan group has been using them in same small display set ups for a few years now.
      Cheers mate.

  • @michbushi
    @michbushi Před 11 lety

    Just a quick tip when silliconing piping, I use simple trick - after putting the silicone, I screw things together, BUT NOT THE WHOLE WAY, leave some quarter to half turn. Wait for silicone to harden, and only then try to put the final pressure, and tighten the thread as much as you can. That will compress the silicone, and it won't even leak under pressure

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    We always put worms in the beds so they can help break down the organic matter further.. Even if that runs out there is always the mulch for them to feed on.. We are subtropical here so water freezing isn't an issue as we only have a month or so where we get a low of 0°C/32°F & that's only for a few hours at night.. We paint them so they will last longer as the plastic isn't UV stabilised & will break down in the sunlight.. I also dont thin the roots would like direct light.. TBC

  • @shannonpettigrew3684
    @shannonpettigrew3684 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi Rob, I am new to making wicking bed with IBC. Can you please point me to your latest and updated video? Thanks so much. Also, wondering if dwarf fruit trees would do well?

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 3 lety

      Hi Shannon This playlist has them listed from most recent to oldest with the 4th one down being the most recent.
      czcams.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYgCL4xDq6qcTQqDfW2tSdxF.html
      Am working on a similar build to that clip but using pallets at the moment. Hope to have it ready for upload next weekend all going well. 👍

  • @NaughtyGoatFarm
    @NaughtyGoatFarm Před 12 lety

    Awesome mate. My friends son has been earning a few dollars at my place sanding and painting my ibc's. Even with my thumb out of action I really don't want to miss spring!

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    I plan to do just that.. Will probably water it down a fair amount so as to spread the goodness out though.. Was planing to turn off the water supply to the filter, stir up all the muck in the base of the drum & use that over 4 or so wicking beds. I think that should be watered down enough & ok if applied on top of the mulch layer. Shouldn't burn the plants roots I think. Charley carp & the like would be much more concentrated by volume than anything we would draw from a small filter like ours.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Left a few bits out so going back to add annotations.. There is always something someone asks or you remember that jogs your memory after the fact..
    Thanks for watching Larry & take it easy..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Not a recovering engineer but my farther is one so some of it probably rubbed off ;)
    The paint was to tie it in with the aquaponic beds but it also helps stop algae growth around the reservoir area in the base as there is always some moisture down there.. Hope that helps & have a great one Allen...

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Thanks for watching & I hope the clip helps.. Hamish has some great clips on all sorts of things.. I am waiting to see how his barrel top bar bee hive goes as I think that is the next project I would like to get my teeth into..
    Our youngest wants us to pay her per Cabbage moth so we might see a decline in numbers soon..
    Take it easy & have a great one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Probably should of mentioned that :D»
    During summer we tend to top them up weekly but over winter every week & a ½ to 2 weeks.. I have never **knocks on wood** had a large bed dry out to the point that the plants were wilting & collapsing..
    I have missed filling up a barrel or 2 & they used to suffer a bit.. I changed the way the reservoirs were made up in the barrels & don't appear to have that problem now..
    Shall add that info to the clip..
    Thanks Brendan & have a great one...

  • @JimTcarver
    @JimTcarver Před 12 lety

    Thank you... the thought of aquaponics has been my focus for next spring. But these beds look like much less work and should do the job. You make gardening look easy.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Thanks for the tip.. I don't even recall seeing it in stores around here but from all the clips I have seen it looks interesting & versatile..
    Have a good one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    I'm glad the clip has helped you out & hope they grow well for you.. Not many fish could handle -10 methinks..
    Off to give Mr Magoo a driving lesson now ;)
    Have a great one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    The original wicking beds designed/made by Colin Austin included worms & feeding stations as part of them. There is a link in the description to his site with further info there. I did have feeding stations in mine as well but found the worms were more interested in eating the mushroom compost added when making the beds & later the sugarcane trash/horse manure mulch I have started to add to the top.. I know others that have added the feeding pipes & they work great.
    Hope that helps some.
    Cheers.

  • @baconsoda
    @baconsoda Před 12 lety +1

    How often do you need to fill the beds with water and how do you assess when water is required?

  • @freakygeaktwo
    @freakygeaktwo Před 12 lety

    It's so good to hear that more and more are getting into bee keeping I'm keen on starting one myself but would like some land first and that's slowly in the works. You have a smart enterprising young lady there, a decline in bad bugs is always a plus to a gardener :) I'll be checking that other site out very soon now thanks again.

  • @07allis
    @07allis Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you for a perfect video

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 2 lety

      Glad you liked it Desmond. Just a note, I don't use this drain method anymore as I had issues with it blocking up. 😉
      I have a playlist that has some other builds in it that may give you some other ideas on reservoir & drain arrangements,
      czcams.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYizRYZra6RRbe_mrPdnXu4G.html
      Hope that helps & have fun with the build mate.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    They are easy to make up yourself.. We built them to conserve water so it is just a matter of whether you have a decent enough rain fall.. 2 of our recently flooded with a storm that was the result of a dying tropical cyclone..
    Hope that helps some..

  • @Timodeus
    @Timodeus Před 8 lety +2

    Nice video! I wonder if an air bubbler were added in the reservoir if it would help bring lots of air into the soil.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 8 lety +1

      +Tim Burrows
      Hey Tim.
      A lot of O2 is drawn into the soil mix as it dries out like what would happen in normal in ground beds. Would be interesting to see if air stones in beds that have float vale auto top up units connected would benefit from the extra O2 though.
      Cheers mate.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    I like to water them in for the first week or so, 2 weeks if sown from seed then let the beds take over John..
    Glad you like the clips :)
    Have a good one John....

  • @AussieAnnihilation
    @AussieAnnihilation Před 11 lety

    Thanks, yeah i recognized instantly, im in bris.
    Thanks for the help, me and my partner are building a house soon and we're going to fill any available yard space with food crops.

  • @JimTcarver
    @JimTcarver Před 12 lety

    First off love your videos .... I am going to make these for next spring. They look as they will be perfect for the desert climate. The first time I grew Okra and harvested it w/o gloves on was the last time. Love okra hated the experience. My hands itched for hours afterwards.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    I never change the soil in our beds other than when I had problems with the first few I made or when I renovate the Barrels to make the reservoirs larger. I find the soil level falls every year as the organic matter breaks down so just top up with what ever is at hand. Normally castings or a soil blend with composted manures & always try to add some rock dust & chook manure pellets.. TBC

  • @MrPilcher1
    @MrPilcher1 Před 11 lety

    I plan on using chop 2 the water doesn’t sit in the bottom of the bed but flows through and out the other end obviously it would be beneficial to have the AG pipe to weave around a bit. I’m currently doing an experiment with duckqauponics and all is looking good, but in a couple of months will be doing more with Aquaponics, a little stalled at the moment while I develop an off grid power supply

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    The end of the pipe is left open as the weed cloth covers the end stopping any sand in to clog it up.. I do like to put a cut bottle over the filling end to stop any mosquitoes laying larvae in there..Hope that helps..
    Have a great one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety +1

    It's called "slotted ag pipe" here... I think it is called "slotted drainage pipe" in the States..
    It is a drainage pipe with holes along it that is buried behind retaining walls & the like to help take water away.. Landscape supply stores normally sell it over here...

    • @lukedusina4319
      @lukedusina4319 Před 4 lety

      Hey Rob I bought 50mm slotted drain pipe but looks far too small compared to your one what size did you purchase can only find 100mm in a 20 metre length for $117 at Bunnings which is abit more than I want to spend! Thinking maybe get storm water pipe and cut my own holes for a cheaper alternative

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 4 lety

      @@lukedusina4319 I got the 100mm slotted ag 👍 Had a few beds to build so the bulk coil works for me.
      The 10m roll is $49 according to their site.
      www.bunnings.com.au/vinidex-100mm-x-10m-slotted-draincoil_p4770252

  • @k.j.o1314
    @k.j.o1314 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you for the video mate! Will be doing this at home! 😁

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 4 lety

      Nice one mate. 👍
      I changed the way I did the drains after this so you might want to suss out these 2 clips,
      czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.html
      & this one isn't an IBC but features a better drain system that will allow you to raise the water level,
      czcams.com/video/hL7PgoTlImE/video.html
      Hope they help some.
      Cheers.

  • @alans9806
    @alans9806 Před 5 měsíci

    Just going through another Adelaide summer, pouring heaps of water on the soil which stays bone dry an inch down.
    Great video and the right amount of detail. Coiling the ag pipe to hold and distribute water makes sense. Interesting use of cane mulch instead of plastic geofabric. I guess that if you don't go digging too deep you won't disturb it

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 5 měsíci +1

      I've rejigged the way I've built these over the years & have settled on a "false floor" style reservoir Alan.
      czcams.com/video/InQW7838HrM/video.htmlsi=7lrigPw-NEsDBomO
      Hope that helps with a few other ideas mate.

  • @claudiagamino6499
    @claudiagamino6499 Před 9 lety +1

    I will try one of those, thanks much.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 9 lety

      Hi Claudia..
      Have since posted another clips that might give you a few pointers if that helps
      czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.html
      Cheers & hope they work well for you..

  • @MrPilcher1
    @MrPilcher1 Před 11 lety

    Hi I had the thought of doing this as I’d tried with old fridges, but then thought why not combine the Aquaponics principal with wicking so what I’m imagining is water being pumped in to the bed at just below top of the through the gravel and having it flow then allowing the water to through bed in sleeved AG pipe to the should no dirt get into my water and back to my sump

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Nothing like some fresh sweet potato.. I like to roast it with some garlic, tasty :)
    I used purchased soils in ours to start our with & had a fairly poor yield the first season... Always find it takes a while to build up the nutrients in the beds to get better crops in..
    Cheers..

  • @SonniesGardenPA
    @SonniesGardenPA Před 11 lety

    Very creative, They look nice and neat!

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Certainly am in Australia, SE QLD..
    I used Gumtree to find some & others were given to us.. Most I have paid in $150 for opaque ones intended as fish tanks.. Most that have been used for food stuffs go for about $100-120 around here if that helps..
    Cheers,
    Rob.

  • @bern4679
    @bern4679 Před 4 lety +1

    Planning on doing this with 6 inc's so will get 12 beds. I'm going to put them on concrete blocks so I don't have to bend down so much, getting old.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 4 lety

      Nice one Bernard. This clip probably isn't the best to follow. I did a later one that shows a better way to make them up if that helps any.
      czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.html
      Cheers mate

  • @antinsanwo
    @antinsanwo Před 11 lety

    nice cheers for the reply really appreciate it, have been planning to make a aquaponic garden for a while now, and i think the IBC way would be the easiest and cheapest to start with, and its amazingly functional, thanks alot!

  • @johnsmothers1268
    @johnsmothers1268 Před 7 lety +1

    this is a great video thank you for your time.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    They are made of HDPE2 & are said to not release BPA from what I have read on the issue... I like to go one step further & give them a coat of paint to help protect against UV rays..
    Hope that helps..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Hi Ian... We bought the IBCs from a guy that sells second hand ones he collects from beverage makers.. People often list them on sites like Gumtree (don't know if you have that in NZ) & Ebay..
    Hope that helps some..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Shall go check out your duckponics set up.. Can't fit one in here but love the idea..
    Have a great one Gordon..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    The aquaponic beds & tanks are painted to stop Algae growth as it robs nutrients from the system..
    Hope that helps some..
    Have a good one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    A good straw would be fine I think Ian.. A lot of people also use shade cloth or weed matt/cloth as their divider between the layers..
    Hope that helps :)

  • @helenchen2446
    @helenchen2446 Před 2 lety +1

    Hi! Thanks for showing us how to make the wicking bed. Lovely. I am going to make 4 garden beds . I am wondering whether we should put the bases under the wicking bed? What is your suggestion please?
    Thanks.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 2 lety

      You don't need to if the ground is firm & flat Helen.
      I have a few more recent wicking videos that might give you a few other ideas to play with,
      czcams.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYgCL4xDq6qcTQqDfW2tSdxF.html
      I'd recommend the top 3 in this list.
      Hope that helps some.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Very easy to maintain as well..
    Have great one :)

  • @honeybacres
    @honeybacres Před 12 lety

    Good video Bob. They look easy to do. Maybe a will do a few one day. I just have to convince my wife that they dont look ugly lol.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    I don't think I would use them for a large bed but a smaller pot or container would be ok.. My big concern would be what they are made of.. We get pellets made from corn or other grains & think they would decompose in the reservoir.. Hope the beds are growing well for you... Sorry for the slack reply time too..
    have a good one..

  • @WanieB
    @WanieB Před 11 lety

    first IBC harvest of sweet potatoes today. also grew tomatoes, squash, zucchini and cucumbers in with them also. i don't think sweet potatoes like rich soil, harvest was tiny but REALLY good. i had them from the IBC to the pressure cooker with in 30 min. i have never had them that fresh before, makes a difference. my yield overall in the containers was minimal but i think that was because of insects. i don't use pesticides but going to put some around the outside next year to keep bugs out.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Thanks Steve..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    We paid $100au which is about the same US delivered.. They come from an Ebay like site called Gumtree over here.. The guy gets a few different types & sell a lot to people for Aquaponic systems..
    They only get used once so are brand new..
    HTH give you an idea of the cost...

  • @shadowofjuniperhill
    @shadowofjuniperhill Před 12 lety

    Best directions I have seen, thanks!

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Tanks for the tip.. Shall try it out next time :)
    Have a great one...

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Ha ha ha.. I have had a few comments that they look "industrial"..
    B doesn't mid the look but then again we are both practical people..
    Maybe a mural painted onto them might help..
    Have a good one John..

  • @ruthragless3076
    @ruthragless3076 Před 4 lety +1

    thanks for these videos. Why is the ag pipe open at the other end (assuming it is)?

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 4 lety

      The end was covered by the weed cloth (from memory) so didn't need to be sealed off. I had issues with the drainage in these so went back to using the drain pipe. I show it in another clip if you want to check it out.
      This link will take you right to the spot I talk about the drain pipe to save you some time. 😉
      czcams.com/video/vAFyB35yVeA/video.htmlm49s
      Also just posed an updated version that includes a larger water reservoir if that interest you.
      czcams.com/video/InQW7838HrM/video.html
      Cheers & happy growing.

  • @MrPilcher1
    @MrPilcher1 Před 11 lety

    With the IBC's my young fella got a heap of insulation rap and rapped my IBC's left overs from jobs work great on the fish tanks , the Duck now have a new pond, mainly because I was having to clean the pump filter out every couple day but hey worked a treat grew peas and they hit maturity in about 4 weeks with the root mass I've ever seen so back to the fish idea now, BTW fridge are pointless don't waste your time with them

  • @JonDurf
    @JonDurf Před 4 lety +1

    I made a few beds similar in design. How do I know if the bed is actually wicking or not? The top drys out and that worries me. so even though I am a few weeks into having plants in it, I keep feeling like I need to top water. how far down should the soil be moist?

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 4 lety

      I've found that ours is generally fairly dry down to about 100mm/4" when they're not mulched Jon.
      The roots will grow down to the damp zone fairly fast so I tend to only top water for a week or so.

  • @lionfan9518
    @lionfan9518 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the good info 👍

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 2 lety +1

      No problem Lion Fan.👍
      Some of the videos in this playlist may give you other ideas as I've set these beds up a few different ways.
      czcams.com/play/PLBcWprMIwYYizRYZra6RRbe_mrPdnXu4G.html
      Hope that helps some.

    • @lionfan9518
      @lionfan9518 Před 2 lety

      @@RobsAquaponics i was wondering. Do you think your most recent design is the best or do they all work about the same? 🤔

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 2 lety

      @@lionfan9518 I like the most recent using the bread crates as it increases the water holding capacity a lot. 👍👍

  • @jwheat65
    @jwheat65 Před 11 lety +2

    Does the moisture in the bed wick up to the level of seedling roots or do you have to supplement with surface watering for a period of time?
    Thanks for your excellent videos Rob.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    I think that maybe the nutrients in your tubs might just need a boost with some castings & other fertilisers rather than getting a complete change out.. Maybe you could decrease the coconut coir in the mix to a 25:75 mix & see how they go then..
    Hope that helps some...
    Have a great one..
    Rob..

  • @abarasabwehttam
    @abarasabwehttam Před 3 měsíci

    Blast from the past? Was looking into these, have watched your Aquaponics videos for years.
    Question about your pipe, do you use the drain tile (black pipe) that has the holes in it (perforated) ?

  • @rickyready
    @rickyready Před 12 lety

    Native bees would be very cool to have around :)

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety

    Hope that helps..
    Have a good one Trevor..

  • @SteveNVegas
    @SteveNVegas Před 12 lety

    nice job

  • @catmichael7820
    @catmichael7820 Před 9 lety +1

    We are reading that plastics for underground usage is not a good thing to use if it has holes drilled into it as it contaminates the soil and the food. My question - is this true for ag pipe?

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 9 lety

      Hi there..
      The pipe is made from HDPE2 plastic & it shouldn't leach at all as long as they are in a low acid environment & out of direct sunlight according to the what I was told when I rang the manufacture..
      Is about all the information I can give you but would suggest you ring the manufacturer if you have concerns..
      Cheers,
      Rob..

  • @annamacdonald8589
    @annamacdonald8589 Před 2 lety

    Here's a great tip for white cabbage butterflies.......they hate the taste of lettuce.....so blend up some lettuce and spray on plants getting attacked!

  • @ZINNPIXX
    @ZINNPIXX Před 9 lety +2

    Ibc is an Intermediate bulk container !!

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Hope it was helpful..
    : )»

  • @VegaChastain
    @VegaChastain Před 10 lety +1

    Wombat Incorporated!

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 9 lety +1

      They have their tentacles everywhere..
      Which is rather strange considering they are a marsupial :-/
      ;-)

  • @treesagreen4191
    @treesagreen4191 Před 6 lety

    Why don't you link the beds so that you only have one entry and exit point? It would cut down on manual intervention. I'm wondering if you could rig up a ball valve to automate the flow. Might require an intermediary cistern to trigger the supply but it would mean the reserves would never dry out

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 6 lety

      I have done that to the smaller barrel wicking beds but not these larger ones.
      ► czcams.com/video/Spt0hFVLeKk/video.html
      Will be something I'd like to do to the 8 beds along the front fence.
      Cheers.

  • @anpham89
    @anpham89 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi just wondering, is there a happy medium between an IBC having a small wicking bed and also topping up with a soaker hose on a timer from the top?

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 3 lety

      I top water ours with liquid fertiliser but that's about it An.
      I do know others that also top water but I don't think it's really needed once the seedlings are established & their roots hit the damp layer below.
      My father overwatered his first beds from the top (2-3 times a week😕) & ended up with fairly compacted soil. Am not sure if soil selection could have had something to do with it as well though.
      Cheers & have a top one.

  • @alpayseckin1001
    @alpayseckin1001 Před 5 lety

    How does soil wick the water if overflow hole is below the soil and there is no small wicking part that sits in the reservoir? Doesn't that mean it just wicks for that split moment when the reservoir is full and then stops because water level drops below the overflow hole? I don't understand how would it keep wicking with this setup, this seems more like a sub-irrigation system instead of being a wicking bed. I'm probably missing something but further explanation would be nice.

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 5 lety +1

      Hi AS.
      the sand "wicks" water up through capillary action to the soil layer. An easy experiment to show this is by putting a small amount of water in a container that add in dry sand. After a while the sand at the top will become moist well.
      Hope that helps some.Cheers & happy growing.

  • @JimTcarver
    @JimTcarver Před 12 lety

    I was wondering if there would be any advantages if an air stone was inside the water supply tube to oxygenate the water. Or would that encourage the roots inside the pipe and clog it.

  • @redartisanwolf6716
    @redartisanwolf6716 Před 4 lety

    wonder if I could cut 1 I to 3 sections and only use soil and drainage and skip the gravel and sand and have shorter beds?? gunna work on it tomorrow

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 4 lety

      Would work as garden beds surrounds. 👍
      Happy building.

  • @NotWatching666999
    @NotWatching666999 Před 12 lety

    AWESOME!! I have been trying to think of a way to do a wicking bed. I love the ideal of using this you get two beds with each IBC you cut in half. Great! I will only need about 6 IBC now which are not really that cheap. Do you have to change your soil every year? I have noticed that my wicking tubs only seem to work for 1 cycle then I have to change out the dirt. I have been using potting soil mixed with coconut husk 50/50 and adding more castings, Azomite and Myco.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    Planting out some cucumber or spaghetti squash in the far one.. Am going to try to get it to grow up a trellis & over the AP frame.. Will have some peppers/capsicums, okra (first time, never tasted it :D» ) & maybe an eggplant... Not to certain what the under story will be other than some French marigolds to help keep the pests down.. Hows the weather there?? Cooling off yet ?? Do you have enough time for another crop before the snow ??
    Have a great one Sir..
    :D»

  • @baconsoda
    @baconsoda Před 12 lety

    Thanks Rob. These are interesting and I can see how they would be very worthwhile having in your climate. However, much as I would like to try them, they really aren't necessary here...a Sun machine would be useful if you have any ideas for that.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    No you didn't & I shall add in a annotation.. I thought I had... Thanks for that...
    Some people use a "dip stick" down the filling tube while I prefer to just top them up every week to week & a half...
    The IBC Beds have gone up to a month during Winter before the plants look like they begin to suffer.. During summer they need a top up every week just to make sure the plants don't get stressed...
    Hope that helps & have a good one..

  • @JimTcarver
    @JimTcarver Před 12 lety

    Do they need to be painted? Also does the water in the bottom freeze in the winter? One more question ....do you put worms in the beds?

  • @billytmatthews
    @billytmatthews Před 9 lety +1

    Hey rob I was wondering if you have any idea about how far water can wick in these wicking beds. If I had a 50 cm flooded section with sand + aggregate and 50 cm of soil on top would the water be able to wick this distance? Or do these systems rely on the distance not being to far? Hope you can help. Thanks!

    • @RobsAquaponics
      @RobsAquaponics  Před 9 lety

      +Billy Matthews Hi Billy.
      How far the water will wick depends on how much organic matter/compost is in the soil blend you use I've found. Generally it's only around 300mm/1'. Some plants have very deep roots so they would do OK in a deeper beds. I have had eggplants & tomatoes that send their roots down right to the base of these beds. Shallow rooted crops like some salad greens may not do as well though.
      Hope that helps some mate.
      Rob.

  • @rickyready
    @rickyready Před 12 lety

    Great video Bob.... and thanks for the link to Hamish's channel, just subscribed him too :D I wonder how long its going to be before you get some bees, lol.

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 11 lety +1

    WHERE :O
    Been called a few other things but that's the first time I have heard "Earl" :D
    Cheers & have a great one..

  • @RobsAquaponics
    @RobsAquaponics  Před 12 lety

    I can see where in your climate they may just turn into an artificial bog..
    I could start on a mini sun project.. I think the anti terror laws may prevent the purchase of the material needed for a mini star so might need to power it with gasses from manure.. Parliament would give me the best quality me thinks...
    Stay Warm Mr Brendan...