IBC questions

[JakeTN]

I'm looking into building an IBC-based system and found a source that has used food-grade 275 gallon IBCs for $40! My first question would be: how heavy are these things, and can two people muscle one into and out of a trailer?

I'm still working my way through all the background reading on aquaponics, but if I start with one IBC and the standard ~1 ft cut off for a grow bed, what will the operating volume of the fish tank be, and is it best to add more grow bed area (or rafts?) in order to increase the potential stocking density of the tank?

And apologies for the archaic US measurement units

[David - WI]

Under 100# empty... one person can move them around.

[JakeTN]

Good to hear. My back still hasn't forgiven me for dead lifting a couple of 80 lb ceramic planters up my front porch steps last week.

[bluetick]

Beware of the low price.

I had a chance of 3 for $50, but after reading the MSDS sheet of the contents I passed on the deal.

Always check the MSDS, better safe than sorry.

[meddle2243]

I agree with bluetick, Just because they are food grade doesn't mean they had food in them. It only means that they could be used for food. I am lucky on that front, I work in a bakery and we get IBC's with Cooking oil in them. I get all I want free. I have 10 in my back yard right now. I figured 5 for my Aquaponics and the rest I setting up a rainwater system with.

[fyrman38]

im jealous.....