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I've been looking into making a 3000-4000 liter system. When the water tank came in to play I wasn't happy with the sky-high prices so the next option was to dig a hole. For cover I found EPDM pond liner, but that posed its own problems and is also expensive. Then I saw a post on using drylok. I'm wondering if this product can handle that. Also does it have any adverse effects on the fish or plants... or me when harvest time comes?

bstpierre
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geermc4
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  • @DA. I'm probably missing something when you talk about more expensive, i was planing on surrounding the hole with concrete blocks which go for ~$1 each, i'll need around 15-20, then some mix to cover the gaps. This is for a 2x2x1 metter hole (making it 4k litters). A EPDM pond liner for that is around $200 – geermc4 Jun 05 '12 at 17:00
  • @kevinsky I have been looking at the Firestone EPDM, and yes, they're not cheap, that's why i was looking into concrete, I take it with one of those, making it round would be easier than square? I'll look more into the food side of it. – geermc4 Jun 05 '12 at 17:02
  • As for the block, if it's all DIY, then you'll likely be ahead cost-wise with the drylock. That said, drylock won't keep a wall from cracking and a block wall likely will. I'd personally go the safer route and invest in the $200 liner now rather than later (plus, you might not need to deal with the labor of installing the blocks, which your back would appreciate) – DA. Jun 06 '12 at 16:31
  • also: more of a curiosity question: what about one of those $200-ish above ground inflatable pools? – DA. Jun 06 '12 at 16:34
  • @DA. he, that might actually be not so bad – geermc4 Jun 08 '12 at 23:12
  • @DA. problem with those pools is they're hight, complicates things more :( – geermc4 Jun 08 '12 at 23:29

3 Answers3

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A setup for 112 gallons is quite different than a 3000 to 4000 litre system. The water alone will weigh 3000 to 4000 kilograms ( ~8800 pounds!). This amount of weight implies being sited on the ground on something like a concrete slab or using pond liner with a cushion layer.

If you were to use Dryloc, which is meant to be applied on concrete, the concrete would have to be added to your static load, unless you meant to build an in ground tank. If that were your choice EPDM pond liner would be much easier but it's not cheap.

Finally, lets talk about safety. EPDM pond liner can be purchased that is food safe. Firestone EPDM PondGuard, Hypalon, Permalon (layered HDPE) are brands I have seen.

Dryloc is not designed for use with food. Seeing as the main ingredients are limestone and resins it might be safe but there is no certification.

The question was asked about what shape of tank is better when using pond liner. Circular is a little better but no matter what you do you will get folds and creases in the liner. Water goes where it wants to so to prevent capillary action allowing water to go up and out of your pond you can construct it using this method below:

enter image description here

By folding the liner on top of a block or stone you accomplish two things:

  • it's now safer to stand on the edge as your weight is distributed over the area of the block
  • any water moving via capillary action up the folds and creases will remain in the tank

After you have the liner in place and the perimeter set up let things settle for a few days. You can only cut the liner once and it is difficult to patch.

You might want to consider how you will prevent someone falling into the tank and drowning. While not technically a swimming pool some cities apply the same rules about fences and gates that are locked.

kevinskio
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3

Drylok is for applying to concrete. Are you planning on lining your hole with concrete?

I have to imagine a pond liner would be the cheaper alternative to concrete.

DA.
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I want to preface this by saying I do not have an aquaponics setup, but it is something I am currently researching.

To answer your question, can it be done, the answer is yes.

I've linked through to this forum which has pics of someone who has done it and covers most of the main points which I will highlight below.

I built a 112 gallon aquarium with tile board and drylok. Still going strong at 4 months! I am a Master Plumber and I have seen what others have seen when remodeling showers. Water marks, mold and such. I can say that there is NO way this will leak, NO WAY. Let me know if you want details.

enter image description here Source plumberman from the forum attached.

The main things I've seen mentioned:

  • Ensuring the whole thing is watertight
  • How much of the product is going to leach into the water and whether or not this will effect the pH of the water and is it non-toxic
  • Effect of direct sunlight if the tank is sitting outside under constant sunlight

Even with the link attached above where some guy has claimed he has done it this is something I think will be a YMMV kind of thing. That guy was a plumber and knew what he was doing. You could try it, but it make take a few tries to get it.

Some other cost effective alternatives that people regularly use:

  • IBC tanks
  • Builders film (go as thick as possible and double up). This has the benefit of being cheap to replace if something screws up, but is not as durable.

If you are going to attempt it I suggest you do plenty of research, there are many Google results if you search for "drylok aquaponics".

going
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