PH Farm Quest – Challenge #1

Building a 3–4 IBC Aquaponics System on a Budget 💧🌱

Cheb, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Outside: -6 to -15°C ❄️

Building: not yet

Planning: full speed ✅

Since winter won’t allow construction yet, I’m using this time to prepare everything properly for my spring aquaponics pilot.

The goal:

A small but scalable system that I can later adapt for Mindanao conditions.

Local sourcing (Cheb / Karlovarský kraj):

• 3× IBC tanks (1000L): $70–75 each → $210–225

• 2× 200L barrels (filter + sump): $15–20 each → $30–40

• Water pump: $70–75 (BOYU FP-4000)

• Air pump: $95–100 (Resun LP-40 / Hiblow HP-40 / Aquaking Q2007)

• Grow media: $200–220

→ 600kg basalt 8–16mm (lava rock is too expensive here)

• Fittings & plumbing: $25–50 (hopefully 😅)

Estimated total:

👉 $630–710 for a complete pilot system

Sources: Bazoš.cz, Facebook Marketplace, local garden shops.

🔎 Important note:

Always check what the IBCs were used for – food-grade only.

Why I like this setup:

• cheap to build

• easy to expand

• realistic to copy later in the Philippines

👉 Your turn:

• What aquaponics budget are you aiming for?

• Any hacks or cheaper alternatives you’ve found?

Let’s compare and learn together.

3 comments

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