Category Archives: Projects

Aquaponics Growbed Drain

Posted on February 13, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

This little gizmo serves as two drains in one.  The first drain is an adjustable ‘slow’ drain.  It will need to slowly drain about 75 gallons of water over a 30 minute period.  The second drain is an overflow, and … Continue reading →

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Aquaponics Growbed Frame

Posted on February 13, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

Here are some pictures of the growbed frame I built for my aquaponics system.  I changed the dimensions on the fly because I wanted to minimize the number of cuts I had to do.  The bed is bigger than I … Continue reading →

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Aquaponics Project – Design

Posted on February 6, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

I’ve been talking about hydroponics and aquaponics for years now.  (and now that I understand the biology a little more, I’m not even considering hydroponics anymore)  I think it is time I finally implement my first solution.  I’ll use this … Continue reading →

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Water Infrastructure Upgraded

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

I managed to get the rest of the trench dug, 130′ of pipe and wire, a manual valve, a solenoid valve, and 2 hose bibs installed.  I did a pressure test and found no leaks.  Only thing I have to … Continue reading →

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Trench for the Future

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

All of last year, I carried 5 gallon buckets of water out to the end of the driveway where my asparagus is growing. I’m going high-tech and plumbing water right out to the bed this year. I’ll put a hose … Continue reading →

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Grow Lights Done

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

Home Depot sells a 4-bulb instant start ballast for $20. I was going to order a ‘high ballast factor’ ballast for $35, but I decided to buy this one and get it done tonight instead. The new ballast fit perfectly … Continue reading →

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Grow Light Modification

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

I’m giving my grow light more horsepower this year.  I did a little research on fluorescent bulbs and learned that the bulbs will withstand higher current flow, which results in higher light output.  This higher output comes at the cost of higher … Continue reading →

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Cheap Seed Starter

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Brian Gallimore

Rather than buy a heat mat, I wanted to build something instead.  My first plan was to build a wooden box and insulate it, but then I ran across this styrofoam cooler.  I built a little shelf out of scrap plywood, … Continue reading →

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Custom Harness for House Lights

Posted on December 5, 2010 by Brian Gallimore

Inspired by my brother’s excellent color-coded custom length Christmas light modification, I made a couple of special extension cords with plugs in just the right places.  They really clean up the wiring and save me from having excessive cords rolled … Continue reading →

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Stair Project

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Brian Gallimore

Today, I built a set of stairs for a stage they want to use at Amber’s school.  The stage height is 24″, so I scouted around on the Internet to figure out what the ergonomics behind steps are.  Turns out … Continue reading →

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