Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi there. I came across this forum after outbackozzie gave a summary of his system over here;

http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showt ... p?t=675977

I've got to say, it looks like a tremendous concept. I was looking at trying to get a substantial backyard veggie/herb garden going, but after I found out about aquaponics, this is surely the way to go.

Now, I live on a suburban block in Brisbane, and certainly don't have the space that outbackozzie does. I also don't really have access to free/cheap blue barrels, PVC fittings etc, nor do I have the time to be experimenting with my first AP system. Finally, I am doing some house renovations in the coming months, so I don't want to start with a huge system which I'll have to dismantle before long anyway. SO, I've been looking at a few of the commercial off-the-shelf systems available. The one I found that I thought would be ok to start with is the Balcony Aquaponics kit;

http://www.aquaponics.net.au/product/prod93.htm

Suits my budget (might spend up to $2500 if I need to) and size constraints. I used the website to ask a few questions, but haven't heard back after 2 weeks or so...

Are there any other producers of good quality kits for the first-time APer? Local to Brisbane? I was hoping to start a few weeks ago...

Cheers!

Hi Barney... I supply the BYAP range of systems and products in NSW....

Freight to Brisbane... I'd have to work it out....

Just be careful when comparing products and prices though.... check the inclusions... and specifically, what's not included in some advertised products...

Personally I'd go round.
...poly is a bit more forgiving. some think square is more efficent space wise,
but once you put the grow beds over the fish tank only the front edge shows,
so there are no corners to bump


...and that one growbed would be full in no time.
If you stuck 30 MC's in there I think you would definatly need more GB's.

or your chemistry would be good and turn to crap in rapid swings.(high maintenance)

I prefer round because it is easy to get flow, and crap collects in the middle

I must say I have BYAP system and it was Easy to set up, had All the bits and this forum to go
with it

Now I just harvest and plant

And for C1's benefit... we even throw in the moon for free...

Should already know the moon is free

It's been a well kept secret... up until recently....

Thanks, but I'd like someone closer (to inspect goods, ask for help etc...). The kit I found was appealing because it seemed to contain everything (media, fertiliser, test kits etc).

Not sure about the moon "in" joke though...

The moon 'in' joke is because I always spout the benifits of making the moon your friend

I was hoping the old f 'ell a, was going to get a BYAP system.
No doubt he will come up with some joy unit...
He is just up the road from you.
He's an Ell of a fella

Barney - sounds like you've already made your decision mate. If you're after a economical fish tank - drop me a PM as I have a 3000 litre purpose built aquaculture tank going for a good price .

Bargain

Yeah.. it's a nice tank... at a good price.... would go well with about 4 BYAP growbeds...

No, haven't already made the decision. Open to suggestions. I'd be happy to build a system, but I'd prefer a kit to start with so I know it works. A 3000L fish tank might be a little big to start with, but thanks for the offer!

Barney, Barney, Barney... you clearly haven't read enough posts if you think "too big" is language tolerated on this forum

As for the tank. Too much water helps stabilise temperature, ammonia spikes, nitrite spikes, salt levels etc.
All in all, the more water you have, the more time you have to react to a problem.

If you don't have enough grow beds to service all that water, that's ok, just 'Don't use' all the water. eg stock the tank as if it has less water.

Also, if you have a look around, there are very few ppl who have not 'grown' their system through a series of upgrades. A large tank will make upgrades much simpler for you.

I started with a 55000ltr tank.