Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've seen rainwater tanks of various sizes (eg the 4500L tank for approx $550 caught my eye) for sale at a closing down sale at a pond and nursery store.

They also have various other ponds, pond liners, water plants, pots, fountains, etc. I'd buy a lot from them if I wasn't poor - worth a look for those who aren't. They're closing their doors at the end of this month.

They are on Boundary Rd, Peakhurst NSW - I can't remember the place's name, but the bunch of rainwater tanks with 'closing down' signs on them is a bit of a give away as to where it is.

wow very nice price. hopefully a few people here will give them a new home.

Hi cfuse,

Nice to meet you, I just moved to Peakhurst.
Have you got a AP system running?

I am at the planning stage at the moment.

I went to the pond shop last weekend, however the cheapest rainwater tank I can find is 1000L for $440.

Cheers,
Simon

Hello,

I'm also planning how to best (read: cheapest and easiest) implement a system for myself and one with my brother (who is in Mortdale Heights).

My current plan for myself is to start with the smallest system possible (possibly indoor) to start with, see what works and what doesn't, and then start scaling up, doing experiments with the various variables in the system and documenting the results. I also intend to supplement the aquaponics with conventional gardening for tubers and trees, which can be problematic to grow otherwise.

The biggest expense in systems appears to be tanks for fish/grow beds - I'm trying to get the most value with the least effort. At this point the best value I've seen is the $130 500L tubs at bunnings, cheap pond liners from ebay, and self made concrete and brick tubs. The unfortunate part about the word 'rainwater' is that it's presence in the description of a product usually puts it in a price range I simply cannot afford.

Growing media could also turn out to be more costly than I'd like, I've yet to do thorough research.

Given that you are nearby, it would probably be worth thinking about what sort of discounts we could leverage from bulk purchases. It's too early in the game at the moment for me to be laying down cash for purchases, but it's worth keeping in mind for the future.

I'm planning on going back to the pond shop just before it closes to see if I can get a bargain - as it stands, even with the cheaper pricing being offered now it is still too expensive for me. Being poor is highly overrated.

and being poor with a dream is just cruel

Hi cfuse,

Great to know someone nearby is setting up a system as well!
The pond shop are now selling the Firestone liner for $17/sqm. (I think that's pretty good price)

I will PM you when I am ready to purchase grow media.

Simon

The pond shop details:
Mary Moodies's Complete Pond Shop
110 Boundary Road, Mortdale
Ph: 02 9153 0503