Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

...Aquaponics once again. Last time I tried to start things off from the radio talk show but they went bankrupt, then i got my money together and built a small 1000 liter system for the summer on the village. Now I am in the capital again for the winter months and working as a teacher in a private and very liberal school, where they are sort of interested in aquaponics, but today I was offered to make a presentation at a festival which is going to be packed with topics like alternative sources for energy, permaculture, ecology, alternatives for governments and lots of trendy topics like this. The festival is in 4 days and my one ton system is on my village( I couldnt transport it even if i wanted) so now I have 4 days to get together a presentable set up for a 3 day festival. Needless to say that i have no beneficial bacteria established, I have no fish , I have no plants. I do have a hydroponics store who is sponsoring me( letting me borrow his equipment, in exchange to put his sticker on my table...) ahahah funny thing. I have plans to make boards and presentations on the whole nitrogen cycle and the time tested durability of an established system. Any suggestions on how I may establish a system with healthy looking plants for 3 days? I know its really artificial but I just got offered this opportunity. I almost feel like I am cheating, but it is for a good cause. PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AQUAPONICS!!

p.s. I also have Backyard Aquaponics magazines and PDFs i will be distributing to all who desire them.

Much love and peace everyone!

I did a 3 day garden show last year.

We borrowed a whole stack of planted pot plants and vegies, covered the soil with a bit of hessian fabric to hold the soil down, then buried the complete pot plant (including soil) in the growbed and covered with hydroton. Then later the plants were returned back to to nursery in tact. Worked well.

We used live fish and the system was running with pump on, growbed filling and draining etc.

Just make sure to only feed the fish lightly (if at all) so no risk of ammonia build up. Make sure to have a whole HEAP of water dechlorination tablets with you for the show (I used vitamin C tablets) as you may need to do occasional water changes. The biggest risk to you is chlorine shock.

Pre washing the gravel was the biggest time consumer. If it was my own system murky water is fine, but not so good for the garden show - needed clear water. Used lots of egg whites to help settle the water.


Also watch out for the kids who like to dump rocks into the fish tank hehe

You'll be fine. Have fun