Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Fair enough Tomo... and "grass carp" are one of the few fish allowable in NZ...

Hi I'm from Nelson, recently moved back from Christchurch and bought a house, and heard about aquaponics and setting one up! It's awesome Have you set up a system yet?

I am having a go in Christchurch.

It would appear that different people have different interpretation of the rules here. I was able to purchase 200 Chinook Salmon directly from Fish and Game North Canterbury. Presumably at least some of them approve!

In their view, salmon farming was OK, though they were as curious as me to see if it would work. On the other hand they were only able to provide me with trout if it was for "Educational Purposes". This includes opening it to the public and having displays, information pamphlets etc. Whilst I happen to live next to a university, and could easily create such a justification it wouldn't be widely adaptable for others.

In reality I seem to be hosting plenty of visitors from next door anyway, and so even my salmon are on the verge of becoming "educational".

As to crayfish, well the native koura would be tastey, but I read they are very territorial. You might start with 20, and end with just one single battle hardened warrior.

Informally I heard down at the fishing shop of others growing trout, and had some Koura in the same tank. Initially the Koura were taking nips at the trout, but by the end the trout had their revenge. It does sound like there is a bit of geurilla trout raising already happening here.

Does anybody know where to get grass carp? I made some enquiries but got nowhere.

Hi everyone.I've had a small system running in the past 2 years in Hawkes Bay,same issue ,not being able to find some edible fish,so at this stage I have twenty ,5inch long, fat goldfish

hey, just thought I'd pop this link in - can have trout or salmon for personal use


http://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/interacting-with-freshwater-species/freshwater-fish-farming-and-aquaponics/