Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello Burnsy,
We just live around the corner from the school and are thinking of setting up a small trial system. I was just wondering if you could tell me where you got the blue metal from I take it that it is not to far from the Kelmscott area. Also approx what size blue metal? I noticed Nocky in Narrogin is useing 7mm and I read that Fishfodder suggested no smaller than 15mm to Fodders karratha system.

Regards Rawprawn.

Sorry, not been on here much lately. I got the bluemwntal from Magic Garden Supplies on Weshpool road as I know the owner and he helped us out. The garden and landscape supply joint next to Mazzegas should be able to help you out (Gillam Drive).

Maybe not, only one left I think and the barra ate our big ones so no brood stock anymore

Check this link out

http://www.nearmap.com/?ll=-32.110354,1 ... d=20100508

If you click on the time line dots along the top right you can watch the system get built and then the beds grow out, on the 8th of May 2009 you can even see people, not sure which one if any are me

Time for a seasonal update, currently running 180 trout.

Six station classroom kitchen is 95% finished

Battery backup system has been in place for a few months now, works like a charm. Can't remember the exact figures but the small 12 volt pump running off the battery bank gives us nearly two days. Big 240 volt air pump runs 15 minutes on 15 minutes off with four big air stomes all the time. It looks bit crusty but will be prettied up with some timber cladding once the new buildings are finished and the system gets paved around.

All looks great Burnsy ! Nice work.

Dear friends ,

I was lucky enough to visit Burnsy's system at Westfield Primary school late this afternoon with another high school teacher, a primary school teacher and a dear friend with an interest in AP and general interest in what we as teachers are doing to make it real for our kids regards connections to "real world stuff".

Mike, you are an inspirational primary school teacher.

Mike and his primary students have built a system that works...

Mike can and does teach just about anything and everything around AP in a primary school situation.

It is obvious by the work that I have seen ... outstanding posters, essays etc. etc.. that Mike gets the best from his students. Maths, model making, art , woodwork, gardening, english, sustainability, - you name it.. ... Mike can teach just about anything in the curriculum via AP.

Mike. this was one of the best lessons I have ever had!

Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring!

My best friend said .... "I wish I had him as a teacher when I was in primary school!"

Thanks Mike.


We need more teachers like you!

yep, great work going on there.....

Yeah, you should hear about the paperwork and beauracracy headaches he had just trying to get approval !

And then the requirements for killing the fish......

Yeah - there were two methods acceptable to the Dept of Ed (ice-slurry and iki-jime) but he had to pick just one, wasn't allowed to put both ! Sad, sad, sad.... (my tax dollars).

And had to have someone formally trained to do it...

Hi Lungy

I saw your post about a battery backup switch.

I presume your talking about using a 240v relay, in a sealed box ???
have you done this as a sort of instructional doc ? I know a number of people would like to make them.

if you haven't done it, is there any chance you could or else if there are plans online somewhere ?

Thanks
Mike