Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All

This is a system that I have helped Alan setup in Ringwood Melbourne.
It consists of a 3000L Fish Tank, 1000L Sump/Fingerling Tank and 4 Growbeds.
The system is currently cycling with 30 Rainbow Trout at about 150mm (6") long. One bed has been planted with seedlings and one with seeds.

Current tests
pH = 7.3
Ammonia = 1 <
Nitrites = 0.25
Nitrates = 10

Water temp between 12 - 14 deg C.

Another 60 Trout will be added when system has cycled with current load of fish.
Plants will be added as nitrates climb.
Things still to do : Add shade top to fish fank, backup power and aeration.
LB

nicely put together LB. Nice sunny location from the looks of the photos

Nicely laid out LB, looking forward to the pics of the finished product

I really can't understand why commercially built systems use square or rectangular fish tanks...I put some fish into my rectangular sump tank and I could hear the thumps as the fish ran nose 1st into the side/ends...round tank and they simply swim in circles keeping a safe distance from the side (not to mention the ease of cleaning)...good to see the round fish tank in use (aquaculture businesses have been using round tanks since Noah's fatal expedition)

Someone once suggested that a 1mtr square tank took up less space than a 1mtr diameter round tank Les.....

Personally I'm still my head over that assertion.....

I'm with you Les.... round tanks make sense to me.... but hey... sometimes you have to go with what you've got or can get

Nice LB, and congratulations risso on a ridgy dige BYAP system.

hehehe...hence the reference to commercially built systems - agree, the IBC's have shown to be a good cheap alternative

yea ideal for old pensioners

Gee you guys pick on ell

LB, for cheap backup aeration, I recommend a 240v 25w water pump of some sort, a 100AH car battery (N70ZZ from land cruisers work well), a 5A battery charger, and a 300w 12v - 240v inverter. Have the pump in the main tank, with a short bit of pipe off the top, splashing water back into the tank. Run it continuously, this lets you know if the backup is not working. It will give you heaps of runtime.

Some people say that splashing water does not aerate well, but my trout say otherwise. 60 trout, one water aeration pump, 24 hours without any other aeration. (some silly bugger left the main pumps turned off )

That looks great Alan and LB. I hope it brings you much pleasure and hours of enjoyment, I know my system has as well as plenty of fish, fruit and veges. mmm yum.
Faye

a stuff up, but was meaning to add that my BIG fish head but the sides of my round tank lately due to unknown reasons.

No offense meant Jessy... but are you spooking them??....

If your tank isn't shaded and the water is clear... constant visits will spook the fish...

Giving them a current to swim against seems to calm them as well

very nice. what height are the grow beds from the ground? ie ground to top of grow bed.

Thanks All for your comments..This Aquaponics stuff is really exciting. The Trout are feeding very well but LB told me not to overfeed them until the system cycles no matter how much they beg me. Thanks Outbackozzie for your idea on the backup, I will look into it. Faye I hope my system is as productive as yours. Skygazer the height of the beds are perfect for my height. I think it is about 1m to the top of the growbed.

Will post some more pictures when I can.

Alan