Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Jono81
- As I mentioned in an earlier post, my first instinct was to simply sample the PV voltage but due to the way that the controller regulates charge etc, neither negative or positive rails are common to the PV input and load output. This complicated things, not wanting upset the controller logic, to the point that an LDR was much easier.

RupertofOz
- The temptation to start eating now is great but I am monitoring the temps and watching .....

You seem dubious about the lack of aeration, I can only go on my experience which is that it seems to be working pretty well.

After harvesting the trout I am intending on running fishless over the summer, supplementing with seasol and worm pee, any thoughts?

Cheers

And tonight, one of the most satisfying meals I have ever had.

Fish (rainbow trout) and chips from the garden.



Thanks to all on here who have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this wonderful repast.

Cheers

Shane

A bit of an update. I have put together a daughter board for the Arduino to control up to four pumps (I only use two but have been thinking of an autofeeder), monitor the Solar Panel output (for day/night detection) and a couple of LEDs to indicate which cycle (day or night) it is currently running.

The use of the opto-couplers has resolved the interference problems I was previously having with monitoring the solar panel output and has allowed me to do away with the LDR system. I am not doing anything at the moment with the DC supply monitoring but figured it might be needed at some later time.



It has been running for a week with this board and associated software.

I will post the code etc. in the Electrical Section.

The pumps I am running are Johnson L550s, the two in the tank at the moment have been running faultlessly since late October last year. This is much better reliabilty than the 'cheaper' pumps I used initially.

I have also switched over to Silver Perch rather than Rainbows Trout as they appear to be a bit hardier and I should be able to run them all year round.


Cheers

Shane

With all that componentry (for an IBC aquaponic setup?), I hope it can also make coffee

Should do theres plenty of grounds

Bit of an addition to the GB, $129 at Bunnings.



I was checking the price of perspex to make up a bit of a green house to extend the growing season over winter and come across it on the Bunnings website. It is a Maze Double Cold Frame (whatever that means) Greenhouse. It measures 1080mm wide, 1050mm long and 530 mm high. Fits perfectly on top of an IBC. Both the front and back open up for access and temp/humidity control.

It is made from polycarbonate panels, and while it is a bit flimsy, it is pretty sturdy once screwed down to the frame.

Cheers

Shane

ShaneDug, can you post a few more photos if you get the chance please, looks pretty cool

Here is a link to the Bunnings site. Better detail than I can photograph

http://www.bunnings.com.au/greenhouse-maze-105x108cm-dbl-cold-frme-mg-cfd_p3320879

Cheers

Shane

I should have thought of that