Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

To go down 500mm over a diameter of 2.6m would be less than 30 deg slope (guessing), so unless its quicksand you wouldn't need any support.

Newbie Qs:

the system is getting installed on Friday and I want to get it up and running ASAP without undue risk to my first batch of fish but bearing in mind that trout are available about now. I've read a few posts about priming the system etc and understand the basic principles but would greatly appreciate advice on my 'to do' / 'to get' lists for the fastest sensible launch.

When can I put fish, plants in? Anything else I need to be getting soon? (my first bag of fish feed will come with the system).

You can put fish and plants in immediately... as long as you only lightly feed your fish... test often... and be prepared for water changes...

Edited: ... Do not feed the fish for 1-2 days after putting them in anyway...

thanks ROZ

The system has been installed for a week now. Thanks heaps to Faye and to the installation team. So far only 4 goldfish have been moved in from the pond. 100 trout due this Friday.

I've planted a few seedlings already - just what was self-seeding in the soil garden and some bought ones.

rhubarb, eggplant, snowpeas, climbing beans, chillies, capsicum, rocket, lettuce, spring onions...

and one red cabbage that I've since noticed has APHIDS. I washed it off in the sump and it looks like the goldfish have eaten the little critters but no doubt I've missed a few. Can anyone suggest how I can prevent the aphids from taking over?

Woohoo! Look forward to seeing the progress Dave. Yes it looks like those beds need some more bright light in there. Go the trout

Ya gotta love those BYAP kit systems..... look forward to seeing things bloom and grow Dazed...

I am going to cover with bird netting AYR.
figure summer veg need summer light
winter veg need winter light

will have to be laserlight for me - that roof is the catchment for the RW tanks. Just need rain now

I'd forgotten about this thread. Handy to find it as I was trying to remember how long I'd had the system. 6 years! For the most part it was woefully under-utilised during that time (because it was at the in-laws place, so I didn't actually get out there to work on it often).

It's now in my very own back yard. A bit modified:

4 GB's end-to-end between the boundary fence (north facing) and our patio. Hopefully having the GBs on stands will mitigate the shading by the fence and the house next door. At worst it'll be a bit shady in the middle of winter.

Anyway -


- CHIFT PIST (so I now have a spare pump)
- 4 GB's end to end.
- Kept existing 1,000L BYAP tank as FT. Under one of the GB's (3,000L tank is spare - offers welcome)
- IBC sump under another GB. Mostly buried (200mm is still above ground). Buried in its cage with outer skin of Colourbond added to prevent cave-in.
- 8 x 4-year old SP in ST
- Plan to get 50 SP fingerlings soon for the FT.

Photos to follow.