Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Thanks for the tip gemmel I'm about to set up a second set of 5 bath tubs for growbeds so will take your advice with the EPDM as I have just had a delivery for my fish pond and will have some leftover. I'm sure that the baths get a fair bit of enamel scratched when initially filling with the gravel. I can see that the heat will definitely be a problem particularly during our Central Australian summers so will look into ways of insulating but the bubble wrap is certainly a good one
Shows the value of this forum

My bathtubs had quite large chunks exposed right down at the bottom of the bathtub. Sounds like you might be alright Filip - I took no precautions at all. However you're still going to have the heatsink problem.

I got my water tested at ecowise (who also do electrical contracting, so make sure you contact the right branch!) - but your better off asking a local bore water drilling company or tank water company if they know someone locally who can do it.

Just an update on the system
I have now fitted the EPDM liner to the old leaky concrete pond that was probably 35-40yo and starting to cycle the system with approx 30 goldfish. I will start the process of ordering the silver perch within the week hopefully I'm not being too hasty!!!
A question for the forum
Would it be wise/better to have a thin layer of sand and small rounded gravel on the pond floor or just leave it clear?

A few pictures of the liner installation process
My next stage is to landscape the pond to give it that more natural look

My system: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=6424

More pics

Pardon the confusion
Just discovered that photos are loaded in reverse

That's looking like a great setup DesertRat ! Top effort.

Don't worry about the photos - you're far from the first one to be caught out by that

If you don't want to post them in the reverse order... and try and remember...

Then as you attach each one... use the "place inline" button... put a carriage return in first (press enter)....

Then attach your next... etc...

thanks Rup good tip

I know that I always enjoy seeing the progress of other members systems so here is update of our system
A 5 Bath grow bed system has been added with 4 baths underneath that will be utilised for growing duckweed, fish quarantine and red claw

Changes are happening with rock work, planting and walkways around the pond and growbeds

Some of the system details
The filterbox for the pump have been running the system for one month and on ispection was not clogged (apart from the top section) the netting inside the box contained approx 8-10 yabbies so probably help clean up some of the gunge


Inside the filterbox before cleaning

Some of the filters used in the system
This filter was designed to provide greater surface are resulting in less blockages


This filter is to stop duckweed flowing over the standpipe

I like the bendy tree

do you want this combined with your other thread?

Lots of little bits of innovation here and there. I like it.

Thanks Gemmell
Bit of hard work here and there but a lot of the ideas, inspirations and advice came from this forum it really is invaluable.
My system is coming along, not quite the growth that I would like to see but its getting there, once I have the Silver Perch (about 10 days) I think the system will really kick along, patience and bacteria! are some of the essential ingredients,
When you see photo's of AP growth other members are having it keeps you inspired
Have a good one
Must post a photo of the "Red Centre" Its anything but red more an emerald green after all our recent rain