Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi everyone,

Well, the time is approaching. We selected the site, ordered the fish tank, the 4 grow beds and the hydroton medium. I have got a couple of months to get it all setup before the fish tank arrives.

To do:

1.- finalise the system design. So far the only thing we know for sure is that we will have a 2.2 x.9 tank with 4 rectangular beds (2x1x.3) and we are using hydroton. The location of the site is such that the fish tanks is about .4 metres lower than the beds so we are looking at using only one pump with the beds gravity feeding to the tank.

2.- build the stand for the beds (blocks and timber frame)
3.- source the fish (silver perch?) from somewhere nearby
4.- define the type of pump to use and source one
5.- and many other things to think and do, feel free to suggest them

Hubby and I are so looking forward to this!!

Cheers

Sounds good Christina......

If you don't mind me asking ,can you list the suppliers and cost for each item.... so others that follow have a comparative base to work from

Welcome to the fun Christina

- Hydroton bulk price ex-Maroochydore (5479 1011) = $30 /50litre bag (german hydroton)

- grow beds - from 07 3200 0272 (Murray) price to be determined (they are on order, but normal cost is about $345, but as forum members we may get a further discount?

- fish tank had to buy from Duraplas, aquaponics tank with conical bottom and stand and delivered to my door for $1375 (2.2 by .9, circular).

- fish (thanks to tip from EllKB below) from Gwen @Sunland Freshwater Fish Hatchery, Gilsons Road, Boreen Point (54853144). Quoted today $50/100fish.

I will keep updating this post as I purchase more items

cheers

So whats that make the tank Christina.... about 3000ltrs?

Do you realise that the growbeds are about 500ltr each.... => 2000ltr total

So that's about 40 bags of hydroton => $1200....

Gravel might work out cheaper

Hi Christina, I have been considering the duraplas fish tank 3000L as well. What is the delivery time from order? I am waiting for some $$$ which should be in the next two weeks (rubs hands, slight dribble on chin), then I will be ordering for my system...about the same size as you Fun, aint it?

Cristina,
Gwen @
Sunland Freshwater Fish Hatchery
Gilsons Road
Boreen Point (54853144)

about 40km north of you and she might deliver free of charge (not sure)

I am going to be putting in an order for SP later this week so will have some more info re price etc - have you got an approx month you will be needing the fish

Hi All,

SNAG:
I bought the AP2500 which is about 2500ltr, but if we keep the water level a bit down from the top of tank, I believe it will fluctuate between 2000 to 1800 ltrs. I have ordered it about a week ago and the delivery date is January. Apparently they are very busy!! We do not mind it it gives us time to get setup. Also, I ordered it in one of the darker green colours. Our tank will be on a shaded area in summer, so we are more concern about retaining the heat in winter, that is why we did not pick a lighter colour, that and the fact that the fish like the dark according to some postings somewhere in the forum.

EllKayBee:
Thanks for the info. Sometime in January. As soon as we have a firm delivery on the tank will post.

RuperOz,
$1500 to be exact, about 48 bags. We are aware of the cheaper gravel, but we are more aware of our not so young backs. Also for topping up and manipulating we think the clay is easier on us. We treat it as our Christmas present this year!!

Now you know Les's gunna call ya a squib for ducking out of the gravel washing, don't you.....

I believe we still have to do some washing with the clay, after all, we do want to watch the fish every now and then. I wonder how much washing do they require? Anyhow, thanks for the warming Rupert, we will lookout for Les

he's a scary old man that one

Thanks, Christina. I should go out and order it then. Now where did my wife hide my mastercard...

Thanks EKB,

I have just called Gwen and she gave me a quote of $50 per 100 SP fisherlings. I have updated my list above. Apparently she is growing them all the time and they are just around the corner (in Kilometres talk) from us.

That's a good price too..... did she say how big they were?

yep, still gotta wash the hydro clay