Hi everyone! I'm Andrew from Karana Downs in Brisbane, Australia.
In a few weeks I will be starting an Aquaponics system! Very excited.
It will comprise of 4 growbeds and a 1200L fishtank with a fingerling tank on top. Another AP enthusiast Ian K that lives nearby has been helping my and put together the growbed design and you can see the resulting image attached to this post (thanks Ian!). The 4 growbeds will be inline and it will be a constant height, one pump system.
I want to try and raise the majority of produce from seeds, so have purchased a heated Autopot capillary bed, and just started using it.
I will also be experimenting with AutoPots. I love the concept of how the autopots work and cant wait to get them setup. I am keen to also try dwarf fruit trees in them. All of the autopots will be connected to a SmartPump. The SmartPump utilizes a pressure pump that keeps a constant pressure in the line. Then, when a SmartValue opens (ie the pot has used all of its water), the water flows into the pot until it has 30mm of water in it. The SmartPump also has a reservoir of water. The plan is for the water to be automatically topped up from the fishtank. Therefore, providing a constant supply of nutrient rich water to the plants.
I have been looking into Aquaponics for about a year. I first saw it at a garden show at the RNA and then started googling! I have created the AquaponicsMap.com site with the intention of trying to help "connect" aquaponic enthusiasts from around the world get in touch with each other, meetup and learn from each other. The forums are great, but so to "face-to-face" meet-ups over a grilled Jade Perch and home grown salad
I have also started up the
AquaponicsMap.com site with the purpose to make it easy for AP enthuasiasts to locate each other in order to meet-up and exchange ideas. I also want it to be used for Aquaponic Events - so they are also plotted on the map and when there is something in your state you are notified about it. I think have AP suppliers listed on it would be of benefit too. It is in it's early stages, but already has over 50 listings and growing everyday. Hopefully BYAP members will support it and add their listing to the map!
I am keen to get going a regular once-a-month meet-up of those around Brisbane. So if your interested in this, let me know and we will get something going.
Cheers, Andrew.
Backyard Aquaponics
