Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm keen to try another fish tank setup now that I have a bit better understanding of how it all works. Maybe try some marron !!

Look what else I've had sitting in the yard for the last year!



Worked on it for a bit, but never got around finishing it off. I've finally found a spot for it to be set up.

Growbed on top.
Fish tank underneath.
Bathtub as sump.
Not sure whether to have a go at CF.
Planning on keeping it simple!

Any thoughts ??

I've been trimming the tomato plants so that they put their growth into climbing up some cord. Plenty of flowers on them in such a short time! I even had to take out a few lettuces that getting too big for the tubs. Love to see what happens when I get some new fish in the system.

Hello Scino!

Great system and beautiful piece of land you've got there. I've never seen the tadpoles used (but then again I'm a newbie). Did you use them with the sole reason of getting your system properly cycled so you could add fish later, or do you plan to use them continuously (replace them with new tadpoles when they all hop off). On another note, what do you feed them?

You seem to be getting fantastic growth is why I ask, and I'm really interested in keeping fish numbers down and exploring what other kinds of ecosystems you can create with aquaponics.

Happy growing! Keep up the good work!

Thanks cbrumf2,
I have to say that, come think about, I don't think I have read of anyone else using tadpoles in their aquaponics! Basically, anything aquatic animal that produces ammonia could be used. I suppose the only variable is what specific water conditions/parameters are optimum for their survival and growth. I only used tadpoles because they were available at the time and was a fun way to integrate a family activity with something I was passionate about. When you get the aquaponics bug, anything and everything becomes a potentially useful item to use in your system!!

The bathtub system I have will only ever be a small system. I don't intend to overload it, but having said that, it is also important to find the equilibrium. I will be putting fish in the system when the tadpoles turn into frogs, but only enough to give the input I need.

I've been planning a bigger system for a while now, but it has come down acquiring the right components. I'm a DIYer, and love recycling older items into useful new items. I just love the way this can work with aquaponics!

Here's some more photos of the current system. A few new plants and more growth. Had to take out some lettuces to make room.

Super interesting stuff, thanks for the answer!

Those greens are looking fantastic!

Sorry cbrumf2,
I forgot to add that I've been feeding the tadpoles goldfish flakes. I know I should probably be using some pellets or something for the minerals etc, but for the moment I'm getting the growth that I want. Maybe I should check the label for what's in the flakes?

Yes, Yes! If you're getting good growth then I would assume the flakes are doing their job (unless you've got some bugs falling in or other food source getting to your tadpoles). What goes in must come out, I would think what's in the fish food is extremely important for proper growth.

Yep make sure you have good quality floating fish food for your systems to keep the water in good quality

Getting quite a lot of fruit starting to form on the tomatoes. But growth has slowed down a little bit lately, so possibly need to add some seasol etc.

How much does PH affect plant growth?

wow.... taddies providing all the ammonia? uber cool!