Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I heard that turbulence in FT isn't what you want for solids removal, but perhaps if the siphon dumps are tuned in a way which creates a flow delivering the waste to the SLO inlet it could be even more effective than a slow and steady spray bar. That said, you would definitely have to make sure the diameter of SLO tubing is large enough to not be overwhelmed in the case of both GBs dumping into the FT at the same time right?..

I'm not sure where you could source perch fingerlings, I'm sure someone in the UK supplies, but they might be more challenging to locate than trout of course. If You have a keen course fisherman friend who is willing to catch a few for you, they are abundant in England and small ones should be easy to catch... that might not be technically legal mind you! A google search brought this up, http://www.furnacemill.net/fish-for-sale.html looks like they sell by the 100s though.

Thanks Danny, that previous post was actually supposed to be to you, how does your system cope with the cold? I did see those guys you linked to, was hoping to hear of somewhere slightly closer to me, looks like I will just have to do the drive, will give them a call as most places will normally sell you a handful if u explain why u want em I'm told.

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I live in a semi-tropical paradise. No freezing problems here!

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Not a good idea to drain one fish tank into the other

Yeah I currently live in Spain and only have a small indoor system so no freezing problems here! I reckon if I were you I would clad the IBCs with black painted polystyrene or something and erect some kind of a makeshift polythene greenhouse over the system, that is if you are not already planning on having the whole system inside a greenhouse (which I think would be a good idea), in which case I reckon it shouldn't freeze up.

The fish should be fine, and will basically not need feeding over winter; I would only feed a small amount in the milder spells, and not feed at all during the cold snaps. Plants will barely grow, but the bacteria in the media will still be there processing the waste, which will be in small amounts anyway. The water will be cold and therefore will hold more oxygen, and given that the fish will metabolise and respire less due to the cold, you could probably get away with only pumping for a few hours a day. Basically the whole system will be in hibernation from mid December till the end of February.

Having your IBCs partially buried, and having a greenhouse over it all would be a fantastic idea IMO, as it could really extend your growing season and allow for faster fish growth.

Im thinking to clad it using wood, that way I can get a carpenter to do something that looks nice and neat, and I'm thinking to insulate it using loft insulation which I can remove during the warmer months. Can't really bury them, as much as I would love to because of the fence. Still have not got round to posting my design idea yet, soon perhaps.

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