Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi my name is Josh, i am 25, Doing my Grd Dip ED this year, with a background in science (bio major, chem and human movement minors). I am also a farmers son, who grew up in the Mid north of SA (that should explain a lot). I have been very, very interested in Aquaponics for a couple years now, and have been researching/studying it quite religiously for longer than i care to admit... Until recently i have not been able/allowed to set up my own system due to the fact that i was renting, BUT, now myself and my partner share a mortgage, and a house (coincidentally). Meaning i have the green light to to set up my own AP system! (YEEAAH!)

My system ideas/thoughts so far (opinions would be greatly appreciated)!-

It will be a IBC system (yep, another one!) as i have access to a few free IBC's. I am looking at having 3 grow beds to begin with, potentially expanding 5 later on (also made from IBC's). Obviously, 1 IBC (as is) will be used as the fish tank.

And here is where the questions start....

*Should i run a CHIFT PIST system?, or just pump directly out of the fish tank? (i guess the question i am asking is what is the max number of IBC growbeds you would run from a 1000L without a sump)? With a CHIFT PIST system, you can get away with using a smaller pump cant you?

*Should i flood and drain with Autosyphons? Just go for the simpler constant flood with standpipes with on/off timer on pump? Is there any real difference between the two methods in relation to veggie growth? I'm a mad keen veggie grower so i am after what works best!

*Media- At this stage i cant really afford many clay balls (hydroton), so i will go for the good old gravel in the grow beds (maybe one hydroton GB if i can afford it). Should i just use blue metal or are there better gravel substitutes (and cheaper) that i have overlooked?

*Pump- Who uses what on their IBC system?- i have read to much about it in the last week or so and managed to wind up not knowing what i want. It just needs to be very reliable/cheap/lowest wattage possible (i understand those aspects don't usually match well together..) 3500-4000L per hour (submersable pump) sound around the right ballpark in your opinions? (keeping in mind i may go up to 5 growbeds later on)?

*Backup plans for power outage- would a battery operated air pump suffice (one of the AC/DC jobs that BYAP sell)? how many LPH would you recommend with a high fish stocking density? ANy other fool proof ways around a power blackout?

*Probably going to go with Jade perch to begin with (one i am all set up and ready to go). They would be the most hardy/best fish for Adelaide?

Also, if there is anyone in/near Adelaide that would be willing for me (and my g/f) to come and visit and have a look at their system it would be greatly appreciated! Personally, i think it would be great seeing some other systems in the flesh before i start on mine- and so I can fully convince the better half that AP is a REALLY, REALLY good idea!

Thanks,
Josh

Hi Josh

Welcome to the forum and welcome to the addiction - you will never sleep again!

All your questions are typical of someone starting out (not that its a bad thing) and there will be a thousand different answers (which doesnt help) - AP for me was and still is an adventure and I enjoy not knowing what lays in store for my system next and what effect it will have.

Having said this, there are multiple ways you can go about things and I believe that this is what makes AP so interesting and ensures every system is unique to the individual. The thing is to remember that if you stock accordingly and take things slow you would be unlucky to have a major failure.

If you havnt already, down load the "IBC of AP" PDF from the forum home page and have a good read, it gives you many different ideas that you could incorporate into your own design. And of course spend time on this most exellant forum and browse the posts.

If I could suggest anything it would be to start small but leave room for expantion, maybe a single IBC set up on CF with 10 SP. Or dont let me hold you back from going all out