Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello,

I am from Perth,WA. We have a dis-used concrete below ground pool which is earmarked for a pond conversion. I would eventually like to turn this into an aquaponics set up, but before jumping in the deep end, I want to experiment with something a lot smaller first!

Before I purchase a test system, I thought I would come here and do some research on what it is really like to keep such systems, rather than the perfect world you read about on websites and in FAQs.

My forays into keeping guppies and neon tetras didn't go so well as a kid, and my sisters marine tank has been devastated by disease in the past - but generally it is awesome.

My overall goal is to become as self sufficient as possible - I love my vegie garden and my worm farm, both have been learning experiences - not sure I have the hang of composting yet. Budget is tight but willing


Well that's me

welcome. sounds a great plan of attack. an ibc system is a cheap way of getting going and learning the do's and don'ts. have you seen the free ibc of aquaponics pdf?

Hi Darkbyte,

It looks like you have beat me to it! I tried to post an introduction last night but must have done something wrong and my it disappeared into the ether.

I have a fibreglass 55,000l salt water swimming pool that now has thousands of tadpoles, little frogs and numerous other lifeforms! Also I suspect a Dugite in the old pool cover. The water is a lovely shade of brown (my bore water has a high tannin content). I assume all the salt has been exhausted by the chlorinator which I stopped using several years ago.

I have been going through some of the older posts on this forum and found that dandm also converted a pool. What I would like to have is very low maintenance system that is based entirely in the pool. I'm not looking to produce loads of fish and vegetables - just something that is "eco friendly" and more attractive than what I have at present.

It will be interesting to see what suggestions are made regarding your pool.

Cheers,

Kate

Welcome Darkbyte,

The IBC of Aquaponics that Mattyoga mentioned is on a link at the top right corner of the page.

As far as keeping the systems, there is a learning curve but it's interesting and fun at the same time.

Cheers mattyoga, will add it to my reading list, I keep getting distracted by pictures of everyone's systems and cool threads, especially the pool conversions - our pool is similar to Slowboat's - will definitely go with a liner and get someone to install it!

Hi Kate! Looking forward to see what others recommend for you too! My project will end up being a looong time coming. Hoping to get a small system to play with around Easter.

Found some BSFL in my compost bin today... YAY! Will have a go at establishing a colony over the christmas break. It would be great to get the food scraps that the worms dont want out the compost bin and keep the greens to prunings and grass clippings.

Welcome to to the forum

Cheers and Thankyou for sharing your experiences - have saved me from what would have been invidable tears and dummy spits! Looking forward to see how things progress