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New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=21459		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Sally-Anne [ Apr 21st, '14, 16:31 ]
Post subject:  New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
:wave1: Hello all

I live near Mundaring in the Perth hills of Western Australia. I have been interested in aquaponics for years. Luckily Iast month I received a bonus payment from work so putting it to good use I purchased a Backyard Aquaponics setup (grow bed and 1,500L tank).

The other week I setup the system and planted it out with veggies and herbs. Filled the tank using water from our the rainwater tank via the firefighting hose. Whilst establishing the system and waiting for some fish I have been spraying the plant leaves with a Seasol solution and added some chelated iron to the water.

Today I tested the water in anticipation of getting some Silver Perch this week:
    pH = 7.6
    high pH = 8
    ammonia = 0.25ppm
    nitrite = 0ppm
    nitrate = 0ppm
    water temp = 18.7

I certainly have been enjoying creating a new daily habit of drinking my morning coffee whilst checking out the plants and listening to the water run through the system.

Attachments:
File comment: Checking out the handy work
just setup.jpg
just setup.jpg [ 94.78 KiB | Viewed 1661 times ]
File comment: Enjoying the morning coffee (5 days growth)
coffee time.jpg
coffee time.jpg [ 99.47 KiB | Viewed 1661 times ]
Author:  HairyCamel [ Apr 21st, '14, 18:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
Hi Sally-Anne, setup looks good :thumbleft: what did you use as an Ammonia source?
Author:  Sally-Anne [ Apr 21st, '14, 18:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
I haven't used anything to create the ammonia. I did add the bacteria supplied with the setup. I think also using the rain water that had been sitting in the tank all summer would have helped.
Author:  Bender [ Apr 21st, '14, 18:46 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
Welcome Sally-Anne. Looks great. You will enjoy it even more more once you have fish in the tank.
Author:  Sally-Anne [ Apr 21st, '14, 19:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
Thanks Ben, I am soooo looking forward to the fish. I have been checking your system photo's and notes. Looks like and your family are really enjoying the AP.
Author:  Gabe [ Apr 21st, '14, 19:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
Welcome to the forum!

Nice setup and great place to live! :cheers:
Author:  Sally-Anne [ Apr 21st, '14, 19:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
Thanks Gabe. I was looking at your setup absolutely amazing. As being a fellow hills person I am very interested to see you have barrels for fruit trees. Certainly easier than gardening by crowbar.
Author:  faye [ Apr 21st, '14, 21:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
Quote:
Today I tested the water in anticipation of getting some Silver Perch this week:


Do you have your heart set on silver perch Sally Ann? Trout will get you funtastic results compared to what the perch will do over the next 5-6 months. Silver perch really slow down over the cool months and don't eat much, trout will thrive and provide best results in your grow bed and be harvestable in 5 months. Trout feeding time gives you a reason to get out of bed on those cold winter mornings.
Author:  Sally-Anne [ Apr 21st, '14, 21:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
Thanks Faye for your suggestions

I was going with Silver Perch as I am not intending to harvest them. I know to some it seems odd to have an AP and only reap the benefits of the veggies and herbs. My ideal fishing experience is throwing a line with only a float on. No hook, no bait, no chance of catching a fish.

I would love to try trout however didn't want them to be stressed and/or die in the warmer months. Can the perch and trout cohabit well together?
Author:  HairyCamel [ Apr 21st, '14, 22:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
If you're not intending to harvest the fish why not use Koi, you could sell the Koi when they are larger for good $$.
Author:  stevesmartt [ Apr 22nd, '14, 10:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: New aquaponics setup in the Perth hills
I've run perch and trout together and there were no issues. Just cover the tank so the trout cant jump out and you'll be fine.

+1 with the Koi idea...

My silvers I've had for about 5 years now and they are happy ticking along in the system. cold water, warm water they just keep trucking.
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