Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi, tshrmp here, New to aquaponics, Just recently started with barrel aquaponic system I saw online. It is working fine with goldfish and plants. Just integrated with additional tank, 26 Catfish and hydroponic type pipe with net cups. System up and running for 2 weeks now. Experimenting with cabbage, cabbage collards, red leaf romaine and kale to see how it will do since cooler weather will be coming soon.

I am in Northern Alabama, Hartselle, Al.

I just got my catfish in and I am still having trouble getting them to eat. They are 5 to 8 inch fingerlings. Water temperature is good and all water perimeters check good. I had one tank to full of water and 4 fish jumped out last night. So you can see I need all the help and advice I can get.

Glad to be on this sight Hello to all.

Hi and welcome,

>> Just integrated with additional tank, 26 Catfish and hydroponic type pipe with net cups. System up and running for 2 weeks now.

be careful as your system [probably] wont be cycled at this stage so a spike in ammonia or nitrites could be an issue.
You will need to make sure there is a lot of aeration until you are 100% sure the system is fully cycled.

You don't mention the fish tank volume - the main factor at present is they are still small.

don't worry about the food. They will be OK and will soon get into it once things settle down.
Definitely don't over feed at this stage.

Welcome to the forum buddy!
How is Alabama? Sweet as they say?!?!
Don't feed too much. They can go days without eating.
It's not nice to make them suffer without food, but they will be fine. Better to feed less than too much. Many other people here would agree, I'm sure. Too much food fouls the water, and will throw out your water parameters.

Sounds like you'll need to improve your water perimeters... To stop the fish jumping out. Just some netting or gutter gaurd mesh type material you can get from Bunnings might work.

All the best.

-K98

Thanks for your replies and the welcome. I am having some new tank problems. I had the system up and running with goldfish in the beginning and tank and water perimeters were good. The reason the 4 catfish jumped out was that I filled the tank to the brim not thinking they would jump out. Since then I have went through some water perimeters getting up a little to high and over feeding problems.

Currently water quality ies have been good, I did loose some fish at one point. I just found to dead catfish. I don't think that the water was the problem, it has tested good with only Nitrate showing 5.0 ppm no ammonia or nitrite and 7.2 ph. Thinking deaths to prior stress but do not know. Goldfish doing good. Hopefully my problems are over only time will tell. Thanks for the advice. currently 175 gallons including filter tank.

Hey tshrmp, I live in south Huntsville and am just starting out myself. I will grow inside a small insulated buidling. Starting out with one IBC tote around 200 gallons.
Did you find any local resources for media and grow tubs?