Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,

I've actually been trawling through this forum, and others, for 12 months or so, but this is my first post and I am definitely a beginner. Owning a vineyard means I have been able to scrounge up a lot of what I think I might need, especially irrigation fittings (I bet I still have to buy stuff because what I have in the shed isn't quite what I need). I have a fish tank (8 tonne back off a truck. 2.5x4x1m) in place and the ground works (retaining wall for split level site) have been done. I am expecting 5x500L growbeds sometime soon and I think I have a pump lined up when I'm ready.
I'm at a bit of a standstill at the moment and I'm concerned that there are things I should be getting ready so the system can be up and running as soon as possible.

I'm only guessing really, but somethings I should be thinking about might include:

-Aeration. What am I looking at here? Spa blower? Small compressor? Specialist fish tank aerator of some sort?

-Grow media. So far the only expenses I've had are the growbeds (that I haven't bought yet) and a truck load of crusherdust to make the place look tidy, and with that in mind, I was aiming for the cheapest material that works. I assume there is some advantage of proper growbed pellets over washed blue metal or such, and perhaps an prefered size of gravel if that is way to go.

-Bacteria. Do I have to buy some of this? I'm picturing a situation similar to yeast. Buy a small sample and grow it in the right environment. Anywhere near the mark?

And so here I am. Nowhere really, but pretty excited about the project, especially with Christmas coming up. I will sheepishly admit that showing this system off is more than just a small bonus I look forward to being a regular here, initially with my fair share of stupid questions, but hopefully one day with some successful experiences to share with veterans and newcomers alike.

Dexter.

Welcome to the forum and the world of AP DexterK

There is no turning back now

Welcome, an old truck body for a FT, now that is thinking. Can't wait to see the pictures.

Bacteria is the magic ingredient and it will occur naturally in the air, soil and water but you can speed the cycling process by adding water from an existing fish pond or squeezing a pond/ aquarium filter and extracting the gunk to help the bacteria colonise a new system.
As far as media goes you can use a myriad of different types, the determining factor is how much time/ money you want to spend. Expanded clay is designed for this purpose and maintains the pore spaces in the bed which helps the plants with air around the roots, it is also sterile and lasts indefinately as well as being kinder on the hands than gravel or blue metal. Once you have it you've always got it and it does not take much washing. It is however more expensie but if you want to save money use the heavy materials as the bootom and just top with the expanded clay.
We trialled different media and found that in the short term any media worked pretty well but as time went on the heavy media compacted and were more prone to flooding that the expanded clay. Well whatever you do have fun and enjoy the experience.

Welcome!!
Truck Body for an FT! Cool. I am guessing that would hold about 10,000 lts. What are you planning to use for grow beds? You could probably do with more than 5. Because that's just about 2,500 lts and you can afford to go to 1:1.

Thanks for the welcome.

It sounds like I might have some luck with the bacteria, as I'll fill the fish tank with irrigation water. If the bacteria can survive the lift pump at the head of the scheme (in Berri), then they should be present in the riverwater naturally. It regularly has bits of Yabby and Shrimp in it too. The tank is a bolt on, off an old 8T Bedford tipper, which I expect to fill maybe 3/4. So 6000L ish. The growbeds are what's been discussed on this forum as 'Tilkey Tubs'. I'm only getting 5 because they are basically the biggest expense and part of my head accepts that this might not be the success I dream of, and I can expand later when I know what I'm doing. The grow media I will have to look into some more and compare some prices.

Dex.

P.S. I have pics and will consult my tech staff on how I might post them, right after I finish consulting with my account on how much I can spend. I'll have to talk to the cook about what's for tea, later.

So.... did the "tech staff" just roll their eyes at you... and did the cook suggest that you get your own tea... on "account" of the money you're going to spend...

All three want me to get off my ring and get on with it. She wants fish. She's a seafood girl and isn't impressed with what Coles has to offer here in the desert.

I'm not sure where this post should go, so sorry for messing up things, but I'm starting to worry about fish type, price, availability and hardiness. In the Riverland, summer has a solid average temperatures with regular warm patches of 40-45 (three 48's in a row the last two years), but the odd zero over winter, with two -5's in a row in '07. With my tank being steel and sitting on pallets, I have no insulation at all. Is 6000L enough to maintain it's own temperature to some degree? Should I chuck Carp in and just grow tomatoes?
So what type of fish will give my the best chance of surviving the early stages of learning the ropes and where should I be looking for them? I found a place selling Silvers and Golds for 65$ per 100, but it's in Victoria.

I need to look at cracked metal or something for grow media. The Hydroton prices I have seen would mean the spend on it would be twice that of the rest of the project so far, and it's been suggested I could double my grow beds. I have tough hands.

Is there a dedicated picture page with everyones photos?

Nope... I'd go Barramundi in summer... and trout in winter...

I've read stuff to that effect, but can I grow either out in 6-8 months, or would I have to buy half grown stock? I've been thinking of ways to partition my tank. Same water, just separate sections. Bird wire maybe, although I suspect they might damage themselves if I'm not careful with the way I do it. Probably shouldn't see each other, trout and barra!

Dex.

Welcome and good luck with your new system.

Check out "snakes system", she is just down the road.
viewtopic.php?p=146876#p146876

Locals!!! This good. I wouldn't mind an 'in depth' over a beer sometimes with someone who's knows what they are talking about. I have one mate and my Dad to bounce ideas off, and none of us know what we're talking about!!

Dex.

Photos. Starting up.

Going to be a great FT, you could even partition it with mesh so you can mix fish breeds and sizes.

Wow.

what a great idea.

Welcome to the group and good luck with it.