Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Aww what a cutie

I know of someone visiting soon Faye......

Ummm would I recognise them? How soon is soon?

We always start with the introduction and how we came to be here which includes being bitten by the bug. Many of you will understand the effects and how one goes on to plan their second and sometimes third system or modification. How aquaponics can take over your life and the learning curve that might include more healthy cooking, discovering the joys of aquaponics or learning more about science, biology and the environment.
The history of aquaponics in Australia, across the world and in ancient times and how it has evolved to bring us to where we are today.
Carl then moves on to the fish species that we have here and how to maintain their health, transport them safely and what their requirements are. Stocking densities and growth of fish, plus what to feed them, how much and why?


There are always guidelines to follow so things don't go wrong but with aquaponics there are so many variables. Who would have thought that each of these two balcony systems (pictured below) were supported by only two fish each, and the plants look sooo good.
The system on the left has eel tailed catfish which are about 12-15cm each, and the one of right has black bream which are about 3 years old and probably 20-25cm.

We often hear that people mistakenly believe that you can only grow leafy plants, but that is not the case just look at these cucumbers.

We also cover different methods of pest control that is safe for the environment, but most of all safe for the fish. Here we have a yellow sticky trap which attracts a certain range of pest while we leave some for the beneficial predators and parasites. We also cover aspects of saving seeds, growing heritage varieties and encouraging a healthy ecosystem, at the same time it teaches us a few valuable lessons and saves time, energy and money.

Participants get to take home course notes and a disc with the first 5 magazines as well as the latest printed magazine. They get tea, coffee or juice and a few light snacks, so we believe $55-00 is value for money. There is an opportunity to ask questions, share experience with others who have a system or just learning and we limit the numbers to 20 so that everyone gets the opportunity to hear what is going on. We have been running workshops since 2009 and interest seems to be increasing. This last workshop had visitors from Christams Island keen to learn more about growing their own food where soil crops prove to be too challenging.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand missed another one.

Looks like it went well guys and well worth the money!



Carl will. Ill see you next tuesday or wednesday. Hope your weather is warmer than ours at the moment.

Well Charlie, here you go, plenty of warning!
The next workshop dates have been set for the 30th June, 28th July and 25th august 2012.
So you can't keep saying that you missed out because you didn't have enough time. Your moderator points will entitle you to a free workshop valued at $55-00. Hurry and book fast as numbers are limited. Held on a Saturday afternoon from 3.30-5.30pm.

Hah ! You kept telling me the mod points weren't real Charlie - looks like Faye's revealing the truth, so now you're busted - I know they're real

Hi Charlie places are filling fast for that next workshop, less than 10 days away. You better get in fast unless you want to miss out again.
Reminder 30th June 2012
3.30- 5.30pm light refreshments included.

OMG! How did I miss this post Faye! Thankyou muchly for the invite and generosity. The plan was to be in Perth mid July during school holidays..... hmmm, let me talk to the cook and Ill figure something out.



Im as surprised as you mate

Sorry Faye I wont be able to attend this one. I will keep my eye on the future dates and let you know.

Just a few pics from Saturdays workshop! The weather was lovely although the chill sets in when the sun disappears.
Nat was in charge of the camera this time and did a great job of getting some different angles, well done Nat!
Explanation and demo of the standpipe and how the growbed flood and drain system works.
After an introduction about the history or aquaponics and how it all works it was time for a hot cuppa and a selction of sweet and savoury goodies as the general discussion continues.

This pic clearly shows the variety of plants that can be grown in an aquaponic system, from ornametnal ferns and palms to fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.

I don't know if you can quite make it out, but in the photo I am holding a carrot which I had just pulled out of the growbed. Just goes to show that you can grow just about anything in an aquaponic system.
Participants are shown just exactly what they can use in their system and the main thing to remember that as long as it is fish safe there are a range of products and treatments that are suitable for use to combat specific issues. By following a few simple guidelines and making sure that you are growing in the right seasons you can have some great results and a very pleasurable hobby. I know I've said it before "The only catch is the fish" Lol.

I think Nat needs some camera training Faye


good to see another succesful workshop

Is this advance notice for everybody attending on Friday 13th? Can't we all stand next to the pizza oven?

Abso freezin lutely !

you could stand next to Joel.... Ive heard he's pretty hot.....headed