Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Rob,
I added nothing to the cement to treat it and yes I had a few fish deaths but less than 5% but after cycling. None during cycling.The shade cloth was 80% and as soon as I took the cloth off, everything turned around for the better. I am getting Great growth now.

By the way, The first ferro cement GB was not pretty nor was it functional. I am making some changes in the process and the form. I remove the forms on WEd.

Keep us updated on the ferrocement work please DT, I am considering making some stuff that way for cost reasons.

First let me say I am fascinated with this thread, wonderful work! Real quick just wondering how these ferro cement beds would be set up. Is the cement smooth enough to be placed on supports and be level or does it need to be on the ground? Would like to have drain in bottom and have growbed off the ground... but not sure how it would work.
Cant wait for mor pics too

ral

The Ferro cement thing was not a resounding success. I think it was mailnly in not being able to find the right help. I will keep trying to do it but am short on funds right now so I will go with wood for the time being.

On another note, My youngest fish in my home system is now a year old. All fish are well over a pound and some are over two. I have nearly 400 fish in the system. Some day I will have to start eating the rascals.

I have a small 300 gallon system with only 6 females and two males. They are breeding like crazy and the tank is full of fry, They are easy to catch and then transfer into other peoples' systems. I calculate at least 800-900 fry by now. The biggest are fingerlings. They don't seem to be eating each other since there is plenty of space, lots of algae, and lots of places to hide in the water plants.

Wow, I guess it is time to dust off this thread... So much has happened since the last post. Mostly good. Lots of lessons learned here and else where. I need to get back on the forum I guess.

Nice to have you back DT... and we'd love to hear what you've been up to... and pics .. of course...

I can't really promise that I am back but I will try to stop by from time to time to check in and post some pics. I am still puttering away here in El Salvador installing lots of systems for schools and for peace corps to expose people to the science behind the madness.

I have found that there are MANY flowers which do well in AP. Thinking of starting a cut flower business.

Good to hear you haven't just been lolling in the hammock sipping pina coladas DT...

Not a chance. Really keeping busy with lots of things including AP.

By the way, I have pretty much got the Ferro Cement thing down. I have several GBs made and they are holding up VERY well and Cheap to build.

Excellent....

When you are casting your GBs do you have them pre-plumbed or do you drill them out after it has cured?

could you post some pictures of the growbeds and maybe how you made them?

frank

You can see my past work with ferro viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2391&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15