Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi, I've only been reading for a few days and am so excited by the Aquaponics idea that I'm going to try put a system together today. I'm using a couple of old 92 litre storage boxes, probably feeder fish in the bottom tank and strawberry's in the top box.

I have heaps of questions.

1. When I first set it up and made sure it works do I put the plants only in till it has 'cycled'? If so, how do I keep them alive with no nutrients? Will seasol keep them alive without harming the bacteria or fish when I later put them in? Or can I put some of the fish in straight away?

2. Bunnings has 'biofilter starter' 'natural bacterial formula'. Should I use it?

3. What type of shop will sell an appropriate test kit? (I don't shop on-line.)

4. The stand pipe - do I cover the top of the outer pipe with something (Shade cloth?) or have it poking out the top of the gravel?

Hmmm. I think that's all for now.

Looking forward to your answers and joining in your progress threads.

Actually, now that I think about it the aswer to Q 1. may be that dp peeing in it will feed the plants?

Welcome BN. You sound like you have the Aquaponics bug. It is all consuming. I am also new to BYAP so will leave the answers to some one else. Good luck with your system.

Hi BunyaNut,
welcome to our madness

1. you've answered that one

2. do you know anyone with an aquarium? get them to squeeze their filter gunk into a bucket, that will give you a head start on bacteria

3. pet shops?

4. no need for shade cloth, just lots of 6mm holes


Have fun!

1- Set it up and test all the plumbing and siphon before you even put gravel in. Once it all works without leaks, then add gravel. You can add plants right away if you like. Most plants like a little time after transplant before they really need lots of nutrients wayway. You can fishless cycle with any fish safe ammonia source (could be pure ammonia, humonia, or perhaps even urea. A little goes a long way in a small system.) Seasol is a good source of other nutrients for the plants but won't provide everything. You can add fish right away and cycle with fish but you will want to get a freshwater master test kit from an aquarium shop before you go adding fish.

2-You do no need to buy any starter, a system will cycle without any fancy bacteria additives. Make sure your source water doesn't have chloramine in it (if you are using tap water) or you will need to use a water conditioner like for an aquarium. If the tap water has chlorine, you can probably just air the water for several days to let it air out.

3-aquarium or pet stores are where you will usually find appropriate test kits and water conditioners if needed

4-Outer stand pipe (the one with holes to keep the gravel back and allow water in does not need a cover though many of us put a rock, basket, container or something to keep leaves, frogs, gravel etc from falling in but making it easy to move aside to check things when needed.

Good luck, read lots, and welcome to the madness

4. Make it higher than you think you need it.

Hi there Bunya Nut, there are a couple of aquarium shops in Morayfield that should have a test kit, you could try this one at 199 Morayfield Road
Pet Shop

click on "Street view" then on the little man and a lovely picture will pop up

or you can go further south where I got mine from at B'gary pet shop (7 North Shore Drive)
Burpengary shop

If you want to have a look at a local system any time, just let me know

This is having fun with google

Thank you everyone. I set it up, siliconed it, added water and no probs (even though I hadn't given the silicon 5 days to dry, I'm impatient.) Adding gravel I knocked the stand pipe and it started leaking and the bottom of my container cracked. I will get a new one and some faster drying silicone and try again.

I might take you up on that offer one day EllKayBee.

Hi BunyaNut,

Good to see another Caboolture person on here.

BR.

G'day BR, good to see you floating around