Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Look what you get for $95 at Soladome in Adelaide!

http://www.soladome.com.au/aquaponics.htm

I love how they link to an american site, not this one, I'm sure if they linked to this one, it would take people 2 minutes to work out how easy and cheap it is to put something like this together!

If the optional solar air pump is not used, won't the fish die from lack of DO in the water?

I'm wondering if you are meant to keep the fish in the half barrel. If so, then yes, without a pump, it would have to be lights out surely. I have to assume that a separate fish tank pumps through to the barrel, otherwise, it's a bit strange. Anyone else got a take on it?

Hey now wouldn't the Orange paint have lead in it just like orange pvc pipes? I think they use the same paint?

I'm wondering that, if it is just a blue barrel apinted orange, or wether it's a different type. Has anyone ever seen orange barrels like this?

I dont think it is painted.....

also i think the fish are supposed to be under the foam rafts, which would decrease surface o2 diffusion

nice compact design, but without the optinal aerator it may struggle

does stick to the KISS principle!!!! and only reccomended for 6 fish, but with added aeration i think could support a few more

I would say that their 'KISS' would stand for keep it stupid...stupid...
I would not go for that as the solids build up in the half drum, which means extra cleaning - I like the whole passing through a gravel bed idea as it collects the solids where they break down...

Seems a bit expensive for 6 small fish, a half barrel and a stand for it. Did I miss the plant seeds included? Now if them fishies are guppies thats nearly $12 in value. Wonder if they sell any of them things. Never seen an Orange barrel before. Looks like they have the low end market covered folks may as well give up on that. LOL
My apoligies to anyone if you have purchased one of these. The instructions should clear up any question you have.

Seems a bit expensive alright. Looks like an orange poly barrel. I bought my half for $16.00. Must have some rare fishies with it.

Jonty

I think this would be better as part of a system, with a gravelbed like aquamad said. Could definately diy it cheaper, but compared to aquaculture/normal aquarium fish keeping, it is better, because electricity and water use are greatly reduced(or non existent)

The price isn't so outrageous when you look at typical markup of 200 percent. There's a barrel, some poly sheet, the stands, the pipes and fitting. 30 bucks or close enough. Add 200 percent and there's your price.

I think it's a bit of crap, but understand the price, and like the concept of those legs. Lower end market is an excellent target if you want to feed the world. Get a few out and all the DIY'ers and broke folk will copy their own. just putting out a bottom end product that actually works.

that contraption is destined for a lot of problems.

DO would not be a problem if there is live plants with roots in the water above the fish, because they will release oxygen into the water (daytime), however, if your fish are veg eater, would they not eat your plant roots?.

aquaddict, I bet I could break it!

On a positive note........Good to see a pioneer in the industy looking at a new way to live off AP systems. He might not do it perfectly but at least he is out there doing it.

At no pint was I diddin' his efforts. My point was merely if companies put affordable stuff like this on the market, and it fails through shortcomings of design, it could bring a bad rep to aquaponics, which in turn, makes it harder for all us guys to get a fair trial. For example, if you need a separate tank for the fish, it should have been mentioned. He actually has quite a neat "polyculture" kit with a fish tank a stand for some aluminium channels and pots with clay balls for the plants. IMHO, this is much more aquaponics than the half a barrel.

Good point Mon, they really should of linked this site as well, but then sales would drop I suspect.

It's a hack effort. Aeration is not an option with this type of raft over tank setup. Nothing more than small herbs will grow without supplemental heat and light. The stand does not look like it can support 103 kilos although it is in the picture. They could have at least used an unscuffed barrel, or cleaned it before taking a pic. One of the herbs in the foam raft looks horribly manicured (read: cut off the dead leaves). The six fish are probably fancy goldfish that have the hardiness of the boy in the plastic bubble..... sorry, I'll step down now