Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

At last we have our SP's in the FT.
We had picked up our order from Glenwaters on Monday the 15th.
Froggo was picking up his order on the 17th. He picked up an extra 50 SP's for us.
We now have a total of 160 SP's in the FT. Plus 20 catfish (Tandanus tandanus).

We went over to check out Froggo's AP unit and pick the extra SP's up on Wednesday.

Froggo your garden and AP unit are a credit to you, well set out, neat tidy and an enjoyable walk through.
It was a pleasure to view the work of someone that takes pride and care in what he is doing.
Alex

I need to put some iron into the system which holds approx 3000lts. How much do I put in?
The SP's are going like a house on fire.

Alex

I prefer seasol - it provides the iron and other ap deficient things like potassium.

250ml of concentrate per 1000l.

Hi OBO,
How often do you dose the system?

250ml is a cup and I have not been putting anywhere near that much.

Your advice as to how much and how often would be very helpful.

Alex

Whenever I notice that tomatoes are not forming the fruit properly....usually once every two months.

Thanks OBO,

My tommies are ok but I have some very yellow leaves around and wish to correct this problem.

I put one cup into the system last night and will put another cup in before xmas.
I then plan to put one cup on the 1st day each month into the system.
Would you think this a good idea?
Have you experienced any changes with the water quality when using Seasol?

I have the chelated iron but was worried about using it as SWMBO said it would drop the PH so I did not want use it. Did not want to change anything much with the new SP's in the tank.
Alex

My water returns to clear within 12 hours of adding seasol now. It does not affect water readings at all.

Thanks OBO,

My water is very clear at all times. When I added the seasol last night into the sump the water turned to tea (without milk). This morning it was all clear again.

The system is running very well at the moment. I have waited until everything was running well before putting the SP's in.

With these, the yabbies (around 150) and the Trout we are well stocked at the moment.
Will post some pics shortly.

Alex

Thats the key....stops a lot of heartache.

Merry Xmas to all .

I notice some of my SP's flashing on the bottom of the tank whilst feeding. They let the feed drop to the bottom before feeding hence the feed on the bottom.
Some are now feeding as the feed sinks, so one would assume that in time they will all feed before it gets to the bottom.

Take care over the Xmas period we do not want to lose any AP personal.

Alex

Nope.... some just seem to prefer to wait and eat it on the bottom...

Keep an eye on the "flashing".... is it occurring at other times... and how much...

Usually an indication that the fish are "itchy".... high nitrites irritating them...

Or a parasite like "Ich" ... or fungal attack, like finrot.... that they're trying to rub off...

Be prepared to salt ASAP...

Thanks ROZ,
they do not seem to be flashing other than when feeding.

Can I feed the SPs' too much?
Just how much should I be feeding 180x50mm fingerling's
They are cleaning up all food that I feed them
At the moment I am feeding around two cups per day.
I feed a number of times through the day and by evening there is a build up of uneaten food.
Next morning the floor of the tank is clean

Alex

Depends a little on your water temp Alex.... but if you have a build up of feed left each evening.... you're feeding too much...

General rule of thumb.... at that size.... you should either be using a 2mm crumble or 2mm pellet...

Feeding at least three times a day... at about 5% of their body weight....

Let's assume at 50mm they're averaging about 5 grams .... 180 x 5gm = 900 gm biomas...

900 gm biomass x 5% -> 45 grams of feed.... per day.... split over three feeds...

45-50gms of 2mm pellet is about a two full (old style) 35mm film containers... or three tablespoons....

1 tablespoon per feed... three times a day...

Thanks ROZ,
feeding much more than that and they have the floor clean by morning.
The water is crystal clear around 7.4 ph and the temp is around 25o with very little up or down on that at all.
The fish are very active. They race around the tank and appear to be playing a game.

The ? is can I feed them too much if they are cleaning up?

Alex