Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Yes A+ for getting the test kit. You will use it most while you get cycled up and whenever you add new fish stock of having an extreme weather change. Otherwise, once things are going smoothly, you will only occasionally test unless something seems wrong, then test. Once past cycling up, please keep an eye on pH regularly though as people sometimes run into problems when the pH naturally drops over time.

You will probably be very happy to have the BYAP kit. If you later want to use the water tank as another fish tank that is great but I would suggest not trying to make a grow bed from the top as that would probably be more trouble than it is worth.
The tall fish tank might be very useful if you decide to go CHIFT PIST for the expanded system, I know I'm very happy with my big system since I turned it into a CHIFT PIST system.

Thanks TCLynx, I havent checked your system out yet. Im so impressed with the forum and everybody is so keen to give advice.
There are bound to be a few stuff ups along the way but I figured I could reduce them by bying the system as it seems a lot of problems happen with home made ideas. At least I know the GB is the right size for the FT and I can add to the system along the way. The ratio is obviously very important for a balance.

Sounds like you have done lots of reading and have already established your own plan... great...

Happy APing...

I just cant stop reading. It is so fascinating. I wonder if there is anyone who has given up with their AP. I cant imagine it .
What a brilliant idea. Every house built from now on should have solar panels,watertanks and AP system. What a setup!

I think there's one or two who have given up their systems Seamonkey...

I believe they're being well cared for at the institution... and we wish them a speedy recovery...

Most systems that have been given up I believe have had something to do with the people having to move. Most of them I believe probably planed to build new ones in the future if they could.

Then there are many people who kinda fall off the forum as they get busy with other things. Some of them I know still have their systems up and running even if they don't spend much time/attention on the system, they still get fish and veggies from them when they can be bothered to go and harvest some.

I'm Faye and I'm addicted. Since AP took over my life other things fell by the way.
I am willing to admit I have a problem, ah no I mean a new career. Let's keep positive.

Just think of all the things we start learning again when we get into AP.
Chemistry, I've learned far more chem from AP than I ever learned in School.
Physics, all sorts of physics to learn from AP, from fluid dynamics to heat transfer, to forces and the engineering side of building supports for grow beds.
All sorts of plumbing
Inventing
Engineering
Electronics
programing
Biology, Fish, Bacteria, plants
Back to Bio-chemistry
Then studying fish behavior
And then my language skills have to improve so I can explain it all to other people so it has improved my speaking skills and my writing skills. Then writing instructions.
Heck, I feel like I should have a degree from all the stuff I've learned on here and from building my AP systems!!!!!!!

And not to mention talking to people all around the world with same interests!!

G'Day Seamonkey,
So how is your system going?
Taken any pictures yet?
Only asking because we are about to go and do what you did, spend, spend, spend.

HI Rawprawn,
I started with one GB and 1000lt FT when I began in Oct 2009 and was so impressed with system so went back to BYAP and purchased 2nd GB. 2nd GB has been up and running for about 3weeks and the plants are taking off so well. I do have photos but havent quite got into downloading yet. Will do though!
I recomend the BYAP system as i have had no trouble with it. Have you seen Mickos system? He is in woodvale and has to sell his.
I have 9 goldfish(feeder fish). I started with 10 and lost 1. Those wonderful fish which I got for 12 bucks at Gosnells near you, did a great job of cycling the system and now I have 40 silver perch in with them. They are all happy together and growing like monsters.
You wont be disappointed at all!!
No hassles and instant enjoyment.