Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All,

It has been around 15mths since I discovered AP while reading a magazine article. I decided after reading that article to do a bit more research (found this forum) and it wasn't long before I was ditching the plans I had for your standard dirt vegie garden and developing my AP design.

After nearly a year I have managed to this week get water flowing around the system and hopefully if all goes well I will get some fish in coming weeks. I know that you all love pictures so I will try and work out how to attach some for you soon. I will also start to explain and document my system so people can learn from all my mistakes, I know there is going to be a heap.

I would like to thank everyone who has given me advise so far and those that have opened up their systems for me to look at. I look forward to a long and mostly happy system thread here.

Stay tuned for all my misadventures.

Here are a few pics of the site and early works.

Well after a few delays and drama's, some out of my contol, I was slowly making progress. The desogn changed a bit and often but was always going to be CHIFT PIST.

Looks like you are now on a roll,Silvertree.

Taking shape now. I have 1 GB in place with medium and vegies a second in position and plumbed just awaiting some growing medium which I still haven't decided on (clay balls, Perlite or Vermiculite). I also need to install another 2 GB's (bath tubs) and get the air pump and wiring done. I currently have the sump pump on an extension lead from the house. The Fish tank will form a feature in the garden and hopfully be a talking point for all visitors in coming months. I have quite a few doubters lining up to have a look.

The GB's

I recommend the clay balls. Yes, a little expensive but very good to work with and heavier than the others so plants dont blow away and also easier to prevent getting into fish tank.

Definitely don't use per lite or vermiculite they are nothing but trouble

Today I filled bed 2 with some clay balls! Hopfully get the air pump and power connected on the weekend.

Leaving the pump on 15min off 45min in the hope that the water will clear!

It will

Looks like a nice level site

How long will it take to clear?

The site is quiet level now, a fair bit of digging and earthworks but hoping that it is all worth it soon!

Not much work done on AP system over the last week or so. The air pump (LP60) is roughed in and will be put in properly when I get the electrical work done. The pump has been running 24/7 for nearly 2 weeks but the water hasn't cleared yet. I also planted some vegies and they look OK.

Have sourced a few fresh water mussels and native catfish through a friend (these should get on Ok with the trout). Hoping to add these on Friday and the trout in a week or so when the sytem is up and running with the additional grow beds in place.

This morning the water seems to be clearing, I can see the bottom, just. Picking up a few pandanis catfish tomorrow morning. Photo's to come

Tandanus Tandanus - Eel-Tailed Catfish...