Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Thanks for the advice guys.
Interesting that when i started researching all this there was no mention of this with Gal tanks or Gate valves. In fact gate valves were recommended as the plastic ball valves were really hard to adjust. Aquaplate was also not mentioned and the main reason i went with ordinary Gal was that i don't like the way aquaplate is put together. I guess i will have to wear this for the time being as i wont be emptying these grow beds in a hurry. I do have plenty of water though so i may have to change my water more often and hope this is enough. Also i don't plan on overstocking so hopefully this will be in my favour too.
I'll post up some more pics in a while when the vegies start growing. I have just bought a whole lot of heirloom seeds and sown them in perlite for growing in the system so it should look a whole lot better.
I do feel a bit deflated after hearing all this so i guess i've got plenty to think about on that front.
Cheers. Bernie.

i'm Benrie's partner and I'm concerned about the gal effect, but I would hate to see him move 4.5 tonnes of gravel again. I can't see the fish, could they be deceased?
Anne

Thats why I suggested one bed at a time with no rush. Others with know better but I dont think the gal will kill the fish quickly.
PVC ball valves are a bit hard to adjust but once done , alls good

Hey thanks Richard. We will see what happens i guess.
Bernie.

Hey Richard and whoever else.
My system appears to be working OK. Water is still cloudy though and a tad green. I have tested and all appears to be OK. Smells and Tastes OK. I have also changed some of the water and added shadecloth over the pond to try and stop algae growth. I think i might still have to add more though??
The strawberry plants are taking off but the rest of the veg still look a bit stunted and yellowy. I am assuming this will rectify it self at some point and they will take off. Possibly not enough nutrients yet. I still haven't seen my fish which i have had for a couple of months. The pond is 1.5 M deep and they are Silvers. Just Shy?? I'm sure they are not dead as we know all dead fish float and there hasn't been one.
Any other suggestions/ideas would be welcome.
Bernie.

my tank is only 750mm deep and I hardly ever see my Silver perch. I put Koi in with them so at least I could have something to look at.

If the plants are yellowing try putting some chelated iron in the system. Particularly if the ph is above 7. I put iron in my new system right from the start.

Hey thanks Richard. I'll give it a try.
I used to love seeing my fish in an aquarium and now i don't see any !! Koi? Are they those funny bulbous eyed things that come in Black & Gold colours? What about them and the Silvers eating each other? What about some straight Goldfish?
Thanks and cheers guys.
Bernie

Silvers wont eat any other fish. I have had them in my big aquarium in the loungeroom all winter and they are not even interested in the tiny little otto catfish. Dunno about Koi
I have 9 fat goldfish and 25 little silvers in the main AP tank now and they get along fine

Ive got Koi, Silver perch and goldfish in the same tank. They all get along fine.
It might get a bit interesting when I am on my second or third run of silvers, when the Koi are bigger.
I think Koi are Japanese, asian anyway. Ornimental.They are awsome looking fish, especially when they get bigger. Saw some at the place we got ours that would have 2 foot long. They come in a few different shapes and fin sizes.
Mine are only new about 100mm long. They really look good in the FT. I have 7 and only 2 the same. Ive got a white one, 2 orange, 1 white and orange, 1 metalic yellow/gold. 1 black spots on orange and white and 1 kind of silver with like dark lat stripes along its back. I want to get a red and black one, they look sweet.
Regards, Skipd.

Thanks guys.
I will get some goldfish atleast, maybe a few catfish to help clean up the foodscraps on the bottom and i will check out these Koi too.
Chelated Iron? where can i get it and how much would i need for 10,000 Ltrs of water?
Richard do you know a guy called Ken Reichelt who teaches Food tech and other stuff at Horsham College. He is also seriously interested in setting up a system-at school i think. And What is a TSP?
Cheers Bernie

I dont do Horsham College Bernie but my daughters go there and I know the TSP (technical services personal) who does. I will see if I can make contact with Ken

TSP = teaspoon?

In what context was it in reference to?

Yates Chelated Iron, any good Hardware or Nursery.

TSP = Teaspoon
TBSP = Tablespoon

Cheers IanK

Or any of the 450 Technical Services Personal that look after the computer networks in the government schools down here in Vic.