Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Yeah the PH at Ballarat is quite high too! Tested the bags with the low PH tester and it went off the high end. But testing with the high PH card seemed to be well below 8. Any way I floated my bags and hung them off the side of my IBCs and just gradually added my FT water to the bags untill they were nearly full. Did all this over a bout 1 hour. Once in the system I then salted to 2ppt, 3ppt would probably be better but didn't want to affect my strawberries and cucumbers too much.

OK, to answer my question, I picked up 50+ rainbows, 5-10cm, from Buxton, expecting high or complete loss on 8 hr trip home
(I was nearby for work anyway so ignore transport cost)
I had aeration, after discussion with Buxton guys, we decided to run on O2 in bag for half way then check things out and maybe combine bags and aerate.
5 big bags - 30L ea, 10L water rest O2
Air con on flat out the whole way, bags in big plastic boxes covered up with silver tarp
Checked half way all very active and happy, after just 1 hr one bag was flat and had a hole near top so aerator added, even these fish were looking good.

Checking every hour of so, expecting upside down floaties.
Careful mixing of water and aeration in bags before release - 1 hr. Water temps high ~22 deg after hotter than expected day temps. It was 6 deg in VIC, 26 deg at home.
So after 9 hrs travel and mixing, I have 100% survival
5 have escaped into swirl filter and pipes, retrieved. They are eating well and seem no worse for wear.

well done jet

Yes - nicely done Jet.

Still waiting for tank temp to come down here, but things are looking positive. Didn't get above 24 over the weekend. Still want it to come down a little more before getting fish though.

At the rate temps are moving here (not at all) I may as well get Barra

Yeah, mine dropped really fast after a few cold nights, then since then have been creeping back up.
Still sitting below 22 max, 17 in the mornings

Theres a 25mm gap between IBC and coreflute lid just in the centre section, one managed suicide today!!!!! Ill have to put them in a cage shortly.

Cool change (and rain!!!) coming thursday at long last.

Hooray! But how long will it last?

I am hoping for at least an average year of rain.

What?! In one night! Be carefull what you wish for just ask QLD!

900km trips with Trout are easy, they travel fine. There are actually very few fish losses during travelling. Most people loose them a month or two later from water quality.
Touch wood this year lol

I didnt wish and I did say an average year.

Some of you folks drive 750Km to buy some fish ?
I don't know where you live, but here in the USA I can have them shipped.
The fishfarm would put the fish in plastic bags and add oxygen in the bag before closing the bag.
Then they put the bag/bags it in a box and then they would ship it overnight ( they will only ship overnight). Shipping would be about $ 45 US for 25 fish and a little more for additional fish. I think shipping cost would be cheaper than gasoline driving there.
I am ready to order and my fish come from 2,000 miles (3,000 KM ) away.

yep but there aint no couriers doing a regular run in the outback
besides, 900km round trip is just a short days drive

Just got 60 from down the road at Tooperang Trout Farm. Their PH was 7.2 and temp was 17.5. My PH is at 7.6 and I got my temp up to 17 then floated for 30 mins then introduced some of my FT water.

They are all doing great, 8 days in, no loss and hitting pellets like a freight train