Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

It's been awhile since I posted last.
Everything is ticking along nicely over winter, we have been eating the Pak Choy, perennial spinach and the lettuce.
The peas are just starting to flower and we have put some more pok choy in to replace what's been eaten. Had some warm weather last week getting up to 22˚c, bringing the water temp in the main tank up to 13˚c for a day or two.
The Sp's still didn't eat any of the pellets but they have been nibbling at the lettuce leaves I have floating around on the top. If they haven't been eaten in a few days I take whats left out and put some fresh ones in, but that doesn't happen much.

The last water test done on Saturday showed Ammonia - 0, Nitrite - 0, Nitrate - 80-160 and PH 7.2 the lowest it has ever been. Having the Nitrate at 80 - 160 is finally dragging the PH down.

As part of looking at putting solar panels in we bought a power meter to see what's using what. From 4pm last night to 9am this morning it had a total cost of $0.07 this is for both the water pump and the air pump which runs through the back up charger and battery.

The air pump in on 24/7 and the water pump is 15min on 30 min off during the day with slightly longer off times at night, not exactly sure what they are as the timer came pre-set from Dean.

I've had preliminary financial approval for an extension to the main system subject to a full costed budget being done. ButI think the biggest obstacle will be planning approval as it will most likely require some of the dirt garden to be re-zoned.

If I get time today will get a new video up.

All politics are local, fight the power!

If you have any worms on hand you could feed the silvers with them. Mine are hitting worms but dont look at the pellets

Would compost worms be ok? My silvers are 5cm so the worms might be a bit big, should i chop it up or just chuck it in?

Just chuck a few in and see what happens. I have 3 little bass and a small silver in an aquarium inside, and I dropped a couple of worms in and the smallest bass grabbed one and swam around for 5 mins with it hanging out of its mouth. He finally got it down LOL

What is he water temp of the tank in doors?

I'm guessing it's a bit higher than my out door tank at 9˚c

Its about 18 but the silvers in the ap still eat worms at 8C

There was one under the lid this morning which I pushed into the tank. Might go and see if I can still see it?

Will try it this weekend. I will probably have to turn off the pumps to actually see the silvers hehe. Would yabbies try to eat the worms at all?

You would think the tabbies you eat them.

Also try the floating lettuce or greens, they make a real mess of the leaves.

a video up-date of how things are progressing.

system is looking real good brett.
you must live close by with that plane flying by.

matt

Thanks Matt.

Not far from you. should try to catch-up some time.

I work from home so am around more often than not, except when
I'm on-site for shows.

Chat soon!!

would like to catch up!!
I go through preston when Im coming home from the city.... could catch up for a chat then???
or Dean from grow fresh has put up his hand for the melbourne spring get together on the 11th of september???
what do you think??

regards
Matt