Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all,

Long time lurker first time posting. I have been really interested in Aquaponics for some time now but only started seriously researching mid to late last year. Timing wasn't perfect as we were in the process of buying a house and moving, so my plans went on hold for some time. Eventually got all the gear together and put together my first system, thanks to all the good info on this site.

My system comprises 5 x IBCs (2 x FT, 2 x ST, 4 x GB, pea gravel as the growing media - CHFT PIST or CHOP MK2). I have another 3 x IBCs that I am looking to duplicate the 2 x ST and 4 x GB, but haven't got round to that yet. Looking to get that sorted next week.

I have the 2 x FT (850L and 900L) in a shed with the GBs (200L each) and STs (500L each) outside. The FTs are connected, but can also be isolated. At the moment I only have one pump operating in one ST with the 2 x ST interconnected to keep water levels balanced. When I put the additional 2 x STs and 4 x GBs together I will have a second pump in the the 3rd/4th ST (they will also be interconnected).







A couple of questions: Will it be better to run the system as one or separate them? I have designed the system in order that I can isolate one FT from the other and each FT services 4 x GB and 2 x ST.

Also, I have initially stocked with 35 x 3-6cm Goldfish, but am wanting to get some Silver Perch ASAP. I cycled fish less until I got my zero Ammonia and Nitrites and high Nitrates and added the Goldfish into the system yesterday... still alive today! I am in Longford, East Gippsland and have a local Aquarium in Sale who believe they can get me SP fingerlings at about $5 each. It is a 3 hour drive to Melbourne so even air delivered fish are not easy.. any suggestions? I originally wanted Trout, but I don't think the temp will keep low enough during the summer months and believe the SP will be be more tolerant for a newbie.

Love some feedback...

Thanks guys... & gals

If you just wait for a while, trout could do ok from end of March (only 11 weeks away), thats when i do mine

Erich, I was thinking of running both when it started to cool down, hence the two FTS. I didn't realize that the trout season was that soon. Will definitely look into it, thanks.

are you wasting valuable GB volume by not filling the GBs to the top with gravel?
Or do you have a weight problem..

What a great sized backyard Ozdionysus, and nice to see that you are putting it to good use.
There are some benfits to having two separate systems, but it is really personal choice about how you plan to stock and weighing up all your options. Do you have any access to the sump tanks?
Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your photos with us.

I can get them from Tooperang Trout farm up the road from me in March. They close for April and May is to late. Get the system cycled well and as long as you have cover, they will be fine

Just looking at your system., I went CHOP2 however didn't like it. Murray assures a bigger pump is not required (nothing personal Murray) however it definitely does and others have also proved it. Benefits of CHOP 2 is different heights of GB etc and if you have this layout, its a great system

I will go to CF or normal CHOP gravity fed. You would just have to bring your FT's up a bit and you could also do this (as your FT's are exactly the same height as each other)

Just putting it out there

Hmm I'm Jealous Oz,
Both the size of your yard and the fact you are up and Running...
As regards getting Fish. I'm in Melbourne and have reason to be at Longford regularly.. at a little block with a BIG Stick in the Paddock on Seaspray Road, so I might be able to pick them up and get them to you.

Cheers
Whitey

Nice system, and I see you have used my colour scheme on the growbeds, nice
As said above, I would fill those growbeds to the top with gravel, to get more filtration.

SV, I don't think so, but willing to be put right.

GB gravel depth is 300mm with an additional 100mm to act as a mini windbreak - gets pretty blowy here in Longford. All the formulas I have looked at (KG fish per FT; KG fish per GB media Volume; KG fish per GB growing area) I believe I am well within limits.

When completed the system will comprise approx 2750L GB media volume (8 x 345L), 8SQM GB growing area, 1750 FT 1000L ST. I am planning about 30-50 fish per tank, lets say 80 in total. Average weight approx 400g at peak - total of 32KG of fish in system, even with 50 per tank that would still only be max 40KG of fish.

As I say, I am happy to be put right, peer review is a wonderful thing when you are head down in the weeds!

Thanks for all the feedback to date, it is not wasted. Sorry I don't reply individually to each one, but we do tend to spend most of our time outside rather than on the computer! Aquaponics is only one of many sustainability projects we have on the go - 32 tree orchard, free range chooks, soil based veggie beds, harvesting grey water, DIY solar panels, fencing for goats/dogs/cow.. the list goes on!

Thanks again for all the help and feedback. I will endeavour to keep you up to date with all the developments... and yes I know ....you all like photos!

Faye, thanks we like the place, definite advantages to being out in the sticks, lots of space and not having to pay big $$$ for it. 5 1/2 acres in total and yes we are trying to make the best of it. We have been in 6 months now and in addition to the Aquaponics have planted out a 32 tree orchard, established 5 veggie beds, with plans to add another 4-5, got a chook run with 8 free range hens, putting in fencing for the dogs and hoping to get a couple of goats and a cow soon as well as looking in to bee hives - certainly keeps us busy!

I would be really keen to hear the pros and cons of the 2 x separate versus one integrated system. As I am planning on probably SP and Trout (not 100% on this and have not sourced any SP or Trout yet - any one with any experience in the East Gippsland area?), would be interested in hearing from the experience base out their on all your thoughts as to which way to go. I am plumbing it up so that it can be one system but also can isolate each FT and associated GBs and STs.

what a neat system, such a great idea, why did you use white gravel? i find scorria cheap, light and bennificial as its poris and holds good bacteria

Glenwaters Native Fish
PO Box 330, Yarra Glen 3775
Break-O-Day Road, Glenburn 3717
Phone: (03) 5797 8384; Mobile: 0428 580 633
Owner: John Main
Species: golden perch, silver perch, Murray cod, Australian bass, catfish, brown trout, rainbow trout, yabbies

Give John a ring and find out what fish he has at the moment. I am guessing Silvers, bass, catfish and cod but not sure

Lex, easier on the hands when planting, weight wasn't an issue and also limited choices where we are. The local supplier would have had to order in specifically for me and of course that adds $$$!

The system seems to have cycled relatively quickly, only took 3 weeks to get the Ammonia and Nitrites down to zero with Nitrates up to 100. Used the 'Peeponics' method and made sure the golden liquid had been bottled for a few weeks also, so none of my pathogens passed on. It also probably helped that I had about 50L of water from an established AP system to help kick start it all. However, cycled it has, so it would seem the gravel has enough nooks and crannies for the bacteria to thrive. I am sure there are relative merits with all media and of course trade offs also, in the end whatever works for you, for whatever reason is good, yes?

Thanks Richard, I will give John a ring on Monday and have a chat. Was definitely interested in the Murray Cod and Catfish but I think I was put off because I read somewhere they where difficult for newbies. I will see what John says . Thanks again for the info.