Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys I have recently set up a little backyard system and im at the point where I'm thinking about fish. I have tried the local pet shop but they don't get barra at all, I'm only looking for probably five or so to get me started and I was wondering if anyone on here knew of anybody willing to send some down this way??

Thanks heaps

Jonesy

Hi Jonesy,

I don't know about availability of Barra in Esperance, but I do know that unless you are heating the water Barra won't survive down there at this time of year. The water needs to be 20° for them to survive and it needs to be 22°+ for them to really do anything.

Silver Perch are probably a good option, or you may be able to do the winter/Trout and summer/Barra routine, but being so far into winter already you'd probably need to get 200mm Trout if you want to get them to plate size by the time the warmer weather hits.

I have a friend in esperance that ran trout nearly all year round last year. I think he was about 2 months short of getting them through.

But yea, Id forget about the barra in Esperance.

Oh thanks for the replies guys, I actually was gunna focus on trout but thought because I was getting started so late on the winter I should go with barra. I have ordered some big heaters and I can hook it all up myself cos I'm a sparky. I was also thinking about going with black bream cos there are heaps of them around but I'm kinda put off by the slow growth rate. If anybody knows of a place that can supply trout down this way I would change my heating plans and go that way definitely.

Thanks

Dont know if there is any suppliers around your area, my friend there gets his from me as Im in Kalgoorlie... bit closer then perth.

Try Albany or Pemberton for trout they would be the closet to you.

Ok I'll start hunting around I have just found a big split in the bottom of my grow bed! Aaargh! so I'll be doing a little bit of a rebuild before I'm ready for fish again. I guess that's what happens when you cut corners and use dodgy cheap tubs. Oh well gives me something to keep me busy.

my brother is in Albany and can't get anything there, i've been running rainbows down to him whenever i go down. he did get silvers once but the bloke was very reluctant to give them up and charged like a wounded bull.

I just picked up some rainbows from the hatchery in Pemberton. Approx. 30, about 150mm for $35. Cheap but still a bit of a hike from Esperance.

Oh cool might be worth having a look in pemberton have a bit of a road trip

Make sure you take an aerator with you.

It can be difficult trying to work in with others but you could try and contact other fishkeepers in your area and see what can be done. Down your way it's along way from anywhere , but Charlie has a mate down Esperence way , Another member Keenas is also Esperence way ( um Hoptoun but it fairly close ). Do a search , send out a pm or two see what you come up with.

Cheers

Hi Jonesy

I'm down in Esperance too. My system isn't built yet, but will need some fish when it is. Please keep us informed on what you plans are.

Depending on when you get them, if I get my act together and get this system built and started to cycle I will be definitely keen on getting some.

Cheers

Ive got fish for you when ever your ready orpmac, no charge mate. Just gotta get them to you on our next run, maybe early summer, we usually sort something out around that time. Im happy to help others out in your area too at that time. Maybe some goldfish or carp or fishless cycling or something till then.

I was lucky yesterday, I was shopping around for a new tub to keep fish in to replace the little temporary system I had running when I found a bloke with heaps and heaps of ibc tubs. "help me lift it on the ute and it's yours mate" is what he said "and come back if you need some more". I was stoked and rushed home to get started building. I think I'm just going to stick with black bream for now just because it's easier to source and I won't have to stress about temps as much. I'll put up some photos when I get a bit more built.