Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,

I'm an aquaponic freshie, but already have a garden pond with koi carp in it.

I would like to get in to aquaponics and was hoping to use my existing garden pond. However, I am concerned about what affect the solids waste and other wildlife (flora and fauna) living in the pond would have. I understand there needs to be a suitable solids filter; but is a such a garden pond (with all associated wildlife) suitable/recommended for aquaponics. Or should I use a separate fish tank?

I'm also in to solar (I have a 4kW grid-tied system) so I would look to eventually use solar power to run the pumps; and would also like to eventually keep chickens - so another source of poop!

I've also seen a very inspirational setup at:

http://gardenpool.org/


Cheers,

SolarMon

Sounds a great idea but Hampshire (where my Dad lives) is not really the sunny - and hot - Arizona desert so you may have a few issues with the fish. After all, the GardenPool setup is very productive because of the heat! The biggest problem I would see is the pump, and keeping it clean! Would love to see the setup next time I'm in UK visiting Dad

Hi KrisGee

The Garden Pool setup and climate is obviously ideal which I can only dream about.

Back in Hampshire (and rest of UK) I will obviously have to be a bit more creative.

Will probably need a greenhouse/shed/polytunnel to help with the temperature. And using tilapia is probably not going to work unless I have the pond/tank heated.

Not sure what you mean about the pump. My pond already has a solids capable pump and runs 24/7. Have not has to clean it for past year or so. Yes I need to clean out the bio filter and the waterfalls and pond itself, but the pump is quite low maintenance.

I would be using proper solids capable pumps rather than normal water pumps.

Cheers,

SolarMon

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Hi SolarMon,
Welcome !
We know a few people using their garden ponds as part of their aquaponic set ups using varying sorts of native fish used to our climate.
We do not know of any using Tilapia as they need to have constant warm water and would not really work in a garden pond.Not in our climate anyway!
We would love to see some pictures!
WD and OH

Hi WD

(I hope I can call you that - everybody else here does!)

I have read your build thread and am very impressed. It seems you've had a bit of a roller coaster ride with it - but I see that you have learnt a lot; as well as educating others at the same time.

I won't have anywhere near the same funds to set up such a system as yours - it will just be a backyard (garden) hobby for me. My mother is also very keen to have an AP setup but is not confident to start one herself. So I'm trying to read these forums much as I can to find out ideas and information; as well as details about avoiding the faux pas associated with AP. I might use her as a guinea pig (or feeder fish?!)

I'm still in two minds about whether to use my existing pond or a separate FT. My pond would already be cycled (although PH is a bit high at about 8.5 (!) at the moment - but at this time of year and low temps it should be OK - at least no fish have died and are looking happy).

I've got no pictures (of an AP setup) yet as there is nothing to see! But I'll be sure to set up a suitable thread for it once I start anything off. I too love pictures and diagrams as well as information - so I'll be posting them as much as I can.

Cheers,

Mon