Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

He does sorry. crappy speed typer




Depends.... trout=eventually..yes. SP=depends on size of the SP.
I introduced some small carp to my system a while back and my SP smashed them to death. But if you buy SP fingerlings your comets would be fairly safe and they would probably grow up well together.

Trout will eat anything that fits in there mouth... including each other

ok, will get 4-5cm size, can silver perch, bass and murray cod stay in same tank?

also, i always have a question about size of aquaponics, for a normal family size (like say 2 adults and 2 children) how much grow beds is good size to feed the family? after i built the first one, i am so happy for aquaponics, (even i have not harvested anything yet), so i am thinking to add more GB.

Good question. It depends on how much space you have. If I had unlimited space I would build a system like Faye's which is six byap beds. I also have a family of 4 that I would eventually like to provide all fish and vegies we need

Yep, 6 grow beds would be the way to go.... or more

I dont know anything about bass but you cant put MC with anything as they are territorial and grumpy. Just go the SP and read and learn as you go. SP are very easy and bullet proof as far as fish go.


In regards to bed/system size to feed a family of 4... Im still trying to work it out. I definately cant do it with 2 beds. Its a hard question to answer... you need a mix of dirt and AP IMHO to make a dent in your shopping bill continually. AP is good but its not the answer to world hunger. A 6 bed system like BYAP sell would be about right for us... nice long beds with plenty of Gb area whilst growing spuds and carrots in wicking beds.

True.. some things are better grown by other methods... for reason or another...

I haven't got to it yet, but an IBC FT with (say) 30 fish in it, along with solids filtering (and mineralise the waste for your garden) along with 2 x IBC GB's and a couple of wicking beds for the plants that don't do so good in GB's (for example if you want nice looking carrots or turnips) and you have a system that will provide enough.

Add in an extra FT so you can have your normal fish AND something like Murray Cod and you would have enough produce to trade with others.

The concern in Melbourne is whether you can stabilise your temps. Choose cold or warm but you need to be able to ensure either stay within maybe 8ºC of optimum for good production.