Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

If you don't want a sensible answer don't ask the question.

Children are more at risk because their immune systems are not as developed, not because they are particularly dirtier.

Was that directed at me? I appreciate your initial answers and do understand... might stick to chlorine for the kids and do a pond or something

First one PLJ; second was just a comment on why children get sicker easier than adults.

I have no problems with bathing in natural pools (not that there are any uncontaminated ones left where I am) Mack was only being sensible in reducing potentially harmful (to humans) bacteria in a small recirculating system.

Don't like chlorine, its as unstable as in hot weather and you tend to get too much or not enough.

Anyway this is Dandm's thread and its getting offtrack.

I reckon you should lighten up, Sleepe.
I think you have just about hit the nail on the head, tcshad. If the dirty, filthy little kids - and of course anyone else taking a dip - had a thorough wash before entering the recirculating fish environment then the potentially harmful bacteria/ pathogens would have little to work with. I doubt it happens much, if at all, now but years ago at some pools it was a requirement that anyone entering the water showered first (eg Fremantle pool in the 1970s). I suppose the idea was to reduce the workload on the chlorine on the basis that the chlorine could only handle up to a certain throughput of germs to kill off in any given period.

Maybe it is pretty much the same with a natural pool - keep the bacteria workload at a low rate, ie few people/clean people and the pathogens remain at some sort of manageable and probably safe level. We already know that donone and dandm have survived this situation since donone services his pump in situ, and dandm's UV clarifier has not actually been doing its job for a while and they have still been 'dipping' (presumably, in this heat!)

If I seem to be making light of the whole thing then perhaps it is because I feel the western world is increasingly 'wrapping itself in cotton wool', and I don't subscribe to this modern philosophy. Research has shown that many of today's prevalent illnesses are quite likely to be on the rise due to a lack of exposure of our children to germs, microbes, bugs and dirt in general (computer viruses just don't count in this regard) and they are simply failing to develop a resistance.

Whilst I have complete respect for dandm's approach to UV filtering, I won't be bothering with it or worrying about it. I will jump into my big concrete tank system or into 'the puddle' and take my chances. If you notice that my posts cease to appear then maybe you will have your proof that I really am a foolhardy risk taker and that the bugs have taken me down. Feel free to say, posthumously, 'I told him so!'

On the other hand, maybe I will have fallen foul of a dreaded Dropbear, or even a Bunyip!

I would think any A.P system would be better than some of the dried up stinky creek puddles and stagnant dams we swam in as kids.... I don't know how we survived
We would stink that much we would have to wash ourselves off outside with the hose don't know what good that was , it was unchlorinated dam water

If you replace the light at 5500 which is halfway through the two fiqures mentioned this equates to 229 days,

Do you run the UV 24 hrs a day and what is the replacement cost of the lights pls? Cheers

Take it to another thread, if you wish. You asked a question and you got an answer.

New 18 w globes are $35 and we run ours 24/7 but some only run them in spring/summer

Maintenance is often needed as you can see:
Mack=brawn, underwater plumbing (even in winter!) +creative ideas;
Deb= quality control, research +updating the thread

Thanks Deb the old man looks like he enjoys it.

I'm totally agree with you.Certain two facts on this post unequivocally the best we have all had.You'r 100% good here that it is pretty much the same with a natural pool - keep the bacteria workload at a low rate, ie few people/clean people and the pathogens remain at some sort of manageable and probably safe level.
I agreed what's said above!!!

A very delicious, yummy reason for having fish in the swimming pool!!! This Silver Perch is 722 grams and 37 cm long. Tonight we have fish for dinner

How old is that one?

It is probably one of the first we put in in November 2011...they were already about 15cm then.....so perhaps two years??? Perhaps even three years old??

Professional Peasants

That's a nice looking fish. Well done, dandm! My silvers are about the size of that one's pectoral fin.