Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi folks,

I have read much on this forum - I would love to be successful at it. However I notice that in most instances the system is started and thereafter the questions roll.
I would like to turn this around and seek the assistance of one or more of the knowledgeable people of the forum to assist in building my system sothat I know at start up I'm on the go.

I have a disused Jacuzzi in the garden. Measurements as per attached pic.
I would like someone to tell me what I can possibly achieve using this as the fish pond.

I live in an area of hot summers where the summer night temp will be an average of between 12C and 20C - sometimes warmer, and the days can be as hot as between 26C and 32C
In winter the night temp can drop below freezing - with days averaging between 14C and 20C

What would I need to do to have a productive small unit all year round using the jacuzzi as a fish pond.

The greenery around it is the extent of space available which is currently a bit of lawn.

I look forward to hearing from someone -
1. How many fish in the jacuzzi (possibly Tilapia Mozambica) -
2. How big a growing bed will it accomodate.
I will have an oxygen pump and a water circulating pump if require -
I'll also fit a filter if need be. (sand filter) or other if suggested.

Thank you
Hans

Welcome Hans You will get plenty of help here. There are lots of people using Jacuzzis as Fishtanks. Keep searching the forum. Members will soon be helping you out

Hi Hans

Hello and welcome to the forum, glad to see another South African on the forum.

Welcome Hans, its a good aproach to ask questions first.

Your questions..

1. The golden rule to remember is that you need to stock to your filtration capacity. We recommend 1 fish (assumed grow out to 500g) per 20L of filtration.

2. How much grow bed you can fit in that area will be entirely up to you. As long as you can access the fish tank.

Other things to keep in mind is that Talapia are a warmer water fish so you will need to grow them out in summer as your winters are too cold. Also, if temps are below freezing in winter you will need a hoophouse or alike over your plants to prevent them dying. Another note is sand filters require a very large pump and are also prone to blocking in an AP system so are not preferable...your grow beds will do all the filtering for you.

Hi all,
Its encouraging to see so many people ready to help. Thank you all.

I am considering setting this up as a demo model using only solar power - plenty sun in SA.
I am sure many people would be interested in seeing an operational set up.

I would like to take this on to a mission station in the heartland of Zambia -
they have water and sun but no electricity.

So one of these days when I have all my ducks in a row I'll begin to buy the bits and pieces of the solar system,
which requires knowing the size of my CO2 pump and water pump etc - I'll keep reading here, but please do not stop providing whatever knowledge you believe I may need, such as pump capacity etc.

I am an absolute "dummy " when it comes to this technology.

Happy growing,
Hans

Hi Willem,
Please tell me where you are - and if you are already up and running - I did see another name on the forum it appears that the lady is from the Hartebeespoort dam area - she was called Celle -
perhaps there are a few of us.

Hear from you soon

Hi Hans I am in Montana Pretoria.

Hi Willem,

Do you have a running set up?

I am east Of JHB Marais Steyn Park.

Hans

Hi Hans

I have added my systems to my signature so you can see them there

Regards Willem

Hi Charlie,
Referring to the info you gave and based on my calc for the water volume in the jacuzzi which is about 1 cub I would stock the water with 50 fish, assuming that the water is adaquately oxyginated.

Questions please -
1. You say We recommend 1 fish (assumed grow out to 500g) per 20L of filtration The per filtration part hereof I do not understand - is this per water cycle turn around via the growing bed which acts as filtration?
2. If 1 is a correct assumption, how many times per day must the entire water contents cycle through the growing bed/filtration?- a water change every hour?? - (this will determine the size of the pump needed.)
3. How does one determine the oxygen content of the water to establish the size of the oxygen pump to be installed?

Phew!... enough for now - when the reply comes I'll meditate on these and get them in my head.. from where I am sure more questions will eminate.

In the mean time thank you for your assistance - surely hoping to eat some of my own greens.

Hans

The filtration part is the volume of media. 20L of media, not water turn over. Its a safe stocking recomendation. So, if you want to stock 50 fish that will be 50 x 20L = 1000L of media grow bed or two grow beds of 500L (standard BYAP bed).

But, yes you are correct that you need to turn your water volume over approx 1 time per hour. So if your jacuzzi is 1000L - you will need a 1000L per hour pump, although most pond pumps are rated at zero head, then you have pipe restrictions etc so its better to over size. A 2 or 3000L/H would be better then you can redirect excess perssure back to tank for aeration. More bang for your buck.

Thank you - I'll get there