Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just started my first IBC system. I am just trying to set up aquaponics to harvest plants for now, so i am just using feeder gold fish in my pond. I was just curious how many fish is good to put in the 200g pond to get things started? I started with 2 dozen... too many, not enough?

I also have an indoor tank with just a red eared slider turtle in it and a bio wheel filter. Would that water be okay to use to help get the cycle started?

Good question. I'm just starting so I cannot offer advice.
I have 10 bluegill in a single IBC Fish tank system. Plant growth has been disappointing. I'm not sure if the problem is PH (8.2) or not enough fish.
I'm looking forward to responses to this thread.

what kind of fish food are you using?
i started out with pretty high ph for the first 9 months or so.. i used maxicrop with iron (about a cap full every 3 or 4 weeks) in a 110 gallon system (1:1) ...i didn't see "great" growth for the first few months, and then everything took off at once

I just started my entire system from scratch 3 days ago. I have only tried to feed one time, just a tiny amount of goldfish flakes. I didn't notice them eating so im holding back on food for the time being. Is there something better to feed gold fish (that are staying on the bottom?) Maybe going to feed 3 to 4 times a week. And i have not done any water tests yet so i have no idea where anything stands other than my fish are surviving much better then last year and my plants look to be holding healthy.

the fish load and fish feed rate is relative to the amount of media ( area of biofiltration )

there is a calculator here somewhere to work out the parameters.

The fish food is important, to get good plant health you need proper AP fish food.

So what constitutes " Proper AP Fish Food"?

I am feeding Martindale Feed Mill 32% Protein Floating Fish Food. Some of those folks local to Texas may recognize it.
Crude Protein 32%
Crude Fat 4%
Crude Fibber 6%
Phosphorus 0.80%
Moisture 12%

It sells for about $23USD per 50lb bag. Aquamax goes for about $46USD by comparison.

At the rate I am feeding (about 8 pellets per feeding because they are not readily taking the feed yet) my supply will last a while!

I also feed the little Red Wiggler composting worms and Maybugs since they are out now. I always start with the fish food and crush a few so they sink. The fish seem to at least investigate if not eat these more than those pellets on the surface.