Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

looks great Jay!!

Thanks.
Just wondering if I should get more fish than capacity as we are going to expand the system and also put some into student systems before they get to grow out size???? ATM 4x IBC beds at 350mm high so capacity would be around 50-60 fish


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With so many kids poking and prodding and netting them etc, you might lose a few to stress, so it probably would pay to err on the side of MORE FISHIES!!![SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES][SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES][SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]
In all seriousness, if you're popping some in the kids' systems as they get built, it won't hurt to get a few more than you currently need. Especially since you said some kids are already planning expansions



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Hiya Jay, I would stock to your current filtration level or less. Err on the side of caution. Your community is probably watching this build with more interest than you think.
Teach them the safe way. Less fish decreases the oops factor. Although it's drummed into us that 1 fish per 20-25 ltrs wet media, those figures are max recommended stocking levels and ft water volume is also an important factor. Half as many fish will last twice as long if the unexpected happens. Far easier to add fish later than to remove floaters.
Patience.
That said I'm looking forward to watch this project under your direction and wish you luck.
Are the fish or the plants priorities in this project?

Yeah good point - but I'm building another IBC growbed and 5 blue barrel beds + some of the fish will go into student systems - I was going to get 60 yearling trout, but might go for 50.
Students are more interested in fish mostly - but the Veges are also important for community


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Today we went to Noojee Trout Farm and had a tour.

Students were invited to walk around the ponds to see different aged trout including, brook, golden and rainbow. We then were amazed at the thousands of hatchery fish and eggs in the warm pink light. Student then fished out 78$ worth of fish with 2 students taking home 15$ whopper brook trout and Mr B forking out for lunch. We had sausages and bread and salad and seasoning including onions, lemon, salt and pepper. After lunch we watched the trout handlers catch 50 yearlings for our system at school which were put under the bus in storage and subsequently released into the system at school. We then headed down to the local community gardens and helped plant strawberry's, beetroot seeds and oca (NZ yam).

Was a perfect day with great weather.

Looks like a great way to spend the day! And in such lovely surrounds too.
So glad to see the school system moving forward under your guidance
Did you source/decide on pumps yet for the students' systems?

Thanks Katmac was a brilliant day.
I suggested rio hyperflow 6hf to one group, but open to suggestions.

Kids are really starting to get interested

With stuff like that to watch, how could they not???! I can't wait to try a batch of trout one day looking good!


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we have used the 4HF with no issues.. the 6HF will allow some flow to be redirected back to add additional aeration if needed

A fun day

Awesome work!


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Thought this was worth a share - written by a student for our website

"Year 9 Project: Aquaponics

Directed by Mr B, Year 9 Project Aquaponics students are creating an aquaponics system in
the greenhouse. In August Mr B and the students visited the
Noojee Trout Farm where some “fingerlings” were purchased for the school project. The group also
visited a large-scale aquaponics system which Mr B is working on at the Warragul Community
Garden. Students will have the opportunity to work in groups to build their own systems.
Year 9 Project Aquaponics involves:

• Designing an aquaponics system.
• Investigating parts needed for the system.
• Budgeting for the system.
• Researching the Nitrogen Cycle.
• Developing an understanding of water pH levels.
• Constructing an aquaponics system.
• Purchasing fish and seedlings.
• Feeding and caring for fish.
• Food harvesting.

It is hoped that the project will produce a harvest of fruit, vegetables and fish. Students will develop
an understanding of project costing, construction, water chemistry, marine biology and food
production."