Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Guys,



Hi Froggo,
I have no salt in my system, i don't salt at all.

Our rhubarbs are enormous, but are only reddening only 5-6in up the stem that can measure up to 15-18in in length with huge leaves. But i think they're not getting enough sun, the tomatoes and that grape are shading them way to much.

sorry i can't help you with the salt questions. But if BuiDoi is experiencing the same thing as yourself, you might have answered you question.


Regards

Well, I am pretty happy at the moment.

These are the longest I have ever been able to keep Silvers for.
These we got from Mario at Macedon Native Fish Farm on 30 Dec 14.
So a little over two months in the tanks and based on the 25mm pipe in the center they're say, 100-125mm.

The second batch were in on 16 Feb and have probably doubled in size and far far to difficult to catch on photo! speedy little critters!

In short, outstanding, i am lovin these little things right now!!

@Porter - Hi Jeff great to see everything running smoothly for you. Mind including some updates for your yabbies? BTW what is the requirement to plant grapes??

Regards

Hi Curious.
How are you going finding a larger fish tank?

The yabbies are just fine, growing well, all last years are now in the new DWC, and all of this years are still in the unused grow beds in the little system. They seem to be ok.

How are the plastic containers holding up after the first year? Are they getting quite brittle, or are they still quite strong?

This years, around 15mm now? give or take.

As for the Grape, nothing special really, if anything we will probably move it to where the passion fruit is/was now to give it more sun. Other than that like they rest, we just leave it alone to grow.

Hi Colum, these tubs were originally bought back in 2011. There are a few giving way now, but most have held up ok, but i dread moving them for any reason these days though!!!

Not sure what i will use next. Maybe the same again, but not clear ones this time.

Regards

Hi Porter,

glad the SP's are doing well and wow that water as F&F said is so clear

God bless, froggo.

Would you not just use the same... but... extend their life via a coat of paint to reduce the UV attack..

I have started using a silver paint for plastic.. I think it will help by reflecting both light and heat..

Headed down your way after Easter... hope you have Earl Grey..
..
.

..
Really your bins... I just had a closer look... are they not Polyethylene fish tubs..

I have many of them being used for other use here.
I bought many hundreds, many years ago, from Sydney Fish Markets, and cleaned them and resold them..

The point being.... those OLD bins are mostly great today, after twenty years in the sun..
Still, I would try painting them just to reduce the light.. mine were white or red,rather than opaque

Paint PE, they exclaim... You can't paint PE...
Finally found a paint that does seem to stick.. from Bunnings or???

RUST-OLEUM . 2X. ULTRACOVER..

..
.

Hi Mate,

Yeah, you're right, they system seems to work well with the little beds, its proven, common sense says stick with them.




Fair Dinkum? for sure, i will see that it is done, It will be our pleasure, Earl Grey it is



Yep, these are the ones, second last ones on the right 52ltr.
http://bmhe.com.au/products/plastic-sto ... ers/crates



Yeah i would probably go for the blue this time, then assist it by cladding them in entirely.



The middle of last year i emailed a bunch of the big paint names in OZ asking them to recommend a paint to paint them, but they all said, (as you were told also) they can't be painted.
I had given up on painting them.
I will look into that, thanks mate,

Regards

I'm going to buy a roll of black pallet wrap for my IBCs. I figured that would be easier and safer than spray cans, plus it won't scratch off. Mind you, the pallet wrap will probably break down over time but my tanks will be clad in timber.

How is the new system running got any photos yet

..
My MkII system is up and running at last..

I scored a 2000L tall tanks cheap and just cut it in half.. MUST say I am SO sold on round Vs square..
NOTHING collects in the tank..
Still fighting the Nitrogen Cycle and the bacteria have gone to asleep, with the temp down to 8DegC..

So far sooo good with the latest fish.. I HAVE been losing a few, as the system was not cycled when they were introduced. I just did not have the time, but did add a clay media bed from the old system..

the SLO is working.. as they say.. AWSOME-ly, with not a spec in the system, and nothing in the sump..
the twin swirl filters seem to be working well, towards my goal of having no solids within the system,
and all growing done separately under Hydroponic practice..

Kerry has got into the act, making covers for open devices

Still not confident that I have the answer to the question of "How Much Clay " for a "Solids-Less System"

I am very pleased with the PolyEthelene insulation that I got from a recycler.. If you need any, it would not cost much to send it down via EGO..

I have to go and get more for the other half of the tank..
..
.

.. and..

We are planning on using wicking beds from now on..

Thinking of using square tubs (20L-pails) - with "Wicks" through the base, that will sit atop a semi-open channel..
I kinda like the idea of individual containers that can be switched in and out of the system..

OK - enuf from me - plus 1 to the above post.. how is your new system shaping up..
..
.