Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey guys, some of you may remember i had a post a loooong time ago about system design.

I've finally almost finished building my system, and will hopefully start cycling (fishless) next week.

Just wondering if people think buying advanced trout (around 15cm) so late in the season is a good idea? Being as cycling will probably take 1-2 months from what I have heard. Unless someone has some tricks for me

Would I have time to get them plate size before it gets too hot? Or should I wait for the Barra season, and just continue feeding the plants via seasol...

Thought ild ask advice before blowing a few hundred on fish that may never have a chance to reach plate size haha.

Not sure if my profile shows it or not, from Perth, WA

Trent

Bump. Any suggestions?

The larger Trout would be the way to once your system has cycled, but I think you would need too go larger than 150mm at this late stage, they sell 250mm Trout in Victoria and I think you'd need too up there in size.

Have a chat to Gavin "The Trout Man" and he'll advise your the best options.
http://www.fergusonsprings.com


Blow a few hundred dollars, how big is your system?

Yeah that would have been my question, how big is your system?

Easy way is to go seriously understocked, if normally your system might stock say 100 fish, see if you can just get 4 or 5, then you can absolutely pump the feed into them without pushing your new system too hard. This will help get them to size reasonably quickly.

Wow! 250 mm would be great,but can't imagine them being cheap.

Ah its 1000l FT, 2000l sump with 6x400l grow beds, operating off constant hight in fishtank, and bell siphons in the garden bed.

Was hoping 35 trout, but trout that size would be difficult on a immature system im sure...

Maybe a few bigger ones would be the way to go..

Thanks again!

how about some catfish, you will probably end up needing a few anyway to help clean the bottom of the IBC, maybe 4 or 5 of those might do.

In just over 2 months I got 25 yearling rainbow trout from 15-18cm to 25-30cm plate size at 300g in a newly cycled 1000 litre FT. First ones tasted great, but now I have issues with excess nitrates and they taste a bit swampy. I also had to be careful with nitrite spikes when I first got them and it pushed the system a bit hard. Less fish = less stress and mucking around. Get a dozen and enjoy them.

you did very well by the sounds of that Joc. I have 12 just about plate size and had them since end march. but I do have a problem, I have 4 that I can hand feed and just about able to pat them. I think ill be building another FT to house them over summer, I'll find it hard to kill those 4.....damn..

You know its 'no trout for dinner' when you name them...

+1 EB & joc's suggestion for fewer fish, give yourself some time to get the feel for the fish. Generally here in Perth we still have until at least October to grow the trout out. Ours are about 200mm now and fully expect some of them to reach 350mm by harvest. Where you would get size rt's could be an issue.

Mudeye, catfish aren't easy to come by over here, I'd love a few but can't justify the cost.
Btw you think it's hard to cull your fish now, do you think it would be any easier after nursing them through summer?
Trust me, it ain't.

Hopefully I can have as much success as you! Haha I would be happy to have your current dilemma [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND TIGHTLY-CLOSED EYES]

I will contact Ferguson springs, and woodvale pond and lilley, I know woodvale has 150mm+ listed on their site, while Ferguson springs is showing out of stock. But we shall see, it's worth a go.

On another note, is it worth presalting the water before fish arrival in case of any diseases from the farm? Or only if the fish show symptoms. ..

Excuse the beginner questions!