Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

G'day urbanaquaman, I think I have read a bit before about some work you were doing in Canberra.. In fact I've had a few people from the ACT asking me about aquaponics in their local area. I'll send you a PM.

earthbound, who are these people? I am from ACT and would like to get in contact with other ACTers.

Can't find the link to where I read about it... Could you tell everyone a little more about what your doing urbanaquaman? Maybe start a new thread about it, I'm sure everyone would love to hear more?

Ah Gary... thanks for your email..... had to google ....

Urban Aquaponics - Skyfarm.... thought your name rang a bell....

If I remember rightly your initial idea was to establish rooftop AP gardens, correct???

Have you since decided to pursue the AP/hydroponic farm instead or do you still intend to pursue the skyfarm proposal?

Do you still have an association with Wilson Lennard and Geoff Wilson???

Probably be very handy with a project of the size you intend.

Mate, I note your personal involvement with Murray Cod.... a fish attracting more and more attention from Backyard AP members....

Any information you can share regarding Murray Cod would be widely (and wildly ... lol) appreciated

Thats the one... Thanks Rup...

Hi Folks,
Yep I'm the guy behind the SkyFarm proposal - which is shelved for now - not dead - but after much consultation and deliberation with the powers at be down here - the decision was made to set up a demonstration site on tera-firma first - showcase a range of technologies and techniques - proove the concept and establish the credentials - all very important in business. Well further - when we became totally frustrated with zoning law etc within the ACT, we commenced discussions with a number of landholders across the boarder into NSW. Now with options on several properties in excess of 100 acres - we can't justify the effort to just set up a pimple on a mole hill - hence the progression into a full blown intergrated farm model with the potential to generate a revenue stream around the $0.5mil/pa. Negotiations with our first choice Landholder continue tonight.
Earthbound - goodday - I think we last rubbed shoulders at Wilson's open day last August if i'm not mistaken.
RupertofOZ - howdy - in answer to another of your questions - have not spoken with Geoff W since that open day either but always keep an eye on what he is up to - must catch up soon.
Finally with respect to Murray Cod - probably can't ad much to what Wilson can provide - my initial trials were undertaken at the same time as Wilson progressed his Phd - with very similar results.
Got them from 2g to 800-1000g in 9-12 months - regular grading required - stocking density for my system was 40-55kg/1000L
losses were on average 10-15% in first 3 months - failures to wean onto pellets and less than 1% per month after that - mostly related to drops in water quality influenced by rising water temperatures 25-27deg
were most happy maintained between 20 and 24deg
This time round we may be looking to niche market locally - sleepy cod - better eating than murray - I think and Jade Perch - Highest Omega3 fatty acids -
Sorry but i will have to quit right there for now and go do some real work
catcha all later.

Oh wow, that's really cool urbanaquaman! I'm keen to hear more, but am not really involved in aquaponics yet, other than still doing research, saving money & visiting this forum (which I've been very slack in doing the last couple of months.. ). Can I still contact you? I'd love to lend a helping hand, though I'm not sure what use I would be to you..? I'm an industrial designer by training & (previously by trade), if that could be helpful to you at all?

I can very much understand your frustrations with zoning & land development here in the ACT. I know of various businesses & organisations that have also chosen to locate themselves just outside the ACT borders...


Gemmell... So, you want to meet other ACTers, eh? Maybe we could both meet out at urbanaquaman's place sometime! But only if you put that sledgehammer down! Heheh!

good to see you back PK

Hey there Purrsikat.... thought you must've swallowed a furrble or something.....

Long time no see/hear.......

too true!

Hi everyone,

I'm a new member but been visiting this site for a while. I live at Hall in the ACT and unfortunately i rent. i have experimented with a couple of small systems though. (if your interested i could find some pics) I love the sound of what you are doing urbanaquaman, i too would like to lend a hand like purrsikat, i have no pieces of paper but i have a pair of hands.

Hi Pah70... welcome to the forum.....

All systems big and small are of interest to us all.... pics are welcomed

Please start your own thread at some time

trying to source some pics now. i will start a thread when i get a hold of them ( the ex has them on her harddrive, i hope!).

i have used fish tanks and basically whatever is lying around.

I'm up for it. Its not like I carry a sledge hammer on my back at all times or anything (though that would be pretty cool...maybe I should start).


I have a little system set up at my rental. I haven't put any photos up or even mentioned it yet as it's so small and doesn't have any fish in it (it has one yabbie). Will probably get some lettuce etc out of it though..

Hi Folks, I am greatly heartened by the level of interest and offers for support. May be we can get together for a couple of hours over the weekend. Sat or Sunday 3-5pm at my place (Spence) - Could those interested please PM me with phone contact information and indicate preferred day - majority will rule and I'll call you to confirm. thanks.

I will start a new thread to keep all informed on progress and issues as they arise. pics to follow when I work out how to reduce them sufficiently.

Negotiations went well - We have been given the green light to proceed to the detailed site planning and development application phase and immediate access to commence some minor works and activities that don't require DA approval. So we have definitely moved forward.