Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just registered here yesterday, and said hello from Ky to all. I am planning on setting up and starting a aquaponics system with fathead minnows. Has anyone here started a fathead aquaponics system. If so I can use some basic info when you get time. Working on obtaining the IBC container as well as the 55 gallon plastic barrels (3). What would be the best pvc pipe sizes to use when setting up the system, What pumbs would you recommend, How much media would be need per pound of fish? and any other information you feel would be beneficial.

This will give you a start, it's not specific to fathead minnows though - http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=6646

I remember that several people here have grown fathead minnows as a feeder fish but I don't know if they still are. I think they would be pretty easy to grow and would breed in system. Your main problem will be keeping them out of the pipes I think.

thanks for your quick reply Mr. Moderator, and the link I will check it out. I am planning on using pvc pipe maybe 2" or 3" centered in the middle of the IBC tank, placing an end cap on the pipe that touches the bottom and drilling small hole in it to pull the solids out. From there it will go in a radial flow barrel and the water will be skimmed off the top, then go to a bio media barrel with an upward venturi system and skimmed off the top to another barrel of clean water then going to another venturi system and then back in the fish tank. Does that sound like it would work?

I'm not really sure what will work with minnows. If you're breeding the fatheads then the babies are so tiny they'd probably go right into the hole for the solids. There are a few people that do more with breeding fish and they should be able to give you a better idea. I've worked with fatheads younger than 7 days old but never in a recirculating system. Might find something useful in this - http://fisheries.tamu.edu/files/2013/09/Raising-Bait-Minnows-in-Small-Tanks.pdf

Mr. Scotty435, thanks for the info, I am not sure either, I guess it will be a trial and error situation all though, i think they only breed at a certain temp. So, I plan to keep the temp above their breeding temp if I can remember or find what the exact temp is for now. May look at breeding mats when I get into the breeding aspect. I've been going through a few videos off youtube that deals with the recircualtion and maybe post a few of them along with some photos as time allows in the future. hoping to help other as i learn.

Hi there,

Hope you're doing good. Can you please tell me your experience of aquaponics with Fathead minnow ?
I heard that they may not be a good choice. These are just 2 to 3 inches in size and have a lifespan of just 2 to 3 years. They are also resistant to the bad quality of water and need proper Dissolved Oxygen, I guess.

Are you keeping them along with any other species of pond fish?