Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have a hydroponic greenhouse based on IBC totes. I'm growing all my own produce year-round and is heated from my hot-spring.

I currently do not have any fish and so I use General Hydroponics nutrients with about a 150-gallon reservoir. I keep the nutrients at about 300ppm TDS and 6.5ph.

I was wondering if I could grow like 6 crayfish (Australian Redclaw) in the reservoir. Would they be fine with the nutrients present in the reservoir?

For a few water bugs, is there any additional hardware I would have to add to the system?

It seems like starting with a few crayfish is the best way to go from hydroponics to Aquaponics, but I very much welcome and and all advice!

The first thing to check is if the nutrients you use are fish safe, but I bet that there will not be anything on the label. There is only one sure way to know, if crayfish are not too expensive then go for it. However, some sacrificial goldfish or similar may be a better choice. In general, chemical fertilizers are avoided as they are not compatible with fish ecosystems.

I've never tried crayfish but I understand they are cannibalistic and territorial, so you will need something to keep them separated and give them each some space.

Thank you kindly for sharing your thoughts.

From what I understand, doing hydroponics is quite difficult using organic fertilizers - particles fall out of solution, gunk up stuff etc. At least I have not been able to find a source of complete organic hydroponic fertilizers, but I would be happy to be corrected.

I figure I could throw a couple in the reservoir and see what happens, but I was hoping to avoid the possibility of being cruel to the little test buggers.

My guess is as long as I keep TDS below 300 and maybe bump the PH to 7 they should be OK.

As far as them being cannibalistic, it is my understanding its not much of an issue so long as there is ample food supply. But they do need some shelters like a short length of pipe is ideal. They also need some sand and gravel and should have a pump to provide current and of-course aeration.

I'm thinking of growing duckweed on top the reservoir which would be their primary source of food. That and an occasional feeding of wheat berries should be about all they need.

Currently when I flood the clay medium, the water is pumped through 200-mesh filters but there is no other filtering in place. Do you think I will need any additional filtration in place for the crayfish?