Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I agree with VB, remove the sand or filter "candles" or whatever's inside the filter and replace with hydroton. Like the article above says, by reducing the resistance inside the filter you could get away with using a much smaller pump.
To get rid of some of the algae try rubbing the walls and floor with a stiff brush, let it settle to the bottom then vacume it to waste.
Did you put any acid in to bring up the ph?

You mean bring it down right.

nope no acid, but will suggest it as they're keen to get some trout, but the change from ph 6.5 at the hatchery to ph 8 in the pool might be a bit much? even after aclimatising?

Well what a day! nearly 80x 80mm holes drilled in 24 meters of 100mm pipe.

barrel all ready with drain to be filled with gravel

stand almost done.

Julie may even post some piccies if we're lucky!

yep..same as me indoor tank when we bought em home......

i'll let julie tell you about her phobia of pvc pipes and how its all cured now................

the filter will stay for the moment, had a look at the "valve" today, settings are

backwash
filter
winterize
recirculate

i assume the recirculate setting is like a "filter bypass" ??

if so then thats the setting to use, to the blue barrel will be doing all the filtration.

What's in the barrel Steve... just gravel?.... full barrel or half?

Steve was great, thanks, great to have a brother-in-law who knows how to set up a AP system! Must admit I wasn't too keen on the PVC pipe idea, they seemed a bit too scary and technical (and ugly)! Don't know why, but by the time it's all set up I think I'll be over it! As the pipes start to blossom with beauty and life, I'll be happy. We will continue working this arvo.
Picked up an old spa off the side of the road last night too, new grow bed, I'm a happy chappy. I use to work at a tip in Hobart, how I wish I was there now!
Also got a mini fish tank off the side of the road! I'll post pics when I work out how to do it.

Nothing at the moment, but will be gravel and scoria.

Sure you're not related of F&F too


Where's the pics

we want pics, we want pics, we want pics!

Okay, okay, here are some pics, I just had to learn how to download them from cam to computer Too tricky!
The pipes are connected and supports finished! Still need to do the pipes up to the blue barrel and extend the pipe leading into the pool, fill everything with gravel and scoria, get fish, plants, etc.
So haven't pumped any water through yet, obvioiusly. Getting there! Note the lovely contrast in colour of the water from the first photo of the pool!!

the pipes will be covered in no time at all...

Looking great Julie...The pipes remind me of the Snowy Hydro

is it hard to drill the large circular holes in rounded pipe? i want to include some pipes in my system......