9 replies to this topic

[newfish]

Hi All
After years of enjoying the PCS forums, i have only just realised we have an aquaponics thread. I am in the process of setting up my first aquaponics system and had a few questions I was hoping those of you who are generous with advice, might answer...

I plan on setting up a 2000L tub with 3 x 500L growbeds. I also planned to run a simple system that used gravity to run water from the growbeds continuously into the tub. I have managed to find a well priced used poly tub and expanded clay, the rest will be purchased as I find some decent 2nd hand items.

Questions:
1. Can anyone recommend a decent pump (and pump size/ seller)?

2. I was considering raising silver perch or trout. Would either of these be compatible with gold severums (I currently have 100+ fry to grow out) over summer?

Thanks in advance
Erica (-:

[werdna]

Pump size 3000lph to 5000lph. Any sponsor will sell them, don't buy Chinese ones off Ebay, they may be slightly cheaper to start with, but cost more in the in the long run.
Silver perch, trout won't live in water over around 20 degrees

[newfish]

Thanks for that. I have enjoyed your AP threads on this and the BYAP forum.

[werdna]

Good to see you are enjoying them!

Are you using byap beds?

[newfish]

I am trying to get hold of some 2nd hand growbeds to keep costs down. If this fails, I may source two IBC's and convert them to four growbeds. I appreciate the poly tubs last longer and look better, but am reluctant to spend too much on yet another addition to my collection of tanks/chooks/garden beds etc

All ideas re: cheaper/ alternative options always welcome

[werdna]

I have an ibc with the top cut off you can have for $50
Still holds 800L
And you can cut off more if needed

[newfish]

Cheers, will take you up on that offer. I will pm you to arrange payment. I will keep an eye out for two more.

[MattB]

I downloaded the Murray hallum stuff of torrent really good info on setup even build plans worth a look

[newfish]

Cheers, Matt. Will take a look (between Olympic viewing).
Erica (-:

[werdna]

His ratios are crap. He says 1 fish per 10 litres.
That doesn't account for filtration and is an aquaculture ratio.
Stick to 25 fish per 500L of filtration.

Go here http://ibcofaquaponics.com/
It was written by Joel at BYAP and all info was contributed by members of his forum.
IMO it is the best written book out there on AP, and is free.
The pdf version had something like 150 pages and entirely based on actual working systems... Unlike most books that you have to pay for