Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey guys,

I first learnt about AP about a month ago and I knew it was something that I had to try!

I'm in my final year of mechanical engineering in South Africa and knew that this would be a fun project to try and make. I decided to start small with a single IBC system so that I can learn the ropes and understand all the concepts on a smaller system and then move onto a larger system where I can experiment and have fun

There isn't anything out of the ordinary with my system - I tried to follow the suggestions as close as possible. I did get a pump that was too big though and have had to fiddle around to get it working (I got it for a great price so decided it was worth it).

They are tons of things that I learnt what NOT to do the next time I build a system. I didn't sort out my foundation properly, so I ended up having to take out 600kgs of gravel, sorting it out, and then putting it back into the GB! The foundation is still a bit off, but it seems to be stable. I'll see how it holds, otherwise I may have to fix it again I'm busy cycling the system at the moment and will get some fish next week.

Just going to put up some photos so you can see what I've done.


These are some of the vegetables that I planted this morning:


I also transplanted a tomato & capsicum plant that were in the vegetable garden as an experiment.

So far the pH is looking good, ammonia is on the rise so hopefully I will start to see a rise in Nitrates and Nitrites soon.

I'll keep you updated on the vegetable growth!

Just wanted to say that the abundance and quality of information I have found on here is amazing. It's such a great resource - thanks to everyone

Welcome Dan.

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My Patio System

Thanks Ron,

I've learnt a lot from the posts you've written up - I really appreciate them!

Looking good! That is a substantial rosemary(?)... and, Welcome.

J.B.

Welcome to the forum Dan

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~2010/2011~
~2012/2013~
~My Yabbie Hunting Adventures~

Welcome to the forum Daniel. Hope it all goes well and brings you much pleasure.

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viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1622&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=45 (Fayes system)
http://backyardfarming.com.au/phpbb3/vi ... f=24&t=119 (Fayes garden)

Thanks guys!

J.B. - Rosemary it is, we use some almost everyday - it's probably why it's done so well!

Welcome Dan!!

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IceMan's AP Mk2
IceMan's Parents System

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IceMan's Fishing Videos on Youtube

Hey all,

So I thought that I would take this lovely Saturday morning and give you all an update on how my system is coming along, grab your beverage of choice and enjoy.

So it's been about 3 weeks since I started my first system. It's almost cycled! Ammonia is 0, just waiting for the nitrites to drop off and then I can salt my water and add my fish

I have been adding seaweed extract to the water every week or so (when I remember) and have been checking my plants about 20 times a day

First off - let me show you what a 3 week difference looks like (bear in mind it's Autumn here so no the best growing season). You can see the turnips doing very well at the front:





I am very pleased at how they are coming along. At first I had some issues with the cabbage leaves going purple, so I added some iron and it seems to be fine now. Also, because of cycling the pH has dropped from 8 to 6.7 so a lot more nutrients are readily available.

More pics







I hope to add my fish soon. I got donated a whole lot of goldfish (all about 20cm) that someone had in their pond. I will add some Tilapia in spring and grow them out in the warmer summer waters.

Will keep you updated as things go by!

Plants look very healthy Dan. Nice work.

_________________
~2010/2011~
~2012/2013~
~My Yabbie Hunting Adventures~

Thanks Charlie!

So today I added my fish to the FT. I have been fishless cycling and today was the day that all was ready. I know you all love pictures so I won't ramble on....








the water when I added the fish tested as follows:

pH: 6.7
nitrites: 0
ammonia: 0
nitrates: 50+
temp: 16C

So far I am very happy with the growth without having the fish in. Can I expect that the growth will increase now that the fish are in?

Other plants are doing well too...





And lastly the sunset in Cape Town, South Africa while I was adding the fish! Beautiful. The best place to live

Nice crocks.....and crops