Hey folks. Took the camera for a spin around the backyard to give you a look at how the aquaponics and the rest of the backyard farm is going in our Spring here in Ipswich Australia. There are a few plants that are booming and a few that needed to be "retired" due to infestation. Had a quick look st the new Root Pouch gardens and went through a few of the changes that have been made to the patch. This one's a bit longer than normal due to having a fair bit to cover folks. Will take it easier on you next clip ;)
Would also like to give a huge shout out and thanks to all the folks that are supporting our channel through a small monthly contribution on our Backyard Farm & Aquaponics Patreon page. Was also great chatting with a few of you today in the hangout and am looking forward to the next in a few weeks time. Hope you're all well and your gardens are booming, Rob.
A fair few months ago I was asked to put on an Aquaponic Workshop by Michael from Savour Soil Permaculture at Laidley in SE Queensland. Was a bit hesitant at excepting the offer as I haven't had much experience at teaching but must say I'm pleased I did.
The workshop was held last weekend (21st Nov 2005) & covered the basics of setting up an aquaponic system for folks interested in expanding their food production in their backyards or small holdings.
A basic split flow aquaponic system was assembled from recycled components on site for Michael & his family. It made a great teaching aid on the day to help explain some of the basic construction methods & parts of a working aquaponic system.
Here's a bit of a look at the system as it stands today.
Must say that I was very pleased with how the system went together. It's also fantastic to see Michael's family's enthusiasm in learning about the system as well as their eagerness in wanting to stock it with fish & plant it out.
In the clip above I mentioned a suppliers list of sorts provided to the attendees & have also included it here below for those that might be interested.
Hope you enjoyed the clip & find the info useful. Rob.
Suppliers information for SE Queensland & Australia.
Fish Hatcheries & Feed Suppliers.
I have bought from
the first 2 and had no problems whatsoever. Ace Aquaculture has been
recommended to me by a few folks that have used them.
When ordering your
fingerlings it is a good idea to ask if they sell small amounts of feed for
your new swimmers. They grow so fast that it doesn’t pay to buy too much at
once.
I've bought other
pumps like the Jebao (the one used in Michael's system) from a few reputable
Ebay stores that deal in aquarium goods. It's always an idea to check out their
rating before buying from them though.
The "Irrigation
Store" is an online based site I buy my bulk PVC, barbed irrigation &
bulkhead fittings from. They have a fixed $20 delivery fee on all orders. Works
out a lot cheaper than the 2 big box hardware stores,
Valves with
removable blue handles are purchased at Trade Link Plumbing supplies for those
that are concerned with little (or big) fingers fiddling with the system ;-)
I sell Uniseals,
venturis & Root Pouches Australia wide through our small "Bits Out the
Back" blog store.
My preference is for
IBC's & barrels that have had food stuffs in them as they are normally
easier to clean out.
Growing Media.
If you're in the
Ipswich area H2Gro are a local hydroponic store that sell the clay based media
& will offer a discount depending on how many bags you're buying,
Last time I checked
they were selling 45L bags for $25 each with is almost half the price at other
retailers.
If you're after
growing medium other than clay many folks recommend road base AKA blue metal
here in SE QLD as mentioned in the workshop. Please keep an eye out for
contamination like concrete that both Michael & I found in the blue metal
at our suppliers.
It's a good idea to
do a vinegar test on any rock you want to buy to see if it will raise the pH in
your system. You can do this on site at the landscape suppliers with a jar full
of white vinegar. Pop a handful of rocks into the vinegar & if it starts to
bubble it's best to discard it as it may keep the pH constantly high in the
system.
Backup Air System.
I did mention that
I've made up my own 12V Backup air system in case of blackout. I followed the
plans on the link below.
PLEASE NOTE, any work on 240V electrical
circuitry HAS TO BE carried out by a
licensed electrician.
Useful Sites, Forums & YouTube Channels.
I have a playlist on
our YouTube channel with some of the projects/builds that have gone into our
aquaponic & aquaculture systems which may help you out with a few ideas,
Paul Van der Werf
from Earthan Edge is one of the world leaders in integrated aquaculture &
is a local to boot. Have found his site to be jam packed with ideas on DIY
backyard builds, commercial systems & technical help. He has made it a
subscription site but is well worth checking out if you're interested in
building a small commercial aquaponic system.
Due to the continually high nitrite levels I thought it might be best to remove some of the waste load from the system.. While a system this size normally doesn't need a solids filter I thought it was the quickest & easiest way I could think of doing this.. It will also come on handy when the extra tanks are added.. Took a bit of playing with the pumps to get it flowing well but other than that it was a quick & easy build..
Would like to thank Paul from Earthan group for dropping off the Uniseals & for giving me loads of pointers over a coffee or 4..
The idea for this came from Earthan Group's DIY Solids Filter from their website..
They also have a You Tube channel & Face Book page for those that are interested..
For more regular updates about the patch come visit us at http://www.facebook.com/Bitsouttheback
Have a great one All...
Propagating strawberry plants is really easy.. Once they stop producing fruit the plants throw all their energy into "Runner" production & it is a great time to extend your patch &/or take some off for friends & family.. They are one plant that once you buy you will have them for life..
For more regular updates about the patch come visit us on our Face Book page.. Have a great one All... : )»
