If you have started researching your own backyard aquaponics system you will have these top 5 aquaponics FAQ’s.
Blessings and LOVE
This Blog does not go into the BUILD DESIGNS (Please PURCHASE my AQUAPONICS IBC CHOP AND FLIP GUIDE)
Let’s begin 😊
1) How many fish can I grow in my fish tank?
There are a number of factors that influence how many fish you can keep in your fish tank. Tank size, filter capacity, water quality, fish species, and feeding rates are factors that contribute to the amount of fish you can keep in your aquaponics system.
Most people assume that the larger the fish tank the more fish you can grow. This is not entirely true. Whilst the size of the fish tank does have a bearing on the amount of fish you can grow (mainly for small tank sizes), the capacity of the bio-filtration system (growbed) ultimately determines how many fish you can grow in you fish tank.
A simple ratio of FISH to WATER/BIO-FILTRATION is 1lb (1-2 FISH) to approximately 50L WATER. This covers most FRESH WATER SPECIES at full size.
2) What do I feed them?
You need to source high quality commercial aquaculture grade feed. These feeds have optimised nutrition that provides a well-balanced diet for the optimum health and growth performance of both your fish and plants. Make sure to get HIGH PROTEIN FEED.
Ratios for FEEDING –
1.2:1 for FINGERLINGS
1.5:1 for GROWING OUT TO SIZE with approximately 1.2kg DRY FEED to produce 1kg of FISH
3) Does the fish farm need to be under shelter?
No, in fact the fish farm should be out in the open as the vegetables in the filter require full sun. Ideally you will have the fish tank shaded while the growbed is in full sun. This can be easily achieved by erecting shade directly above the fish tank. Otherwise with shade cloth or a lid that fits over the top of the fish tank. The fish won’t mind shade however they do need to know the difference between night and day. The fish will also benefit from an overhead cover as they will be less stressed by not feeling exposed to potential predators.
Remember that the plants will need as much sun as possible. If the vegetables are shaded for much of the day they will not be as fruitful and your system will not be as successful.
4) What do I need to do to maintain my aquaponics system?
Aquaponics systems are by nature self-maintaining and very little needs to be done to keep them working at an optimum level, once PROPERLY CYCLED. In fact as there are natural balances that keep the systems healthy the less you do the better!
On a DAILY basis:
- Check to make sure pump is on and there is water flow.
- Observe and feed fish, keep the same feed times so your ish know when it’s feed time and you can observe them eating.
- Remove any uneaten food fish as this will contribute to possible HIGH AMMONIA and NITRITES, especially in newer systems 6 months or younger.
On a MONTHLY basis:
- Check any drainage points for signs of blockage (especially by invasive plant root systems)
- Replace and plant vegetables as needed by seasonality.
5) How do the fish taste?
Great! There is no question that fish caught from the sea are better tasting than freshwater fish. The salt infused into the flesh makes salt water fish hard to beat.
Fish from aquaponics systems arguably taste better than those caught/farmed in freshwater dams and lakes. Some people can detect a slight ‘earthy’ taste in fish sourced from freshwater dams and as an aquaponics system has no soil or dirt I find the flesh to be more delicate with no hint of the ‘earthy’ flavour. SILVER PERCH, TROUT and BARRAMUNDI all have the thumbs up from my meat eating friends.
Blessings and LOVE Ras Mark SUBURBAN FARMER.