Want to Build Your Own Backyard Aquaponic System?
Building your first aquaponic system can appear to be a bit of a daunting process to some, something I know all too well myself.
It took almost two years of procrastination before I had a crack at building our first aquaponics system.
What we ended up with was a system with hoses running everywhere that looked more like a Kraken from the deep sea than the efficient growing system I had built in my mind's eye.
These hoses and pipe were replaced very quickly once I was popped on to the right path from some helpful locals and online friends.
I’ve learned a lot more about aquaponics and building backyard systems over the past decade or so and am only too happy to share this information with those that would like to grow some fish powered veggies in their backyard farm.
Below you’ll find a few videos where I share some pointers on building your own DIY Backyard Aquaponics system.
Barrelponic Aquaponics System | Chop & Flip
The first build is a small 100L/22gal drum based "Cop & Flip" aquaponic system that is based on the standard 200L/50gal blue barrels that can be purchased from online sale sites such as Craigslist and Gumtree or your local rural supply store.
They're a great way for you to cut your teeth growing your own Aquaponic produce in a small system run by a few ornamental fish and the compact nature of this system means that it would easily fit in small courtyards and most balconies/decks.
The cost for this barrel build was around AUD $145.00 buying all components from local retail stores.
With this build, I’d recommend using the lighter clay or scoria (volcanic rock) media as rock may prove to be too heavy for the plastic drum base.
Chop & Flip IBC Aquaponics System
The "Chop & Flip" IBC Aquaponic System now has its own page that includes a parts list for the pump plumbing, bell siphon & Canister filter.
The beauty of this Chop & Flip system is that it can be used as the starting point for you to build a much larger backyard aquaponic system once you feel you're ready to expand once you've gotten the aquaponic bug.
The cost for this build was just under AUD $240 for the tank, pump and all the required plumbing which was bought from retail stores. The plumbing parts would work out a fair bit cheaper if bought from wholesalers.
The clay would cost another AUD $300 but other media like scoria/volcanic rock (around AUD $170), suitable rock (blue metal/road base AUD $30-80) or expanded shale would be a lot cheaper.
DIY Aquaponics Component Tutorials
Aquaponic systems require more than just pumps, tanks and grow beds to run. There are some basic drainage and filters that you can add to a system to help improve its overall efficiency.
The below playlist contains DIY videos on making bell siphons, assembling grow beds, making filters and other useful aquaponics components.
You can click through the playlist here or watch it on YouTube using the button below.
Where To Buy Aquaponics Fish In Australia
Once you have the system built, you will need to stock it with fish. One of the most knowledgeable gents in the business is the “Perch Man”, AKA Bruce Sambell and he can supply you with a number of Aussie native species that are great to run in aquaponics systems. They can be purchased from his Perch Man Website.
He ships Australia wide with the minimum order being 50 fish so it might pay to go halves with a mate if you’re looking to stock smaller systems. He also ships internationally for commercial sized orders.
I paid a visit to Bruce at his hatchery and he was kind enough to show me the procedure used to spawn the Jade perch, the same variety that I prefer to grow out in our aquaponics system here.
If you’re after less than Bruce's minimum order, I would suggest you check out LiveFish. These folks also stock a number of Aussie natives suitable for aquaponics and will ship Australia wide.