Pat's Page

Profile Information

How did you find us?: Search engine (Google)

If you found us through a search engine, what search words were you using?: Aquaponics

Are you an aquaponic gardener already?: No

How old is your system?: Just started

What type of fish do you grow with? (select all that apply): Catfish

How big is your fish tank?: I am working with (1) pond at this time

Please tell us something else about yourself.: My wife engages in contract aquaculture with connercial enterprise. I am helping with her work - to address pond water quality issues and for developing a workable AP systems to integrate with her fish farm ponds and benefit her project.

More details

Actually to be more correct. I will be experimenting with (1) Pond, for introduction of AP growing to that pond. This is my project to experiement with, in addition to doing tech support and infrastructure needs for her aquaculture project.

She has 9 other man made ponds, with typically 20 m (66 ft) x 50 m (165 ft). Pond depths are designed for 1 meter (3.3 ft) but the water level starts lower and is progressively raised to about 1.5 meters (5 feet) over a fish cycle. That process improves the aquaculture environment and water quality. Later in the fish cycle some water exchanges take place periodically in the ponds (typically exchanging 15% of the pond volume weekly depending on observations). So pond volumes on average r

Pond volumes (per pond) move from 265,000 gallons to around 480,000 gallons depending on water level carried. We have a rain fed reserve pond with 11 M gallons storage capacity to facilitate filling and water supplimentation. We also have 2 deep well pumps that provide other water.

Fish stockage rate is 50,000 per pond

Aeration supplimentation - by aqua culture design zero additional aeroation is needed.

However, last fish cycle I introduced spray ring arrangements to spray water into the air, for each pond. To do pond water gas balancing and to improve improve night time water aeration. These items were added because the fish growth cycle was suddenly doubled and it raised total fish mass issues being supported. Last cycle each pond yeiled 12 to 13 tons of fish.

Dealing effectively with a future AP trial - aeration will likely be required for good overall plant growing results. Issues of efficient aeration, managing algea that typically will cause plant root issues, and other pond matters remain issues of concern to formulate a successful AP trial.

The simple use of fish pond water for plant irrigation is a sound medium cost iniative to consider, but it probably is not the best solution. But it is important to keep an open mind and remain open to different considerations. Engaging contributors on this forum to discuss ideas related to these questions and other topics is why I have joined this forum

Good luck to all with their AP pursuits.

Pat

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At 7:21am on July 12, 2012, Sylvia Bernstein said…: Welcome Pat!

Thanks for joining the Aquaponic Gardening community! I hope you find it a fun place to explore aquaponics. There is a real blend of experienced and new aquapons in this community, so please don’t hesitate to get in there and start asking questions. Everyone is quite happy to help out new members--no question is too basic.

A great place to start is to read the “How to Use This Site” link on the upper right corner, “Start Here” section of the Home page. You might also find the “Aquaponic Gardening Rules of Thumb” guidelines helpful.

Please add a profile image, participate and check in with us every day! We are constantly posting news about aquaponics and the good food movement.

Thanks again for joining us, and I look forward to getting to know you.

Sylvia