Aquaponics Farm | A Scaled Back Commercial Aquaponics System

[@RobsAquaponics]

Don't forget to click the subscribe if you enjoyed the video bit.ly/Subscribe2Rob and it would be great if you could share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 🐟 🌱🍅 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊 Rob

[@RIDDLESWORTH]

interesting to see larger setups. Also what were the design issues and improvements being made? it would be nice to learn from mistakes (of the original design )

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@RIDDLESWORTH Unfortunately he doesn't have any of the schematics for the build. Most of the improvements will be based around the placement of pipes & outlets on the hydro side for the time being I think.

[@KiranKumar-to3cl]

May I know the Size of the farm? Thank you in Advance

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@KiranKumar-to3cl Its just the tanks & beds shown in the clip Kiran. The other planned greenhouses were never constructed.

[@EnricoNoriega]

Do you add Chelated Iron in your aquaponics?

[@markferniz1124]

Thanks for roaming around, as usual I am late in seeing this but thanks you so much. An idea to play around with.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Any time mate. Cheers. 👍

[@McDowallManor]

What a fantastic set up! I was amazed. I think Alan has taken a very sensible approach, especially with the Covid issues. Brilliant.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Would be good to see them open up again soon Andy.

[@lifeofmaya9518]

I think this system is the most amazing and useful thing I have ever heard about! And it apparently uses %90 less water than an ordinary farming system

[@RobsAquaponics]

That's what some say but only very well-tuned ones will operate at that level. Most commercial & backyard systems won't. People that sell courses & products like to use that claim in their sale pitch but I'm yet to see them provide proof that their particular system or methods do so.😉 In my old system, I found it used about 75% less water (at a calculated guess) than what a normal soil bed would use. Our self-watering wicking beds use about the same amount but unfortunately, it's very hard to grow fish in them so that's why we started aquaponics. 😉😁 Cheers & have a top one s Sis VS Sis. 👍👍

[@StrengthFromGiving]

Beautiful system. Great video. Thanks Rob and Allan.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Shall pass it on when I see him later in the week. Cheers.

[@FrugalOffGrid]

Quite the set up Rob. Thanks for sharing. I just planted my first grow bed yesterday. Just a couple arugula and alfalfa

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one mate. Allan popped around yesterday as it happens. Top bloke & really should visit his farm again.

[@ibidiaraniii2413]

Awesome video. Thanks Rob for exposing us to a bigger more potential commercial setup. Also thanks Alan for letting have a look. Learning so much 🤯

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem AE. 👍

[@renerere2232]

Nice video and cool setup. I am not too surprised that it failed as a commercial system. Usually you can only do it with DWC and using clay pebbles is more of a hobby thing, but of course still works in general.

[@Bigelowbrook]

some good potential with this setup!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Definitely need a bit of work Rob & the filters could be tweaked a bit for sure.

[@arufuponics8415]

@@RobsAquaponics also really interesting to see a system without a SLO like we are used to but rather in conical tank and exits below. With I had a tank for stock like that :)

[@caribecastaway6447]

Great video. Thanks Rob. and thanks Allan for letting us have a look. A lot of work ahead of you. perfect timing with the virus so you have the time to get everything cleaned up and under control.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Was hoping to go out & see Allan again this week all going well. I think he's cleaned up a few beds & has some new crops in as the local markets are supposed to be opening back up soon. 👍 Cheers CC & have a top one.

[@Murphyslawfarm]

G'day great video when Allan is finish it will be a great setup. Tell Allan thanks for letting you show us i really like the tour and thanks you for filming it.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Shall pass it on when I see him later in the week ML. Cheers mate.

[@Murphyslawfarm]

@@RobsAquaponics👍

[@robyndurdin6965]

Thanks for taking us along. 👍 loves it

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Robyn. 👍👍

[@billyabston4531]

Slightly... That place is massive! Great look around.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Would grow more than enough veg for this house & probably the rest of the block here Billy. 😉

[@arufuponics8415]

What an awesome system he has there ♥ and what a shame he is unable to sell all that due to the circumstances. Cool to get a gander of his system, thanks for sharing Rob.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope to do a few more clips out there if Allan is willing. 👍👍 Cheers mate.

[@jlgibbens89]

Really enjoyed seeing another set up!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad you enjoyed it. 👍👍 Cheers & happy growing.

[@mikemckay8174]

Great setup that your mate has got, here,s hoping that all goes well for him when life gets back to a bit more normality. Always enjoy your clips and have pretty well done all of my first setup based on your videos. Appreciate all the great info Rob.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Mike. Cheers mate & all the best.

[@itsjustmetomc4848]

Great video! What a great setup he's got there, can't wait to see the next video. Thanks for sharing. Shalom Tom from Mesa, Arizona

[@RobsAquaponics]

It is a great looking system. Am looking forward to see how it looks once things start to warm up here a bit. Cheers Tom.

[@mycool8980]

It's be a cool series to go around showing other aquaponic setups

[@RobsAquaponics]

Wouldn't mind doing a few more to help give folks a better idea on different ways a system can be knocked together. Cheers & have a top one.

[@joco6851]

lots of potential there, thanks for the tour

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks for watching!

[@rogerspaulding6569]

Nice tour! Good to see other systems. Could you run the titles longer please, I guess I’m a slow reader😂. Keep up the good work you have inspired me to start a small system. From Mesa, Arizona

[@RobsAquaponics]

😀 Bianca often complains as well so I have to go back & make them a bit longer. 😉 Hope the planning for the system goes well mate. Cheers.

[@jamesridley184]

Now your talking love to see more since I only worked on the fish side of things my long term plan is all this plus other things like micro greens and mushrooms if it's possible but I may need to move closer to the City any thanks Rob and Alan for your time Cheers

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope to do a few more clips on the system as Allan slowly brings it back on line James. I don't think he wants to run it as a full commercial system though, just enough extra to make a few bob at the markets. Cheers mate.

[@bethbrown4602]

That is an amazing setup.

[@RobsAquaponics]

It could use some tweaking but will do the job. 😉

[@DigwellGreenfingers]

A great insight - thanks so much for sharing!

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem at all DG. 👍👍 Cheers & have a top one mate.

[@lukedusina4319]

Really enjoyed this clip!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad you enjoyed it Luke. Hope to post some more on their system down the line. Cheers & have a top one.

[@AngkolJ]

great rob 👍, always make me inspired with the information that you gave, im building my own small backyard aquaponic for own consumption, with Australian redclaw crayfish, jadeperch , and red tilapia in the system

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one mate & hope the build goes smoothly for you. Whereabouts are you located? Cheers & happy growing.

[@AngkolJ]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks mate , im from malaysia, located at north borneo (sabah), good to have your channel for guide and info in backyard aquaponic

[@matpa089]

Thanks Bob. Seeing the complexity of this system to maintain daily basis, I feel I will setup only Hydrophonic not the Acquaphonic system. Biggest issue I see is the pests, & we cannot do pesticide on these pests.

[@RobsAquaponics]

There's not much to the fish side of things really Mathew. You still need to do water tests if it's just hydro. The filter maintenance would be the only real extra work that needs to be done other than feeding the fish. 👍 Hope your system grows well for you no matter how it's set up mate. 🌱🌱 Cheers & have a top one.

[@JhunDumsTVXj]

Wow amazing

[@andrewnevilledundas4378]

Great set up Rob thanks for that. One question is how much power consumption is used for a system like this

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm not totally sure sorry Andrew. I know they have a 5kW solar system so I'd say it doesn't cost them much to run.

[@Javinkay]

Great video thanks for sharing that looks pretty similar to the kind of system I’d like to have some day

[@RobsAquaponics]

You're not the only one mate.😉👍 Cheers & have a top one.

[@nabeelz4977]

Hi Rob love your channel ,I would just like to know if there is any benefit of having 2 or more fish tanks over 1 large tank

[@RobsAquaponics]

Having multiple tanks means that you can have fish of different age at the same time. It can be a pain to try & harvest the larger fish from a mixed age tank. Some species also do better by themselves & also require size grading as they will attempt to eat fish smaller than themselves. Asian sea bass/barramundi will often try & eat smaller tank mates. Hope that helps Nabell. 👍

[@TheSylverBaLou]

What is the main reason small commercial farms like this one fail ( aside from the lock downs ) so much. I am looking to get into the commercial side and would like any pointers so i can work on then. Love the content and congratulations on the new farm!!

[@RobsAquaponics]

From what I've seen I think it's due to them not doing their market research first. While many like the "sustainable" aspect when it comes down to it most consumers just want cheap produce I think. In saying that, there are success cases out there as well where folks find their niche with either the fish or the veg side. You just don't hear about them much in social media as most folks tend to focus on the failures unfortunately.

[@MayureeMatlock]

Looks amazing! We just started a system in N. Texas. Being a Thai native..I'm trying to get my hands on some Kaffir like leaves, galangal, ginger and lemongrass. Watching your video on the DIY wicking bed system now. What are your recommendations on growing these Thai native herbs? TY! We enjoyed your KZbin channel and have learned quite a bit. Stay safe and healthy!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have a clip on the ginger growing which may helps some Mayuree, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJTWo3aNfqmHiKM I pretty much grow galangal the same way. Have found both thrive in wicking beds. I have grown the lime in both containers & the ground here. I prefer to grow them in containers so we can move the small trees around the patch. Hope your bed builds go smoothly. 😃

[@justgivemethetruth]

Rob Bob ... Your sideburns have grown back so fast that I think you need to go into the hair tonic business ... you seem to grow hair even faster and better than plants!

[@RobsAquaponics]

🤣🤣 I could make a joke about the fertiliser between my ears but won't. 🤔😉 Cheers mate & have a top one.

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi..... Thank you for sharing your video 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 🎥👍👍👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers & have a great one. 😊👍

[@ぷらしっ]

Amazing design, im trying a small commercial farm and want to try this so i have a couple questions. I have 30m² of growing space half for growbed(biofilter) and another half for floating rafts. 1) What is my needed fish biomass/how many (gonna harvest at 300grams cause of local demand) 2) what is the stock density with tilapia, something fairly dense to rpevent reproduction. 3) What fish stocking technique is preferable so that i can have constant nutrients for the plants?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi PA. I have no experience with commercial or tilapia sorry. I could rough out some figures but they would be based on what I've learned running small systems like my own. Might be best if you can search out some local folks that would have more experience with both. Cheers.

[@AmanDeep-zo4xk]

Hey Rob , love your videos, I have watched all of them. I have started aquaponics at small scale and want to do it at much larger scale. I don’t have experience for that. Do you provide any of that service , I mean helping in design and installation. Currently based in Sydney, but looking to move Adelaide for this .

[@RobsAquaponics]

Not really sorry Aman. The backyard systems I run can be scaled up to a point for small commercial ventures but I think you're better off talking to a few commercial folks before you take the plunge.

[@Shane_O.5158]

Hi Rob, 6:18 i gave up growing tomatoes cos they block the system too quick, since removing tomatoes and mint i don't need to clean my grow beds for 4 years, before it was every year. , , , , 7:16 that licorice looks like Moringa i'm not in the sub-tropics so i do'nt know ?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I thought it was as well Shane. They do look very similar. I'm happy to let both grow out in the patch as well. 😉👍 Hope all's well with you mate.

[@Felixkoifish]

Hi Rob , thank you for sharing the system to us . May I know roughly how much cost for the system ?

[@clowndevil99]

Ive been wondering this too. Assuming you have the land how much would the initial setup this size cost

[@RobsAquaponics]

Allan wasn't told the over all price when he bought the farm but I would guess it would have to be over the $100K mark with all the infrastructure involved.

[@code_kanga5390]

Very nice

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers CoDe👍👍

[@davidgrech9180]

Hi Rob, Is it possible to get a link to where the fiberglass grow beds came from please? Cheers.

[@RobsAquaponics]

The system was built before Alan bought the farm unfortunately & I couldn't see any makers marks on them. I quick online search may turn some up in your area. 👍 Hydroponics Grow bed would be the best to search for.

[@sintarochongcc]

hi I love your farm and share knowlwdge I am planning to do something similar bigger scale plan to eat and sell the fishes as well when full growth the only problem is the first steps. I am an architect by profession and need a big decision by the way.... is the electric bill high per month due to the continued pumping system.

[@RobsAquaponics]

It does affect the bill if you're not producing your own. I forgot to add that the shed has a very large solar panel set up on it & I think Allan mentioned getting very small bills with most of it being the service charges for having the lines run to the property.

[@nctech5447]

Fantastic dreams 💪🏻💪🏻

[@RobsAquaponics]

👍 Cheers Nicola 👍

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

That is what i'm working towards having now. I'm grading and graveling a 100 by 60 pad to build a large greenhouse on that i have on site and i want to build a "nutrient generator" with the three blue tanks i have which are the same size as those green ones you showed there and the 9 -100 gallon nursery tanks i have for starting young fish. I Also am getting two 1000 gallon tanks to stock enough trout to generate enough waste nutrients to feed field row crops and greenhouse wicking beds etc,. by pumping filtered nutrient water to drip irrigation. I've never seen anyone attempt this and want to try it.

[@benadams5557]

Trout need cold water they might be hard to manage especially in summer

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sounds like a decent sized set up you have planned mate. What fish other than trout do you think you might use there?

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

@@benadams5557 -I'm in Maine and we have Spring on our land that is fed by a year around ice cold aquifer. It is VERY Cold....lol.

[@xyooj96]

where to purchase these grow bed so can choose to do deep water culture or clay ball? how many filters does the fish water has to go through before you send to the grow beds? very nice setup.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm not sure where you can get the beds as suppliers differ country to country. As for the filters, I like to have a solids filter as well as a stand alone biofilter in my systems. This clip might help with some design ideas, kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoK0cmh4pbx-m8U Cheers.

[@jornvanderheijden988]

Any specific reason your mate went bust on his system? I’m working out a business model and this could be some good feedback

[@jbeard3390]

Same, but im still planning it out size layout location ext

[@RobsAquaponics]

He didn't go bust, he bought the whole farm from the folks that built the system. 👍 Health reasons were cited from what I was told as they couldn't service the loan. Cheers.

[@STEEVE-L]

Merci pour les vidéo 👍🏾

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Steeve. 😁👍

[@chukpic]

I subscribed due to the admission that water is, in fact, a chemical

[@RobsAquaponics]

🤣 Cheers R N.🍻

[@michaelcurtis640]

Hey rob! Hello from New Mexico I love that set up! Can you go trees in a aquaponics system?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Have seen some papaya trees as high as a 2 story house growing in an IBC bed Michael. They do need a few straps to help keep it from falling over though. 😉 Cheers mate.

[@VonEveric]

Nice vid. Would you know what type of tanks Alan is using? Any hints of to where to buy one in Aussie

[@briandonovan8455]

blue heeler tanks or global tanks. based at Withcott near Toowoomba.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Not sure of the brand. Look up "Aquaculture Tanks" & you should see a number pop up. From what I've seen there are tank manufacturers in every state in OZ so you'll probably find it cheaper to buy locally as freight can be rather expensive due to their bulky size. The links below may help if you're in SE QLD, www.polyworld.com.au/farming/aquaculture-pools/ www.blueheelertanks.com.au/aquaculture-poly-tanks www.watertankfactory.com.au/types/aquaculture-tanks/ Hope that helps some.

[@iiinsaiii]

Love the setup. But how does the plants get sun? Or do they have grow lights?

[@RobsAquaponics]

The roof is made from clear plastic. There are also movable shade cloth lengths in the greenhouse so different beds can be shaded if they require it. It probably looks a bit dark in there as the day was very overcast. Cheers

[@jorgemadrigal7204]

I been seeing your videos I want to try it in a green house on a bed 4 feet wide by 70 feet long but it gets really hot in green house worried the water gets to warm and get root rot any advice before I start will pay for help

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sorry I missed this Jorge. Are you looking at doing deep water beds or media ones? Most large greenhouses I've seen use extraction fans to help keep them cool. Rob over at Bigelow Brook Farms made his own water cooler for his greenhouse if that helps with any ideas, kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHrChWujesl1f8k

[@johntexan4165]

I would put a pleco in each of these fish tanks. They'll keep the algae down. He has an amazingly, overkill home grow system... I'm jealous. Guinea birds are great for eating the bugs, and unlike chickens, they won't scratch or disturb the plants.

[@RobsAquaponics]

He was selling a bit at the local markets before C19 hit as well.

[@JhunDumsTVXj]

Amazing

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@wildedibles819]

Looking great

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am thinking it's going to be looking even better after winter's over. Cheers WE.

[@wildedibles819]

@@RobsAquaponics i hear ya we kinda had frost the last few nights we had some tenders burn but not everything was touched :)

[@SyTux]

Its a great setup! can u ask 4 a complet plan of the system ? maybe as a pdf or CAD? thanks mate you are the best !

[@RobsAquaponics]

No plans sorry. As I said at the start, it was purchased by the current owner after the business failed. The design isn't the best so probably wouldn't share it if they were available sorry Cheers.

[@SyTux]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks mate

[@november9err]

@@RobsAquaponics Yeah that set up looks familiar, those growbeds ... Me thinks aquaponics had evolved since this layout.

[@karimhayes3134]

INSPIRING

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Karim. 👍👍 Will be sharing that track too.

[@junipaulo1984]

Hello, do you have a vlog on this current set up?

[@RobsAquaponics]

No I don't sorry. I have moved away from the area but will check in with the chap that owns it soon.

[@jerrybaker8597]

Have you tried useing guineas for pest control

[@RobsAquaponics]

I haven't as we don't have the space on out city block. Alan has them wandering his place though.

[@BESHYSBEES]

Rob for some reason you were in my add friends list on Facebook I nearly sent a friend request 😂

[@RobsAquaponics]

😁👍 I'm having a break from social media & FB in particular for a while but feel free to add me. Don't post much gardening there, just the occasional harvest & my clips when I post them here. Oh, & some loud music from time to time. 😉😂 Cheers & have a top one BB. 🐝🐝

[@BESHYSBEES]

Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm cheers mate

[@elenidemos]

I'm jealous.

[@RobsAquaponics]

So am I slightly Eleni. 🤔😉

[@Flynn3778]

That mint! Such a pest.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Doesn't take much for it to grow out of control👍 Cheers Flynn.

[@NIP28]

how do those things grow without a symphon filter? the roots dont drown?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Constant flood beds do OK as long as the water is well aerated & exchanged regularly.

[@malteb4108]

What's the name of those 8 stage filter sponges? Natella? (4:46)

[@RobsAquaponics]

They're called Matala.👍 This is the link to their site in the US, www.matalausa.com/Matala-Filter-Media-Info-c-26.html Cheers.

[@Kearnesy]

Thats alot of fish lol

[@RobsAquaponics]

Way more than I could eat in a year. 😉

[@jophtube]

Can heliothis caterpillars be fed back to the fish?

[@RobsAquaponics]

They certainly can. s a great way to try & keep the nutrients in the cycle until they're in a form we can use. 🥦🌱🥕 Cheers.

[@hc17975]

What caused the commercial farm to fail?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Personal issues with the previous owners as I understand it.

[@muwongeemmanuel5894]

Hello I am requesting for your assistance I have 10 PVC tanks measuring 8mtrs by 4mtrs by 1.3mtrs How many cat fish can I grow? How many grow beds can I construct?

[@RobsAquaponics]

that would depend on a lot of different variables. I would suggest you look for a commercial aquaponics or aquaculture in your country to help as they would know the issues you face more than an online consultation from another region.

[@renil72]

Do you have online training for Aquaponic

[@RobsAquaponics]

No I don't but have thought about creating a simple course when I get the time. Cheers.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Good to hear he is still using dihydrogen monoxide! It is really effective and I don't think there is any way to do without. Hope he is careful with it tho because everybody who ingests it has died.

[@RobsAquaponics]

🤣🤣I like to over indulge on the stuff myself. 😎😉

[@fricky7069]

@rob is thos the system that murry show on his dvd vids

[@RobsAquaponics]

Apparently he did start work on the system but someone else took over the build. The current owner is not too sure.

[@williammccoll3404]

You should try sandponics.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I will at one point. 😉

[@vintageseller7700]

Ope alan as bin able to take his crop to market

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hopefully the local markets will open up soon.👍👍

[@Valiant1010]

Kool

[@RobsAquaponics]

It has a LOAD of potential after a bit of tweaking Derrick. 👍👍

[@tubbyrainbow111]

Could you 100% feed a family with this?

[@RobsAquaponics]

One the size of Alans system would easily feed a family + provide an income.

[@alexandreguiomar6181]

Muito bom

[@RobsAquaponics]

Obrigado. 👍

[@DailyClips009]

How to learn detail from you?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm just posting clips online at the moment but might release some material to help beginners in the future. Cheers. 👍

[@mdsahajada6545]

hi hello brother how are you.. I am Bangladeshi

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi there. 👋

[@fred-bevhogendorn8023]

Hi Bob Tell Alan if he wants a few hours help per week in exchange for some produce, I am available in Ipswich.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Shall bring it up next time we chat Fred. 👍 Cheers mate.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Fred-Bev. I forgot to get back to you sorry. Email me on [e-mail] & I'll pass on Allan's details. Will remove my email once you respond. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you.

[@margdea]

👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

👍👍

[@ricardojuvanelli2172]

Like

[@RobsAquaponics]

😁👍

[@vintageseller7700]

If you are serious about growing your business to india get in touch. I'm in mumbai and we have big potential here.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks for the offer but I don't do commercial systems. Cheers mate.

[@user-cr8nm9iu3c]

looks like alot of work for alot of waste

[@RobsAquaponics]

Not sure what you mean, aquaponics in general?

[@ricardojuvanelli2172]

hello rob is Ricardo Juvanelli here from Brazil, you would like to participate in a live on our channel, it would be another chat even just for the honor of having you here.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Would definitely be an interesting chat with the language barrier Ricardo. 😉 Have a load of followers from brazil & would like to get the clips translated into Portuguese at some point. Cheers mate. 👍

[@ricardojuvanelli2172]

@@RobsAquaponics hello rob I'm sorry for the delay in responding I was working a lot. rob if u accept this chat i have a friend who will do the simultaneous translation between the languages, as i told you we would not take much of your time, it is the pleasure of talking with you for a few minutes that would be the honor for me.