Starting an Aquaponics System | How to Start & What You Need

[@sassythesasquatch8036]

This is how everyone needs to live

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Sassy. 👍👍

[@meeiikkee]

Nice one sassy

[@staticwolfblogson8154]

Sass mate this is the future!

[@bhow4889]

I guess I'll also be on the side of telling others what they "should" HAVE to do. btw: if everyone did this, how much fresh water consumption would that take?

[@kuuuntjuice6121]

Thats it sassy

[@damianduran6480]

I just noticed that Rob Bob is the Bob Ross of aquaponics, a generous gentle teacher with a smile, he even comes not with a great afro but a great beard for extra gentleness, thanks Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Damian. You just gave B a good chuckle. Hope the clips give you a few useful ideas mate.

[@damianduran6480]

@@RobsAquaponics Glad made your day a little better, you surely make many of ours good ones too :)

[@infectedmonkey4827]

Lol 😆

[@batuhanozkan1328]

+1 👏👏👏👏

[@allon33]

Thanks for making all the mistakes for us Rob, saved the rest of us a lot of time. They need to teach this stuff schools!

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Allon33 👍 I which they did teach something like this when I was at school Would have had a ball methinks. Cheers.

[@justbecause9049]

They don’t teach self-sufficiency in schools

[@facelessdrone]

Depending on the school they do, I heard a while back about a homesteading school up in New York that built their own tropical greenhouse food forest

[@lisaelliott3864]

@@justbecause9049 I have found several middle schools in Texas using Aquaponics to teach severkzbin.info/www/bejne/iZWvf3SBeN-Cp6OVl core subjects! They may also provide food for the cafeteria! Check youtube!

[@conzalesthe1st627]

I like what u said. Alot of people dont know how lucky they are others went through alot of trouble in order to get a proper or ready product hence life made easier .

[@allancrawford8390]

Even though I was born in the - 🇬🇧, I grew up in 🇺🇸, I appreciate that u converted your reading or measurements.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Allan. No problem at all mate.

[@megan00b8]

You actually reply to all the comments? What an absolute legend!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I try my best. Have about a months worth to catch up on at the moment. 🤫 Cheers & all the best.

[@JustinMcMillan-t9m]

At last, someone who knows what they are talking about. Great presentation, great information, thanks Bob.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful!👍👍

[@jaykeinnes6793]

Stepping the pipe up at the pump will help avoid flow losses due to friction

[@RobsAquaponics]

Helps a lot I've found in older systems where low flow was an issue. Cheers Jayke.

[@Lena-kh5ct]

Hi. I'm a beginner, I have no garden, but I want to try and get good enough to do an aquaponics project. I'm very intimidated, there's so much to learn, and I really don't want to read it all. It's much easier for me to learn watching clips like this, with all the details showing in action. Thank you. You answered alot of questions that have been bothering me, like what fish to use (I'm in New Zealand).

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sorry I missed this. Everyone I know in NZ use ornamental fish due to the laws over there unfortunately. Did you end up building a system?

[@Lena-kh5ct]

@@RobsAquaponics No, not yet, probably going to be another year away, with my list of things I'm trying to change.

[@tansuaniwaring1546]

Hello mate, I am from Chile (South America). Thanks to all your guidance, I managed to make my own Acuaponic system. If I could, I'll send you some pictures. Now I am waiting the quality of water to plant some veggies and introduce fish. Best of wishes to you Rob.

[@gracejablonski4347]

Something to keep in mind with the solids filter: the MAJORITY of ammonia excreted from the fish actually comes from their gills. Rob is absolutely right, the nutrients suspended in the water will be more than enough. The risks of going anaerobic outweigh the loss of extra nutrients located in solid fish waste.

[@RobsAquaponics]

My thoughts exactly Grace. Happy growing.

[@faithswartz325]

I'll have to take some pics and send them, but we made our 1st system in the house so I can grow all winter, I'm planting today as soon as the coffee kicks in.

[@RobsAquaponics]

🤣 Onto my second cup here Faith. Looking forward to hearing how the build went. Cheers 👍

[@DeimosClown]

Moved to a smallllll town and I've been really interested about aquaponics for some time. I hope I can finally get something going.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes smoothly when the time comes Jerrod.

[@kirstiemceachern6271]

My mom has had so much time is isolation lately that she's redoing her entire fishpond, so I sent her this for some inspiration! She's so excited now :P

[@RobsAquaponics]

I hope it goes well for her Kirstie. 👍👍

[@ru7445]

How did it go?

[@brunobordini7696]

Hi Rob, I've got some tips for you if you don't mind! Add some californian earthworms into your grow bed! They are gonna help to clean the top part of your substrate that is not submerged! Add a few extra barrels to the system to help with filtration! You can place shards of roof tiles made from adode (clay) or some gravel! Above it, you could place some floating aquatic plants to take care of ammonia! Nice work BTW!

[@garylcarrier]

This gentleman is brilliant!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Gary. 👍

[@mattb7895]

Your the man for providing imperial measurements for us living in the stone age.

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Matt. 👍👍😁

[@ic5838]

This is truly the best overview of an aquaponics system I have viewed. Thank you very much for your expertise and time taken to troubleshoot and educate us on the best way to start one of these systems. Outstanding!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BadMoonRising777]

Thank you so much for continuing to regale us with your aquaponics system. I have been watching you for seven years and have learned so much! My wife and I moved 300 miles north in our state here in the US. I ran my last aquaponics system for six years straight, amazing amount of food due to your tutelage. My system was only 12 x 12, as funds are limited in this day and age, I can’t build the system as big as I would like but we are building a system 15 x 15. I would love to speak to you and send you photos and updates of our progress. Good day mate, I very much look forward to hearing from you and finally getting to know you better. God bless. 🥳🐟🍃🌱

[@anthonymattouk7439]

Hi Rob. I have watched all your videos and tutorials. You are definitely the best on KZbin for Aquaponics hands on learning. I live in Ghana, West African and started my own IBC chop and flip system following your tutorials. i just finished the system and hope to receive my Tilapia fish this week. I cant wait to move on to a CHOP system and then do this commercially. You videos are amazing and extremely helpful. You have helped a lot of people with your videos, i hop you know that. I am most grateful for all you do and I hope you will continue to add more videos in the near future.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one on the build Anthony. 👍 I somtimes forget the reach KZbin has & is great to know they're helping folks around the globe. Many thanks mate & hope your interest in aquaponics grows into something that can help provide for you & yours. Cheers mate & happy growing. 🌱🐟

[@anthonymattouk7439]

@@RobsAquaponics learning the hard way. started with 6 fish and 3 died in three days. High amonia so i am taking out some water and putting in new water to reduce ammonia. I will not add new fish for now till i get good ammonia levels. Learnt a lot from your youtube channel. Can you give us a detailed list of items we will need to set up a CHOP system with grow bed and floating raft in one system? Have you done a video on this before?

[@richvara8957]

Hi! I can't access the video's and is there alternative location from which to view or download them please? And thanks,

[@616161Ms]

Thanks guy's I'm hooked, I'm not a big meat eater these day's, but like my vegis and fish. I'm gonna get into it. Cheers

[@jeepdriver7603]

Rob, I've got some "big picture" questions about aquaponics, and I hope you don't mind addressing them. 1. It seems to me that all of your fish are going to become mature at the same time. What do people usually do? Harvest them all and clean and freeze the ones they don't need immediately, or is it possible to harvest them on demand after they reach mature size? 2. How do you handle changes created by harvesting your veggies or fish?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Great questions JD. 1. I like to harvest when they hit about 500g/1lb & take a few at a time generally, that way there's always some nutrients in the system. 2. I have also done a batch harvest & the nutrient bank in the water & beds will carry the plants for quite a while if the fish load was high enough. If not, you can feed the system with a basic fish emulsion until you get more in. Hope that helps & let me know if you need further clarification. Cheers & have a top one.

[@josephgodridge2814]

Dude your video was the best one I’ve seen keep the content coming

[@jessicapfeiffer2167]

You make the best aquaponics videos some people are annoying to watch ( I won’t name names) but they talk and wave hands a lot high roller. Thanks

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad you've found the videos helpful Jessica. 👍 Happy growing. 🌱🌱🐟

[@gurubryant]

Seriously one of the best Aquaponics videos I’ve seen!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers mate. 😁👍

[@lafayetteporter6044]

Thank you sooo much for including USA measurements, a real help. Sometimes I find myself having to convert on the fly, not easy.

[@RobsAquaponics]

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

[@travelswithbeard8560]

Ive been following your videos for years... your episode on bell siphons was the best DIY clip for aquaponics.. im on my third year now of the same "three bed" ibc system, growing trout over the cooler months and looped a second tank off the sump to raise ornamental goldfish throughout the year..... thank you for you contributions to backyard Aquaponics and great content DIY videos..👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks mate & I'm glad the clips have helped you out some. 👍 Cheers & happy growing Mick.

[@PoseidonsPets]

Watching your Aquaponics beginner vids again! Thanks for al you do Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad they're still helpful PP. 😁 Am trying to make some time to film some more but life keeps getting in the way at the moment. 😕 Cheers.

[@kolbydjones5871]

Excellent information Rob, thank you! The self-sustainable lifestyle is the best lifestyle!

[@JamesSathre]

Greetings from the states! Thanks for making this video. Very straight forward, and full of good info. I really appreciate you also sharing your failures. Most people wouldn't do that, but it gives me hope as a future aquaponic gardener, that you may have failures but you just start up again. Cheers!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad the video was helpful James. 👍 Hope your build goes smoothly if you have a crack at a system mate. Cheers.

[@larry7511]

That's a great garden!! Looks like a nice way to make sustainable food. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@brewdog8568]

This is the channel I have been searching for sub and thank you 😊

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad the videos are helpful mate. 👍 Hope to get back into a few aqua clips once things settle down around here. Cheers & happy growing.

[@organiccraftworks3153]

Have you looked into using a Hydrolic Ram Pump to recycle the tank ?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I would still need to create a flow at some point for the ram pump to work from what I've learned. A small one also wouldn't have a large enough flow rate to refresh the fish tank water at the rates I like. I can see where they would come in handy with larger pond style aquaculture designs though. Cheers OC

[@robellett8156]

I was heartbroken when I saw the title of the earlier video that said you were ripping out the old system. Rob responded to me that he was building a new one. This system looks great! Good job Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

It now has 30 Jade perch & a single eel tailed catfish Rob. 😉👍 Will be posting a clip on the system this weekend all going well.

[@CopperCityPatriot]

Good day mate! We purchased a home in the city and have a fenced-in front yard. Gonna construct a aquaponics greenhouse for year round growing. lava rock is gonna be the medium. Having three 120 gallon aquariums with Cichlids, native Perch & bullhead (they poop a-lot). Should keep me busy so the house can be to the women (Wife and four daughters! The humanity!). My neighbor, uses Koi fish, in a greenhouse he has had for seven years. His tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers are magnificent.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one AEN. 👍🙂 Hope the build goes smoothly for you. BTW, I'm the only male in this hose as well so tend to do a fair bit of gardening. 😉 Cheers & happy growing.

[@claudiopetruci]

Thank you sir for all of your great informative videos, so much knowledge and hard work, all the best :)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Claudio.👍 Cheers & have a great one.

[@BoniaMachbub]

0:38 what is the white pipe function? why all of the fish tank has it in the middle?

[@RobsAquaponics]

That's the base of the solids lifting pipe. It collects the solids & water from the tank & moves it out into either a filter or grow bed normally. This section of another video may explain it better, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHe3nZuXZchll6M Hope that helps some.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hit that subscribe button if you want to get notified the next time I post an aquaponics clip to the channel, ► bit.ly/Subscribe2Rob Share the clip as well to help others looking at having a crack at Aquaponics. 👍🐟 🌱🍅 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊 Rob

[@theresagomez2261]

Hey am from the Caribbean love your system can you help me build a system like yours

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@theresagomez2261 A few clips in this playlist may help you out Theresa, kzbin.info/aero/PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf

[@Wanderlust1972]

is corrugated HDPE pipe food safe?

[@GueCalColombianTropicals]

@@Wanderlust1972 A short Google search produced this. I would call the manufacturer to ask them about the properties of the pipe in relation to food production, but it does not appear to have any troublesome properties. plasticpipe.org/pdf/chapter-3_corrugated_hdpe_products.pdf

[@NaturesNorth]

how would the nutrients hold up for tomato or weed plants? its legal in m city.

[@brianotieno8527]

Rob have been following quite a number of your youtube videos about aquaponics system. just for the sake of starting one on a 10 foot by 15 foot. How should i budget and the essential things to include in my budget for a simple one. Thank you

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Brian. Testing equipment is a must in my book & I think the API freshwater mater test kit is about the best bang for your buck. Water & air pumps can be expensive depending on where you live. I tend to shop online for them from aquarium wholesalers as they tend to be cheaper than most brick & mortar stores. Other than that the grow media would be one place you could save some money. The clay is expensive. Cheaper options would be lava rock or suitable rock. Hope that helps some.

[@MeinhardSRohr]

Man Rob, you're an excellent source of information. Thank you so much mate. Learned a ton from your videos. Keep it up! Greetings from Germany

[@RobsAquaponics]

Many thanks Meinhard. 👍 Hope to have a few more aqua videos coming out very soon. Cheers & happy growing.

[@TheOleHermit]

Excellent brain dump regarding the optimal sizing of tanks, grow beds, waterflow, & the whole enchilada (Sorry, I don't know the equivalent Aussie expression. But, I'm sure there is one.) This is exactly what beginners need to know. Thanks, m8!😎

[@RobsAquaponics]

Enchilada is fine & actually prefer them over burritos. 😉🤣 Thanks mate & all the best.

[@bryantaustin5186]

Thank you for continuing to create such informative videos. I'm grateful for your contribution to the aquaponics movement.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Bryant. Cheers mate & happy growing. 🌱

[@christianazar2915]

Love your work man what type of fish are you using in your system

[@RobsAquaponics]

We use the Aussie native Jade perch (Scortum Barcoo) in our system. They come from the Barcoo river system up north so do really well in our subtropical climate. Cheers Christian.

[@neilcalliou896]

Man I love that system of yours Rob. Definitely all of the years of experience, are showing. You're a wealth of knowledge man! Take care Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Neil. 👍

[@gabdewulf]

Trumpet snails would help with the gravel change out.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I had snails start to block water lines so don't use them myself. Have seen others use them with no issues though.

[@bringoutyourbacon]

This has become my absolute favorite channel on KZbin. I think I've binged near about all of your videos now due to the quarantine. Once I have the space, I'm definitely going to setup my own aquaponics system. Might need a green house though, not so favorable where I live about half the year, and I don't think fish like being turned into popsicles! Keep up the awesome work Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Is great to hear that the clips are helping in some way Andrew. Are you over in the States? Cheers & have a top one.

[@uconnstan]

For the number of fish per volume of bed calculations how would that change if I wanted to use trout? I live in a cool climate and wonder how different fish would change the math. Also, as the fish grow they produce more waste. Is there a rule of thumb on how often fish should be culled and when is the best time to replace large fish with many more smaller fish?

[@RobsAquaponics]

From what I've read, trout will be feeding at 1.5 -2% of their body weight from about 100g/3.5oz up to 500g/1lb, which is in the same range as other aquaponic species. 👍 As for harvesting, most folks will start harvesting at about 500g/1lb. I normally wait until all are harvested before adding more fingerlings in. I find there's generally enough nutrient build up in the system to allow OK growth with the plants until the new ones start to generate a lot of waste. If the levels fall, it's just a matter of removing a few plants from the beds until you see them start to rise again. Hope that helps some Stanley. 👍

[@evidencesuggests1697]

I've been watching you for about a year, and I really appreciate ALL the information you've provided. I think I may have bitten off a lil more than I can chew, as I've built an 8 grow bed, 3 fish tank system out of ibc totes, or more like I've been building. I have quite a bit of time & $$$ invested and it's still not done. I am about ready to give up on it, but you keep me inspired!!! So thank you for your time and advice!;) if they ever let us out again and you ever travel to the states, I would be sssooooo happy for you and your family to come stay with my family in an airbnb I have in the backyard, maybe in exchange for some advice??? Anyway good day mate!!! Thanks again!!!

[@ToddWoodworthg3]

is a system ever done? ive been workin mine for over 3 years and its still and never will be done. always improving or expanding. stay inspired ur food is well worth all u put in. much love to all

[@mrb2843]

I'm looking to build a small setup in the coming months and plan to use simple sensors to detect and alert on critical metrics via email , alexa etc. I'm not a scientist so other than ph I'm not sure what else I would need to monitor or even if it's possible on a limited budget. It would certainly be helpful for us new to or considering aquaponics if you can list what issues you are experiencing or that you are having difficulties with? I'd be happy to share any code I write for free and how to.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad I've been able to help you out in some way mate. Would like to suss out the system if you ever post any clips. 👍 Thanks for the offer as well. We would like to hop over the big ditch at some point & check out the US. Cheers mate & take it easy. 👍

[@michaelbatchelder]

@@RobsAquaponics List me as a possible stop as well, central Florida. Have not started but been learning

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@michaelbatchelder Cheers Michael. 👍 Have a few folks down your way that have been kind enough to open tier doors for us. :)

[@jasongroupindustries]

Thanks for all the info. In the equation where you explain for fish amount. You used 300/25=12. The 25 is the depth of the grow bed or the 25L per fish..

[@RobsAquaponics]

The 25 is 25L per fish as the bed holds aprox 300L👍 Cheers mate.

[@jasongroupindustries]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks a lot

[@InJusticeAustralia]

Mate that was by far one of the best videos I’ve ever seen. The info you provided, in a calm, easy to understand, relevant format was fantastic. Thank you so much for going the the effort. It now makes things much clearer. Just one question please: Based on your system, how long does it take for both fish and plants to be sizeable enough to harvest? Maybe 3 months? Please keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@RobsAquaponics]

The fish we use should start to get to harvest size at about 8 month with the bulk ready at 12. Plant wise, you should be able some fast growing greens at about the 8-10 week mark I think. Glad you found the clip helpful & have a top one IJ. 😁👍

[@ToddWoodworthg3]

lol rob ive got 2 ibc fishtanks 85 tilapia 1 chop and flip bed. 2 bead filters 1 swirl. been runnin 4 3.5 years . my fish dont grow fast anymore as they are large. i harvest as we eat so only 1 when we eat

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Todd. 👍 Are you running a AST bead jobbie?

[@affnanaquaponics]

Hi Rob, how are doing over there. We are in a lock down over here... :( Months back you are pulling down the system, I hope you are rebuilding a new set up. Cheers fro Malaysia.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Pretty much lock down situation here but not overly strict. I work from home (doing this) & we home educate our youngest child so it's life as usual really. Bianca is now working from home but needs to go into the office in Brisbane once a week so it's almost like a working holiday for her. 😉 New system is up & running but is running fishless still as getting fish at the moment is a bit of a hassle. Might have a lead on some but will see how that pans out over the next week. Hope you you & yours are doing well mate. Cheers & have a top one Affnan. 👍🙂

[@davidhocken9548]

I’ve had an aqua phonics set up for many years I’ve always had silver perch. Is it best to have a water heater during the winter. If so do you have a recommendation of a solar powered heater and where would I get one? Thanks for your help

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi David. Having a heater will help them stay on the feed & keep growing I've found. I have a mate that used a solar pool heater for her system down west of Sydney in the hills. It runs on a separate pump that turns on & off automatically with a timer. It took a while & a few phone calls with the companies to find a food safe one. The other way to go is to make a DIY black poly irrigation pipe solar heater. I've played with them in the past but not seriously. Some of the results on this search may give you a few ideas. kzbin.info?search_query=poly+pipe+solar+heater I hope that helps some mate.

[@jeffpankratz9446]

Hey Rob thanks so much for this. We’re the ones with the super small system over my sons 10 gallon guppie tank. We’re totaling 6 guppies (2 male, 4 female) a snail and a couple frogs. We’re about to put the seedlings in the window box grow bed after letting them grow in plugs for a few weeks. We keep testing the water ammonia and nitrites/nitrates, ph etc and all is good. What do you recommend (if anything) we put in the clay pebble grow bed with the seedlings before turning on the water pump to start the system? Sea weed fertilizer powder from this video?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Jeff. I probably wouldn't add anything to such a small system as the water will go very cloudy/stained. Just pop the plants in & see how they go for now. & maybe think about adding very small amounts at a later date. 👍 Cheers mate & all the best to you both.

[@ShadowZidan]

Just got a question, if we want to look into importing a different species for aquaponics, how does one go about seeing what is available? or who do i speak to in regards to working out what is available for Australia to be imported in

[@RobsAquaponics]

This website should answer a few questions about importing fish into Australia, www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/live-animals/importing-live-fish-aus

[@gideonrobin6564]

Thank you so much for the complete and nut in a shell overview Rob!!!

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Gideon. 👍 Cheers mate & happy growing.

[@syahirsyerwaniesazali5484]

Hye Rob thanks for ur advice about aquaponic…i had made one with trickle filter..hope it will success

[@RobsAquaponics]

I hope it's growing well for you mate. Cheers. 😁👍👍

[@imike964]

Great video, however, you explain this all like we already have extensive knowledge of aquaponics.. The reason that I'm watching this video is that I have very little knowledge of this topic and want to learn more. I guess I'll revisit this channel once I have a better understanding.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have a playlist with the helpful clips all in one place if that helps, kzbin.info/aero/PLBcWprMIwYYj8zCdbSzPJOR3HRXpxuBwf Cheers iMike & have a top one.

[@roystevenson1375]

I have had the best success using a central heating water pump and including a tee with a valve to regulate the flow .This also gives good aeration and might mean that your bubble stones are not required.

[@joldidjeridoos6026]

Thank you brother for sharing your knowledge!!! The meek inheriting the Earth indeed.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks JoL. 😁 Cheers. 👍

[@calvin8201]

mmmmmmm all I remember that from is civ 5 and it was very prominent in my head where is that quote from

[@bodhi_bear2878]

What if you hooked up a hydroelectric generator? Would you be able to generate enough to power everything if you used a tower for gravity

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have seen many suggest a system can be set up this way over the years & that they will build one. I have never had anyone show me one in operation. It would be great to see.

[@MilesProwerTailsFox]

Once I was on a fish farm that had a river close to it and it had a big fall so they installed a wheel to produce power and avoid any power fail, also had a big energy generator that used gas to generate energy and if those 2 things failed they always had some tiny generators to plug one on each pump so the fail probability was really low They never had a fish drown in 20 years

[@RobsAquaponics]

🤣 That's a great track record Miles. 👍 Nice idea with the energy capturing as well.

[@abdullahislam657]

So you are using the same water to both refill the fish tank and the grow beds? I can't seem to follow what happens with the water from the fish tank and the recycled water from the grow beds. It seems like it all falls in the same tank and then pumped right back to the system? Sorry I am just reallly confused. would really appreciate a reply! thanks

[@RobsAquaponics]

This clip may help you out as it runs through a few different ways you can plumb up an aquaponic system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoK0cmh4pbx-m8U Ours is based on the split flow design. Hope that helps some Abdullah. 👍

[@damomack7970]

As always Rob great, informative clip and I have to say I always enjoy your candid approach, nothing fancy just great info and what we need to be able to make good choices on our own systems

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Damo. Am trying to keep it as easy to understand as possible without the hype some toss in. Cheers mate & have a great one. 👍

[@viettrinhthem7890]

hi Rob, have you used chemical barrels and reuse them to be fish waste settlers? and how can you clean them properly? thanks in advance

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi mate. It depends on what was in them to start with. Normally they have a "material safety data" or "safety data" information on the label. You can also look up the chemical that was in them & see what the clean up recommendations are for it. I have also contacted the manufacturers before & asked them what they recommend when I wasn't sure. Hope that helps some.

[@andrewchalker7023]

Love the information you get into your clips mate, only been watching for a couple of weeks due to the current health crisis and being bored, got myself an IBC and did the chop and flip, Rookie mistake not checking what was stored in it though, water based PVC glue which has been really fun to scrub and scrape out of it 😅

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have 4 of those IBC to clean out myself Andrew. 😂 I'm just hoping it dries well enough in the tank so I can peel it off. Cheers mate & hope the system grows you some tasty fish & veg.

[@andrewchalker7023]

Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm . Haha glad I’m not the only one, I’ve gotten about 80% of it out, I filled mine with water and let it soak for a week then attacked it with a scotch brite pad which has worked pretty well so far, just takes time

[@alfredmontoya1502]

How much does it cost to do a single chop and flop system ? I live in California

[@eogrady90]

I’ve just started gardening and raising chickens and I love it! Stumbled upon aquaponics videos and I am very interested. Can you do aquaponics in New England in the USA? Where I live we get snow maybe 4 months out of the year or more.

[@RobsAquaponics]

You certainly can. Some will wind their systems down through Winter & only grow when the weather is warm while others will grow 100% inside. Some will keep fish inside and then split the plants between an outside grow through summer & a smaller inside one through winter.

[@DanCarlyon1]

Thanks Rob yet another informative clip! Are you going to use the bio reactor again or is that just for larger systems? I'm considering making several towers to maximize production and using one of your bio reactors in place of media. I've just gotta work out how to make the towers without buying the pre- made ones, as I have a very limited budget. Feel free to use the idea if you haven't already considered it. I think it could be a great solution for limited space gardens, the more minds at work the better I recon. The only real issue I see is the head height, may need a few pumps?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey Dan. Many commercial farms run with just deep water culture or nutrient film channels & have a biofilter to process the waste. Mind you, they're a bit larger & more complex than my builds.😉 Head height shouldn't be an issue as long as you buy the right one. Cheers mate & have fun with the build.👍👍

[@brianmarshall3931]

Any suggestions on a solar electrical system & pump? Or an automatic feeder, PH monitor, nitrates monitor, temp monitor, water level alarms? (Maybe flashing lights?)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Brian. I tend to post on thing's I've tried myself so those clips will be made & posted as I incorporate them into my builds. Could post a clip on them now but I prefer to report on experiences & not post just for the sake of it. Hope you can appreciate my position. Cheers.

[@idealdirecthomeimprovement1639]

Wow, amazing video! So well explained and amazing editing! Keep up the great work!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks.👍 Have a top one.

[@nadineleman7404]

Hi Rob just finished an aquaponic system for our turtle. We had to Taylor it ti suit. Thanks for the videos and awsome app

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad you found it helpful Nadine. 😁👍 Happy growing.

[@3dfxlisa]

Thank you so much for this video! I now feel informed good enough to try out for myself. 😊

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes smoothly & you grow some tasty fish & vege. 🐟🌱 Cheers & all the best.

[@pacificoceania5828]

How many times you need to change the new water if they get dirty ? Can we build it little bit bigger?

[@RobsAquaponics]

You shouldn't need to change the water in an aquaponics system at all PO. The bacteria will convert the ammonia waste into fish safe nitrate & the solids will be deposited either into a solids filter/settler or into the media beds. This video might help you understand the process a bit better, kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGSufn-QnryMpNU There's a few other videos in the same list that you might find helpful as well. 👍👍 Hope that helps.

[@pacificoceania5828]

@@RobsAquaponics thsnk you for sharing this .

[@rmar127]

G’day Rob, I’d love to see you and Mark from Self Sufficient Me get together for a few videos. I’m pretty sure you’re from around Brisbane somewhere and Mark is up Caboolture way. So not too far away.

[@RobsAquaponics]

We did discuss it a while back but I think he's too busy with what he has going at the moment. It's great to see an Aussie at the top of the gardening game here on KZbin so I'm happy just to suss out his vid's when I get the time. 👍 Cheers Rhys & have a top one mate.

[@normanjames3781]

can you use diatomaceous earth and vinegar to add to your aquaponics as a calcium supplement to they system

[@RobsAquaponics]

I've never heard of that being used. I think you're better off using a calcium hydroxide or carbonate as it will help to keep the pH up at a safe level for the fish. Vinegar would have the opposite affect I would think.

[@derricksmiles6624]

Rob.. Love the channel, thinking of doing something like this with my koi pond. However In the northern hemisphere the sun still rises in the east unlike the diagram.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Derrik. It does in the southern hemisphere as well. I stuffed up & put in the soar tracker for us folks down here, sorry about that mate. Must have watched it a dozen times while editing & still didn't pick it up. art of the problem with being a one man show is you don't have fresh eyes top double-check things. Cheers.

[@EnduroNerd]

Hey Rob, I noticed you are conscious about how the water flows in the pipes, for example, your 45deg elbows. Have you ever considered something a bit more flexible and even more "flowy", something like a swimming pool pipe?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey Glen. I haven't looked into the pool pipe/hose. Will pop in the local pool shop & check it out some time soon as I'm starting to think about how want to set up the next few systems. Thanks for that & have a top one.

[@mbainrot]

Thanks for the awesome video :D Once I work out how to over winter my hydo system (strawbs + lettuce) I'm definitely keen to have a crack at doing aquaponics. With water volume I'm assuming you go for hundreds to thousands of litres of water not only for the fish but to also so it's more forgiving when you need to tweak the chemistry?

[@RobsAquaponics]

That's about it Max. Also helps to keep the temperature more stable in areas that see a bit of a swing between night & day temps. Cheers mate & have fun with the build.

[@chrisdix36]

How do you feed the fish? pellets? I saw a pic where they used Barramundi will they live on pellets? From Townsville so would use Barra in fish tank. OR could you use liquid fertiliser instead of using fish ?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Barra are raised on pellets in farms so you'll have no issues there. 👍 You could just use Charley carp Chris. I ran our system on it while we were out of the house during the renovation. Hydroponics supplements may work out to be cheaper over time though if you don't want to raise fish.

[@joldidjeridoos6026]

I’ve wondered if setting up a water source for wildlife would deter their attraction to the garden? Especially venomous snakes.

[@RobsAquaponics]

We like to run a pond here as well for frogs & birds to use but haven't set a new one up since moving back home. As for venomous snake, they can stay down the river as far as I'm concerned. The Carpet pythons & tree snakes are welcome though. 😁😉 Cheers & have a top one.

[@saltybildo4415]

Building my 1st vertical/horizontal hydro system now, ive seen the aquaponics system at epcot center here in central Florida USA, and hey im a fish keeper also, maybe on the next build

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes smoothly for you Bill. Cheers.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Want to learn more about Aquaponics? 🐟 🍓🥬🍅 Now you can with Rob's "Backyard Aquaponics for Beginners" Guide for only $19.95. You can see the guide in action on my website, ► www.bitsouttheback.com/aquaponics-guide Or, buy directly here, ► robbobaquaponics.retrieve.com/g/XL0J6T2P#/content/90525

[@michaelobrien4644]

Hi mate i tried to buy your guide but i had trouble when i got to re launch paypal any ideas

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@michaelobrien4644 Sorry I didn't see this sooner Michael. Did you end up getting it sorted?

[@michaelobrien4644]

@@RobsAquaponics Not yet but i will i have had quite a few problems with pay pal lately but will sort it out cheers .

[@mattdias8051]

Bro stop using plastic in everyway, it destroys the entire planet. Grow up use clay pipe and storage, be a man.

[@RobsAquaponics]

​@@mattdias8051 Oh no, my masculinity has been called into question by someone on the internet for using plastic.

[@jendymcdonald9934]

Hi Rob, I have a question for you. I am extending my system and adding a blue drum as a Ras system tank, and I also have a new IBC tote. I need to connect the IBC to either the RAS blue drum or an existing tank system since i have just one additional water pump. Which do you recommend I add the IBC tank to?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sorry Jendy, not quite sure I can answer without seeing a layout of your system. Any way you could post a short video of your plans on your channel for me to suss out?

[@programroom689]

can I use this media in aquaponic system on aquarium in living room? will water contain any visible particles?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have seen folks use the clay indoors with no issues. The water may contain small particles depending on the amount of solids, volume of media in the grow bed & the style of filters you use. Cheers.

[@antojoseph2398]

Rob was my first teacher for doing aquaponics mini system. Thanks Bob.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it's growing well for you Anto. 👍🌱🐟

[@ZyCraNote]

You should look into Ram pump, you can save a lot of electricity that way

[@RobsAquaponics]

Have seen a few folks say they're going to use one in aquaponics but am yet to see one in operation.

[@ZyCraNote]

@@RobsAquaponics I'm planning on starting mine in a few months, will share the results. I'm thinking of using an arduíno tô automatize It. That way the electrical use will only be to start/stop operation and it could be use to collect important data as water temperature, PH level, etc. Hope it works in practice as good as in theory

[@dfgdfg_]

The animated diagram for the radial flow was really really helpful. I didn't know the flow slowed down at the bottom of the vertical channel.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it helped you out some mate.👍 Cheers & have a top one.

[@gulldaw272]

Silly question maybe... are your grow beds full of the growing medium and the water flows in, or are they floating and theres water underneath?

[@RobsAquaponics]

The media beds are filled with clay media & water sits in the gaps. Clay media can float when first added but once it soaks up water it tends to "sit down:".

[@leavethekidsalone]

Hey I have a few questions, how do I plumb it correctly to use only one pump in the sump and air for the biofilter

[@RobsAquaponics]

One of these videos may help you out some with layout designs, kzbin.info/aero/PLBcWprMIwYYgscZSEviNBv2TB03Ou5E3I I have a simple "T" fitting on my airline that splits the air from the compressor between the bio & the fish tank. Both are regulated by simple valves. Hope that helps some.

[@uniqueyoutubehandle]

You're my new hero! Super excited to get this started!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Aaron.

[@flob4332]

Rob, I've had a system for 4 years now. The system is good with the pH and other considerations. Water flows well through the bed. Fish are healthy. The system is in an enclosed environment temperature controlled. Plenty of ladybugs. The system will grow large green lush plants...but I get no fruit! I think 4 years is enough. I'm ready to quit. My husband said to ask my favorite teacher before quitting. Any thoughts, Teach?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Flo. Potassium bicarbonate as suggested on the other post will also help to buffer the pH as well as add in potassium. 👍 If you're not needing the pH shift you could look at additives like Kelp/Seaweed powder as it generally has elevated levels of potassium Flo. Hope that helps some.

[@flob4332]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks. As always, you are the best.

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@flob4332 No Problem Flo. 😁👍

[@jamesridley184]

Yes nice work I must get back into it again did a 3 years course in Aquaculture in Grafton Glen Searle was the fella I did work experience with I love to mix this with mushroom farming any way your doing great job water flow and dead spots and also cleaning the filter frequently was one of my learning curves in a RAS

[@RobsAquaponics]

Just made up some new Oyster bags yesterday James. Hope to have a clip on them posted in a few weeks time when they're ready to fruit. Cheers mate & happy growing.

[@captainlou9677]

How often should my grow bed fill and drain with a bell siphon? My current system takes 3 minutes and 30 seconds to fill up and drain

[@RobsAquaponics]

Sounds like a small bed Captain Lou. How large is it?

[@captainlou9677]

@@RobsAquaponics it is very small. The fish tank is 55 gallons and the grow bed is a 5 gallon bin with clay media. I estimate about 2 gallons of water running through it

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@captainlou9677 👍 I wouldn't be too concerned Captain as it sounds like you have a good flow rate through the bed. As long at the plants are doing well I'd leave it be.

[@Mx-veganworldby2050]

Is there something else to use besides the fish? How about food scraps or bananas?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Not really. That's more in the realms of Bioponics where folks make up brews to feed the system. 👍 Cheers.

[@Mx-veganworldby2050]

Rob, thanks ☺️

[@lovelasnow]

I wanted to do aquaponics in my apartment but only some of vegetables will be grown on it and I was wanting to use carp, can the non aquaponics plant scraps be fed to the fish and can carp be used for a smaller system?

[@RobsAquaponics]

The carp may grow a bit large for a small aquarium based system LS. It might be best to stick with ornamentals.

[@lovelasnow]

@@RobsAquaponics thank you

[@mythai9593]

Thanks for the video. Something I don't understand about the fish is, I have Talapia in my pond which I want to put in my system, if I put 10 fish in at 1/4 lb when i harvest them at 2 lb are they not producing a load more waste, how do you regulate this and is it best to harvest all the fish together or take out 1 or 2 and replace them with the same number of 1/4 lb's again. Thanks for any help.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey Brian. I'd be harvesting them regularly & adding more in to take their place if you have access to them. We need to buy in bulk so I tend to harvest them in batches here & replace with fingerlings once they're all in the freezer. Do you have a second tank you can keep the smaller fish in so they're not competing for food? Cheers.

[@mythai9593]

I have a pond in my garden about 15 square metres, the fish don't grow very big as there are so many, i'll be using these for my fish tank. How big is the footprint for this set up. Thanks for your help 👍

[@mistereearly1141]

You should look into Solar fountain pumps. They are fantastic for SHTF situation

[@RobsAquaponics]

A stand-alone solar system is on the cards for us.

[@mistereearly1141]

@@RobsAquaponics I’ve had several cheaper $100-$200 solar pumps pulling from my lake and it’s awesome. Contemplating setting up a little pond with fish to create a quasi aquPonics setup. But I need to save money since it’s ultimately going to be a Recreational Pond. You gotta look up recreational ponds. So awesome

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@mistereearly1141 There's a number of folks here in OZ converting their backyard pool into a "living" pool, pretty much the same as the Recreational Pond.

[@reedodell3927]

Would it be possible to add ghost shrimp to help with the fish waste?

[@RobsAquaponics]

They will eat the waste but also create more that won't be plant available so not a perfect solution, just like compost worms. I know of folks that have them in with brush filters where they help to remove a portion of the solids. Cheers.

[@reedodell3927]

Ahhh I see. So do you think I would have the same problem if I tried to make a system with crayfish instead? I'm attempting to make a small one for my balcony, but i would like to use a type of fish that doesnt require much space but grow large enough to eat.

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@reedodell3927 Crayfish need a lot more room than fish as they live on the base & can be very territorial. Fish live in the whole water column so you can stoke more. 👍 Depending on where you live & the local laws, tilapia may be OK as long as the tank is of a decent size.

[@CultivatingDreams-MC]

I really enjoyed your video, especially around [8'10s], I'll be following your content.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Many thanks. Cheers & happy growing CD-MC.

[@Kearnesy]

Very good well explained break down video. As for fish gotta love the jade perch mine went in 30/7/2019 other day had one jump out while feeding its now 210mm weighs around 200g very quick growing

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one nk. 👍 Are you up here in QLD? Cheers.

[@Kearnesy]

Yeah mate in logan i purchased a couple root pouches and uni seals off u a while back

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@Kearnesy Sorry mate. It's hard to keep up with who's who at times. Cheers mate.

[@Kearnesy]

Haha all good totally understand i get like that myself

[@spray-n-prey9717]

I have everything I need laying around to do this, just need some grommets and valves, but I do have a few questions about feed and life cycles if you see this

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes smoothly. 👍👍