Episode: 8
Title: How to Build and Create an Aquaponics System
Broadcast: Sunday Jan 1 2016
Presenter: Calinda Anderson

No doubt you’ve already seen or heard a little bit about aquaponics already and it’s no wonder. There are so many people doing it and it’s a great way to grow veggies, it’s waterwise and it can combine your love of fish and plants in a small compact space. Calinda shows us how you can create your own.

• The fundamentals of aquaponics really are all the same and Calinda is going to show you how to configure yours.

• You need a pond that holds water and a fish, a grow bed, which will have the growing medium and will be where you grow your vegetables. They will all need a drain so the water can flow into the pond, a pump to deliver the water to the grow bed and of course fish to provide the waste to feed the vegetables.

• Once you’ve cut the hole, you then install the drain making sure it’s nice and tight so you don’t have any leaks. A little guard to stop the clay and roots getting into the drain and then an outer cover.

• Now it’s time to install the pump but do make sure you get some professional advice because the pump has to match the aquaponics system you choose.

• Next it’s really just a case of putting the pump in the pond and switching it on and secure the delivery pipe to make sure it doesn’t fall off, which is also a great opportunity to make sure everything is set up properly.

• Next thing is the expanded clay. It’s known as the best medium in an aquaponics system because of many different reasons. Calinda tells us why.

• Now you’re ready to plant. Make sure you wash off all the soil before you plant and make sure you’re choosing the right plants for the time of year.

• Then it’s time for the fish. Wait at least a week before you put any fish in your system and build up your stock slowly. The amount of fish you can grow is dependent on the size so make sure you get some professional advice.

Woodvale Fish & Lily Farm
P: (08) 9409 9248
W: www.woodvalefishandlilyfarm.com.au