Practical Aquaponics and Integrated Aquaculture Technology
Murray Hallam is probably the best-known face in the world-wide Aquaponics movement. Murray is by nature an innovator and in his Research & Development facility has perfected many new methodologies for commercial farm Aquaponic systems.
At Practical Aquaponics, we have a range of information suitable for the novice to the expert. Browse our blog, register for our Aquaponics Courses, Workshops and Seminars or buy kits, books, DVDs and many other aquaponics necessities in our shop.
Proven and tested, there are hundreds of our kits in operation in every state of Australia and we have exported our kits to the USA, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Nassau. The wonderful thing about Aquaponics is that almost anyone can participate and get to grow some clean, healthy vegetables and fish.
Everything you could possibly need to set up an Aquaponics farm or home system is found in our online store. Whether you are looking to do Aquaponics in Brisbane, Perth, or anywhere in between, we’ve got you covered with the best range of products Australia-wide.
Our Aquaponics Photo Gallery is constantly growing to include images from Murray's Global Aquaponic Trips, Commercial and Home Systems, Greenhouse Tours, Master Classes and of course the all-important produce in the Practical Aquaponics section.
Our Blog contains a wealth of information spanning a wide range of Aquaponic topics, from general news to some of the well-kept secrets to success. This is a must view area for everyone interested in Aquaponics from the budding beginner to the seasoned aquaponics farmer.
Practical Aquaponics > Blog > Aquaponics Secrets
Aquaponics utilizes natural processes. We rely on these natural processes to produce a truly organic nutrient bank.
- Nitrosomonas Bacteria - Nitrobacter Bacteria
These two bacteria are naturally occurring. They are in the soil and water all around us.
When we provide the starter compound, ammonia, the bacteria swing into action and grow and multiply according to their food source.
TheNitrosomonas bacteria convert the ammonia to Nitrite, and when Nitrite is present, then theNitrobacter Bacteria convert the Nitrite to Nitrate.
Nitrate is, of course, the principal plant food for all plants, in particular leafy green plants such as vegetables.
To reiterate - it is important to understand that there is a myriad of microbes and bacteria at work in an Aquaponics system and eventually as the system matures many naturally occurring nutrients become available to the plants.
Ammonia is the major waste product of the Kish. released across the gills as a gas, and immediately dissolved in the system water. Ammonia is TOXIC to fish at low levels and therefore, needs to be made non-toxic as quickly as possible.
This is where the Bacteria play their role. The Bacteria convert the Ammonia (NH3) to Nitrite (NO2), then to Nitrate (NO3) Nitrate is non-toxic to the fish at small to medium levels ( This bacterial conversion of Ammonia to non-toxic Nitrate occurs in the bio-filter and on all the wetted surfaces of the system.
The breakdown, or mineralisation of solids in other areas eg, media beds and mineralisation tank, or sludge tank. This process occurs on all wetted surfaces. Grow media, underside of rafts, sides and bottom of raft beds, walls of fish tank and inside vertical towers.
So we have a system that is home to many, many forms of beneficial oxygen dependant microorganisms that perform very valuable tasks for us, providing the necessary ingredients for nutrient dense produce and healthy fish.
Aquaponics Courses. Go HERE
Posted By Murray Hallam on 2nd April 2015
Updated : 3rd April 2015 | Words : 330 | Views : 61484 | Comments : 2
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G'day Murray I always have ammonia levels now at between 0.5 and 1.0, sometimes higher. Can't seem to get them lower and have to do a water drop from time to time. The nitrite is good, usually zero. The pH is never above 6.0 so I think affects the plants poorly. The Nitrate is always above 100 to 130 and my plants have stopped thriving. Rhubarb, egg plant, ginger, strawberries, parsley, basil are doing just OK but the plant system is not thriving, though we are eating nice Jade Perch a couple of times a week. Delicious. On another matter the battery back up system to run the bilge pumps when the power goes off has given up the ghost (bought a new battery) so I need to order a new one please. I run a big aerator every night from 10.00pm to 5.00am when the system is not pumping water around. I also have a heap of poly on the roof which pumps heated water through the system every half hour in daylight hours when the water temp gets below 25 or thereabouts. I'm on the cusp of either enlarging and mastering the system to get it to run properly or giving up, not my usual preference. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. If I can sort it out I'll go to the next self sufficiency stage and buy a soldier fly trap and get my worm farm up and running Thanks Bruce at Samford 32891094 PS You'l love Portugal.
Posted By Bruce Jones on Thursday 2nd April 2015 @ 04:59:07
Hi Bruce, If your pH is always at 6.0 it is most likely below 6.0 because the Freshwater Test Kit only reads down to 6.0 Need to work on getting it up above 6.0 slowly by adding Hydrated Lime (1 tbl spoon per 1000 ltrs) daily until you can get it up above 6.0Post the backup box back to me and I will take a look at it for you. May be able to fix it for you.The roof heater sounds good.
Posted By Murray on Thursday 2nd April 2015 @ 04:59:07
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