System - Constant flow CHOP Floating Raft plus

[RayH]

We are moving house much sooner than we expected and we have decided not to take the current Aquaponics system with because of space limitations and other considerations.

The system is:


Has a total water capacity is over 2,500 litres.
‘Constant flow’, ‘constant height one pump’ (CHOP)
500 litre x 2 centre draining fish tanks (very effective self cleaning)
210 litre solids filter (based on Crusty’s Fresh Flow Filter) again very efficient (alleged 80% solids removal but it does require cleaning at least once per month)
210 litre moving-bed bio-filter with Kaldnes media
One ‘Crab bed’ media bed with two more ‘spares’. (no media, unless you want some gravel)
Two ‘strawberry towers’
1,300 litre floating raft bed
Floating rafts
16 litre per minute (960 L/H) water pump.
85 litre per minute air pump.
3 x 170 mm air-stones (two for fish tanks + one spare)
1 x 200 mm air-stone disk (for moving-bed bio-filter)
Power back-up equipment (50 Ah deep-cycle battery, Power fail switch & 12V 25W air pump)
Extra pipe, fittings etc.

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The system is currently working & less than six months old and is offered ‘as is’ ‘take-away’.

The system has currently cost us $4,785.79 in documented expenses plus extra individual amounts of less than $10 each not costed. We are offering the system for a very low $1,500. The system is located at Toowoomba, Queensland.

P.M. me if you are interested.

Silver perch not included, but I could be convinced.

[GaryD]

Hi Ray,

Sorry to hear that you have to dispose of this system so quickly after you got it up and going.....and I'm sure that whoever buys it will be getting excellent value.

Will you be setting up another AP system in your new location?

Gary

[RayH]

Hi Gary,

The we won't be setting up a new system immediatly but after we install our PV Solar power unit and 'landscape' the yard and all the other setting up things, we will build a shed. After that, we will look towards building a new AP system. The temp at Toowoomba is down to 16 degrees at night and getting colder every day, so we really need a shed for the fish to keep warm(er).

Ray

[kellenw]

That's a real shame Ray. Your system was really taking shape. Good luck with the move!

[RayH]

Hi Kellen,

It is a shame. We are getting access to our 'new' house quite a few months eairler than expected and in the middle of winter. We will start eating our fish together with lots of vegies out of the raft beds, starting in about three weeks. That is, if some one hasn't bought the lot before then.

I am very glad that we put lots of capacity for solids removal and bio-filtration into the system because we are going away on holidays for two weeks and my sister-in-law is comming in to feed the fish. Fortunately there is very little maintenance required our two weeks absence because this was part of the design criteria. That part has really worked out well. Sister-in-law gets to harvest anything she wants out of the floating-raft and wicking beds, so she is happy.

Thanks for your good wishes.

Ray

[GaryD]

Hi,


I am very glad that we put lots of capacity for solids removal and bio-filtration into the system because we are going away on holidays for two weeks and my sister-in-law is comming in to feed the fish. Fortunately there is very little maintenance required our two weeks absence because this was part of the design criteria.
You've touched on a very important point. Those who promote the basic flood and drain system most vigorously (usually those who sell them) often make the point of KISS.....keep it simple.

Keeping it (too) simple at the design and build phases of a system means that you have to manage things more closely after the build.

Putting that bit more effort into the design provides more a more stable environment after the build.....and gives you much greater resilience in the event that something goes wrong.

You're reaping the benefit of the added effort (and the moderate increase in cost)......and I congratulate you.

Gary

[RayH]

This system is now sold.

The grandkids helped me catch, clean, cook and eat the fish and they are no more (that is the fish are no more - the kids are fine). For those that are interested in Silver Perch, they taste wonderful.


Ray

[Pugo]

It is a sad thing to be forced to sell your system, but that leaves room to build a new and better one at your new place so I guess there is a silver lining someplace in there..:) Glad to hear silver perch taste great. Oh! Good luck on the move I know how much of a headache that is for sure..