Aquaponicts is a rapidly growing commercial activity. Large commercial operations are developing around the world, including Australia. Back yard, or urban aquaponics, is also growing in popularity.
Some species of fish are better suited to growing in a RAS. for example, silver perch, an excellent pond culture fish, but not so good in tanks. Once this species achieves about 300-350gms, additional growth becomes very difficult. If you choose silver perch, don't expect to raise them to a greater size. There is always an exception to the rule, but generally this is the case with silver perch. On the plus side, silver perch will tolerate low temperatures quite well. Only a few 100 available now
Jade Perch on the other hand are an IDEAL fish for a RAS. They are the perfect beginners fish, almost bullet proof. On the down side, they need warm water. sold out
Sleepy cod are an excellent table fish. This species is best suited to tank culture. Grow-out in ponds has not been very successful, however tank growout has worked very well. Some commercial growers have experienced slow growth, however, others report quite acceptable growth rates. This species is a little more challenging because of the need to keep them crowded, and feeding. They need warm water. sold out
Barramundi are proven performers in a RAS, however they must be graded regularly. (They eat each other if the size variation is too great.) Commercial growers grade all their stock up to twice per week until they reach about 25cm. They also need warm water. (Not available this season)
Australian bass are one of those species which should be suitable for tank culture, however there are no reliable growth figures available yet. They will survive quite well at low temperatures. Their natural habitat ranges from Bundaberg, central Queensland all the way down to Victoria. Available in Late October - November
One of the most promising new species is Golden Perch. They are ideal for tank culture, grow fast, tolerate low temperatures and taste great. There are three distinct strains of golden perch, only one is suitable for grow-out, the Lake Eyre strain. sold out
Catfish, (Tandanus tandanus) are an interesting option for aquaponicts. They are an excellent table fish, one of the very best! A bonus to the practicing aquaponics enthusiast is, they are great cleaners of the tank bottom. Any uneaten food will be cleaned up quickly. They also help to keep things moving down at the bottom of the system, and in all the little spots where wast can hide and build up. Not much information is available on their growth rates but with more people adding a few to their systems it won't take long to build up some knowledge. Available about late december
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