1000 to 2000L aquaponics system advice

[juicemon]

ive always wanted a fish pond with big fish

i am going to set up in the next 6 months an aquaponics system using a 1000 or 2000L poly tank
thats 264 to 528 gallons
1000L = approx 520mm high , 1800mm diameter
2000L = 1160 high , 1800mm diameter

with expanded clay 500L grow troughs
and as many 50 to 60L biofilters as is required

its used for plants so pH will be bufferred around 6.5 to 7.5

low salinity. no more than 3 ppt.

i think ive got a good idea on how to make the system

what i need to know from experienced people here is what fish are fun to keep in there

if i have 2 x 1000l tanks ill prob split one for fish to eat - jade perch, silver perch, sleepy cod etc

but i want one just for fun

i live in a tropical climate.
in june (winter) the nights are 10-12c the days 25-27
in summer air temps are pretty much 28-33 day and night
i dont want to actively heat the tanks

heres a few pointers

1. ill be looking down so they need to be visible that way
2. it be good if they were surface feeders ammenable to hand feeding
3. 'dirty' is good. the waste systems feed me off feeding on their waste. i want a fish with a healthy appetite
3. predatory is fine, but aggressive is not
4. gregarious species preferred
5. they should take at least some of their diet as bsf larva, blue compost worms, land protein like beef heart and duckweed (optional)

so far im leaning to 2 or more of the following, depending on compatibility

Senegal birchir

Bala shark

Tiger barbs

kissing gourami

Saratoga

Paroon shark (when it gets too big ill get a bigger tank, http://www.heritagetanks.com.au/domestic_size.html, or ill just eat it!)

some of this is based on availability and on legality

any input is welcomed

 

[bykerdellic]

hi there, what you planning to grow???
ive some experiance with aquaponics..

 

[Brandons Fish Farm]

Good for you! You might have to rely on your system for food in the near future. I would consider Tilapia for your food fish as they grow quickly and can be fed vegetation and algae or prepared pellets. They provide plenty of nutrients for your plants, if your leaves start to look faded or yellow edged the water may be iron deficient just add a teaspoon of chelated iron once a month or so and they will green up nicely. The plant needs iron to produce chlorophyll Good luck with your system.
Rod <*(((>< <>< <>< <><