Aquaponics Digest - Thu 12/04/97




Message   1: Re: Commercial aquaculture

             from GROMAXaz

Message   2: Re: DANGER!: Animal Manure as Fish Food

             from "H.Doelle" 

Message   3: Re: Tilapia permits

             from HYDRO4U

Message   4: Small aquaponic systems

             from HYDRO4U

Message   5: Re: Small aquaponic systems

             from Rebecca Nelson 

Message   6: RE:Small aquaponic systems

             from Erik.Westgaard@pcsmail.pcshs.com

Message   7: SUCCESS- DIGEST AVAILABLE

             from S & S Aqua Farm 

Message   8: Re: SUCCESS- DIGEST AVAILABLE

             from S & S Aqua Farm 

Message   9: Re: Permits

             from "Geoffrey Stone" 

Message  10: Re: Commercial aquaculture

             from "Darren J. Hanson" 

Message  11: Re: Plastic tanks

             from "Geoffrey Stone" 

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| Message 1                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Commercial aquaculture

From:    GROMAXaz

Date:    Thu, 4 Dec 1997 15:20:03 -0500 (EST)

In a message dated 97-12-04 13:32:51 EST, Frank wrote:

<< I've not had any direct experience but am considering implementing such a

 system. But it must be operated on a commercial basis to produce a

reasonable

 return on investment and labor.  Thanks so much for sharing your

experiences.

  >>

Frank, I have two more points to make regarding feeding with lower density

levels and facility design.   Regardless of the shape of the tank, I would

look to line the tank with a cage to prevent breeding and reduce the

territoriality of Tilapia during growout.  By using course netting material

and an expandable framework, I can increase the size of the cage during the

growout phase to accomodate increased fish size.  I can also move the entire

cage of fish to another tank if necessary, however, I would not move more

than one time.  The common assumption is that you should keep density levels

high at all times.  I beleive density levels should be high only during the

final stages of growout where you would intensify aeration and improve the

ration for a short period.  This reduces the risk of problems.

Ben

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| Message 2                                                           |

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Subject: Re: DANGER!: Animal Manure as Fish Food

From:    "H.Doelle" 

Date:    Fri, 05 Dec 1997 08:37:20 +1100

Dear Rob,

Thanks for the message below. I had not heard such an implication as yet,

but it certainly demonstrates the increasing danger of some practices.

I actually learned two days ago, that we had in Australia two tragic deaths

of people using 'potting mixtures' in their gardening activities. Elderly

people. They found Leggionella in the potting mix and now a health warning

is out all over our country to 'use gloves when working with any potting

mixtures OR compost mixtures' and thoroughly clean hands etc. after use.

In my teaching I always emphasize: MICROORGANISMS ARE THE MOST POWERFUL

CREATURES ON THIS PLANET. THEY CAN KILL MERCILESS BUT CAN ALSO DO A

MAGNIFICENT JOB. Sounds familiar ? It is true !

I most sincerely hope and wish that your friend will recover as difficult as

it may be.

Best regrads and many thanks

Horst Doelle

Horst W.Doelle,D.Sc.

Director, MIRCEN-Biotechnology Brisbane

Chairman, IOBB

Hon.Member of Depts. Microbiology & Chemical Engineering

FAX: +617-38783230

Email: H.Doelle@mailbox.uq.edu.au

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| Message 3                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Tilapia permits

From:    HYDRO4U

Date:    Thu, 4 Dec 1997 16:49:11 -0500 (EST)

In a message dated 97-12-04 01:21:31 EST, you write:

> Subj:  Re: Hello

>  Date:        97-12-04 01:21:31 EST

>  From:        gwatkins@yournet.com (Gordon Watkins)

>  Sender:      aquaponics

>  Reply-to:    aquaponics@townsqr.com

>  To:  jr2476@alpha.rwu.edu (Jason Rochelo)

>  CC:  aquaponics@townsqr.com (Aquaponics)

>  

>  My understanding is that permits for tilapia are only required in

>  states like Texas and Florida where tilapia can survive year-round in

>  the wild, which I doubt would be the case in RI. Perhaps others can

>  confirm?

>       I recently posted the particulars of research done at NC State in the

>  early 90's. If you would like it please email me directly. I'd be

>  interested in hearing what other research some of you have uncovered.

>                               Regards,

>                                       Gordon

>  

>  

  Virginia also requires a permit for Tilapia. 

Carl 

Carl O. Anderson                            Virginia Hydroponics, Inc.

(757) 490-5425                               368 Newtown Rd. #105

HYDRO4U                      Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Teacher Resource Center                  http://www.hydro4u.com

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| Message 4                                                           |

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Subject: Small aquaponic systems

From:    HYDRO4U

Date:    Thu, 4 Dec 1997 16:49:13 -0500 (EST)

Hello all, 

   Is anyone familiar with a low cost, small system or kit, or plans 

to build a small system?  We have many students wanting to do 

science projects and they need the hardware to make it work.  We 

try to help with descriptions of how they can build something, but 

many don't have the tools or talent.  

Also, several schools have expressed interest in smaller systems

that would allow for a variety of comparisons.  Any suppliers of 

off-the-shelf systems at reasonable costs?  

Carl 

Carl O. Anderson                            Virginia Hydroponics, Inc.

(757) 490-5425                               368 Newtown Rd. #105

HYDRO4U                      Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Teacher Resource Center                  http://www.hydro4u.com

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| Message 5                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Small aquaponic systems

From:    Rebecca Nelson 

Date:    Thu, 04 Dec 1997 14:06:49 -0800

>    Is anyone familiar with a low cost, small system or kit, or plans

> to build a small system?  We have many students wanting to do

> science projects and they need the hardware to make it work.  We

> try to help with descriptions of how they can build something, but

> many don't have the tools or talent.

> Also, several schools have expressed interest in smaller systems

> that would allow for a variety of comparisons.  Any suppliers of

> off-the-shelf systems at reasonable costs?

The only small aquaponics kits that I am aware of are sold by Aquatic

Eco-Systems in Florida  1-800-422-3939.  There are two different types

listed in their 97 catalog.  If there are others I would love to hear

about them.

Rebecca Nelson

Nelson/Pade Multimedia

tel 209-742-6869, fax 209-742-4402

http://www.aquaponics.com

Publisher of the Aquaponics Journal

Producer of:

  - The Encyclopedia of Hydroponic Gardening CD-Rom

  - All About Aquaculture CD-Rom

  - The Hydroponics Curriculum

  - How To Start and Succeed in the Hydroponics Business Book

  - Hobby Hydroponics Video

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| Message 6                                                           |

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Subject: RE:Small aquaponic systems

From:    Erik.Westgaard@pcsmail.pcshs.com

Date:    4 Dec 1997 23:16:30 UT

In regards to this earlier email, please define what low cost really means to

you.  I have a small system outside here in Phoenix, that I have built and

beingvery cost-consious, I have found that a complete aquaponic system can be

built with very minimal cost.  Just define the size of the unit and dollars

available.

Example:  Using an aquarium, cycle timer, powerhead, little hose, air-pump.

Boom, instant system for less than US$100.

------------------( Forwarded letter 1 follows )--------------------

Date: Thu Dec 04 14:47:02 1997

To: aquaponics@townsqr.com

From: HYDRO4U

Reply-To: aquaponics@townsqr.com

Subject: Small aquaponic systems

Hello all,

   Is anyone familiar with a low cost, small system or kit, or plans

to build a small system?  We have many students wanting to do

science projects and they need the hardware to make it work.  We

try to help with descriptions of how they can build something, but

many don't have the tools or talent.

Also, several schools have expressed interest in smaller systems

that would allow for a variety of comparisons.  Any suppliers of

off-the-shelf systems at reasonable costs?

Carl

Carl O. Anderson                            Virginia Hydroponics, Inc.

(757) 490-5425                               368 Newtown Rd. #105

HYDRO4U                      Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Teacher Resource Center                  http://www.hydro4u.com

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| Message 7                                                           |

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Subject: SUCCESS- DIGEST AVAILABLE

From:    S & S Aqua Farm 

Date:    Thu, 04 Dec 1997 18:20:01 -0600

Members - 

After several days of researching ways to provide a digest version (and

possibly an archive file), Kathy Conner, our local wonderful, caring ISP

provider co-owner, has found a way to work a digest version with existing

software so the cost doesn't skyrocket.  Earlier investigations found

massive software which could only be licensed at a cost of appx. $2,500/year

- way out of the realm of our budget.

*******************************************************************************

If you wish to subscribe to the digest format for this list, which will be

sent once per day, send a message to:

aquaponics-digest-request@townsqr.com

no subject.

In the message body:

subscribe

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Once confirmed, you may unsubscribe from the individual message format by

sending a message to:

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In the message body:

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*******************************************************************************

We are so grateful to Kathy for this service.  One of the many reasons we

enjoy living in our relatively small rural community.

Next week we will implement our archive format onto our web page.  Until

then, we are saving all correspondence by subject and will be happy to

forward entire files to those who wish it.  

Thanks to all of you who have stayed with us during this set-up phase.

Paula Speraneo

S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/

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| Message 8                                                           |

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Subject: Re: SUCCESS- DIGEST AVAILABLE

From:    S & S Aqua Farm 

Date:    Thu, 04 Dec 1997 18:25:39 -0600

Sorry - one more note,

People will not be able to send messages to "aquaponics-digest@townsqr.com"

-- they will have to send any messages to "aquaponics@townsqr.com"

Happy to note that as of 6:13 today, 139 individuals have subscribed to this

list.

Now, on to the topics and more progress!

Paula Speraneo

S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/

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| Message 9                                                           |

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Subject: Re: Permits

From:    "Geoffrey Stone" 

Date:    Thu, 4 Dec 1997 17:29:02 -0600

The "Baitfish, Mussel and Fish Farmers Regulations" updated November, 1996

state:

FISH FARMER REGULATIONS

42.00-A FISH FARMER DEFINED.  A Fish Farmer shall mean any person, firm, or

corporation engaged in the propagation or production of crawfish, fish,

turtles or minnows on property owned or controlled by said farmer.

42.01-FISH FARMER PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.  It shall be unlawful for fish

farmers to culture and/or sell fish, aquatic turtles, crawfish, or minnows

without first obtaining a Fish Farmers Permit annually.  etc.

There is an exception for fish intended for aquarium hobbyist trade.

This was obtained from the AR Game and Fish Commission; 2 Natural Resources

Dr.; Little Rock, AR 72205

-----Original Message-----

From: Gordon Watkins 

To: aquaponics@townsqr.com 

Date: Thursday, December 04, 1997 7:55 AM

Subject: Permits

>Hell Geoff,

> Do you recall the requirements for obtaining a permit in AR? Does it

>have to do with the size of the operation or the species raised?

> Thanks, Gordon

>

>Geoffrey Stone wrote:

>>

>> I obtained a permit for fish farming from the AR Game & Fish Commission.

I

>> assume other states have a similar agency.  The permit costs $25/yr. in

AR.

>>

>

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| Message 10                                                          |

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Subject: Re: Commercial aquaculture

From:    "Darren J. Hanson" 

Date:    Thu, 4 Dec 1997 18:13:19 -0800 (PST)

At 03:01 PM 12/4/97 -0500, GROMAXaz wrote:

>With regards to sorting and continuing to feed the smaller fish, I think this

>is the kiss of death for a Tilapia enterprise.  At first sorting the smaller

>fish have demonstrated they are weaker and gain less on feed.  After several

>sortings you have now the poorest efficiency fish dominating your facilities.

> The solution is to keep the same lot of fish together through growout when

>you have reached the ideal weight for the largest fish.   At that time, sort

>them according to market (1lb to 1.5lb. for filets, 3/4lb to 1 lb. for live

>market and balance to the extruder).  This approach provides a true picture

>of your breeding stock capbilities and will allow you to produce fish at the

>maximum efficiency the breeding will allow.

Well, I've never tried to raise Tilapia, or any other food fish, on a

commercial basis, my fiancee and I do raise several varieties of ornamental

catfish for the pet trade. It is our experience that the fish that grow the

fastest are not necessarily the best users of food, rather they are the most

aggressive and successful in keeping the other fish from eating. Our

solution has been to keep stocking densities lower and scatter the food over

a large area. That way while the bullies are fighting over the food in one

corner, the less agressive fish and happily eating what's falling in the

other corners. 

It seems from the messages I've read on this list that most Tilapia

producers are growing out fingerlings that they are getting from another

source, but for those who are spawning their own fry, you need to keep in

mind that by always choosing from the largest, fastest growing fish, you are

actually selecting for agressive behavior. After a surprising small number

of generations, you can end up with a blood line that can no longer

successfully spawn without human intervention because they have become so

agressive. (Males kill females and/or the eggs and/or the newly hatched fry

in an effort to "defend their territory".)

Just my 2 cents.

-- dj

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| Message 11                                                          |

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Subject: Re: Plastic tanks

From:    "Geoffrey Stone" 

Date:    Thu, 4 Dec 1997 20:24:38 -0600

My one tank is 48"Dia. X 4' high X 0.040" thickness.  It is "Sun-Lite HP" a

Kalwall trademark.  It is also the same material that I used for the outside

glazing for my greenhouse.  The tank cost $415.00 delivered in March of '96.

Geoffrey Stone

Ozark, AR

-----Original Message-----

From: S & S Aqua Farm 

To: aquaponics@townsqr.com 

Date: Thursday, December 04, 1997 9:31 AM

Subject: Re: Plastic tanks

>At 09:13 PM 12/1/97 -0600, Geoff Stone wrote:

>>I purchased my tank from:

>>Solar Components Corp.

>

>Geoff - What size tank are you using?  Only one in your system?  Could you

>tell us what the cost was, including shipping?  We're always looking for

>alternative suppliers.

>

>Paula Speraneo

>S&S Aqua Farm, 8386 County Road 8820, West Plains, MO 65775  417-256-5124

>Web page  http://www.townsqr.com/snsaqua/

>

>



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