Member-only story
The winter is here in Melbourne
This is the second winter since I started my backyard aquaponics and I want to share my experience and how I manage my system and still grow fish and veges throughout the year.
Melbourne winter can be chilly and the temperature could go down to 0 ~ 3°C and in the early morning and 8~ 12°C during the day. It is an ideal temperature if you grow trouts as they thrive and grow well in a cold climate. Jonathan from Melbourne Aquaponics recommends growing trouts during the winter as you can harvest them in 6 months (Apr ~ Sep).
How I failed last winter
I started my aquaponic system with 5 Gold Fish and 15 Silver Perch fingerlings at the beginning of the last winter. The Gold Fish were great to start aquaponics for a beginner like me as they were more tolerant than other fish in terms of temperature, pH and ammonia. I got medium size in a local aquarium shop and introduced them as soon as my system was ready.
I observed the system for over 3 weeks and monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate level with a test kit. Everything looked good and I went to buy Silver Perch fingerlings.
I observed the system for over 3 weeks and monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate level with a test kit. Everything looked good and I went to buy Silver Perch fingerlings.
The Silver Perch, another popular Australian native fish for aquaponics, should be able to survive Melbourne winter, as they live in Victorian water, however, they prefer the temperature above 10°C.
My first 15 Silver Perch fingerlings, which I bought from Jason found in Gumtree, weren’t happy from the beginning compare to the Gold Fish. They were hiding at the corner and hardly moved and I couldn’t even tell if they were eating food.
