Full Flush and Backwash- Fish & Water Update

A full flush, syphon and backwash was carried out on the recirculation system. No rain so the rainwater tank (11,000l) is of concern. An additional tank will need to be purchased and significant rain will need to fall.

Trout are feeding and showing signs of significant growth. Trout will need to be graded soon and divided into Large, Medium and Small and placed into 3 separate tanks.

Golden Perch are also thriving with only 1 fatality over the past 4 weeks. Estimated size now 70mm. Yellowbelly are feeding on commercial pellets and also Blood Worms and Brine Shrimp.

Fatalities have continued with the Murray Cod. The fish prefer Blood Worms and it is difficult to wean them onto commercial pellets.

Yabbies are NOT thriving- seems to be a problem that we are unable to find/solve. Water is being changed weekly, water is clear and oxygenated?

Corrugated Iron lining of boundary fence.

Barry completed the lining of the boundary fence. A great job that will assist in security of the farm and reduce damage to the paling fence
The gate support pole has been concreted in place and the gate will be installed/swung shortly.
The grounds have been mown a third time, boundary weeds have been poisoned and the rough weeds and grass are being turned into lawn.

Ammonia and Nitrate Kit Purchased

Kits were purchased to extend water testing. Up until now we have tested PH, Salinity (Conductivity), Temperature. We are missing a probe for the DO (Disolved Oxygen) meter and the probe for the Datalogger is not working. We are investigating additional probes for our current dataloggers for Ammonia, Nitrate etc. readings are recorded in a spreadsheet and tracked to monitor changes.

Water Test 27/4/05

pH 7.20
Conductivity .19
Water Temp 21.4
Air temp 23.1

Water Test 20/4/05

pH 7.40
Conductivity .27
Water Temp 21.9
Air temp 18.7

'Black Box' Technology to Monitor ARC Pumps

If recirculation stops due to water loss in the sump a float switch (relay) will stop power to the pump/motor. When the water level is restored the float switch will reactivate the pump/motor. This sytem attempts to prevent 'burn out' of the motor if it continues to run dry. Blue Glue (http://www.blueglue.biz) has assisted WCS/ARC through 'black box' technology which sends an SMS text message to a designated mobile number to warn that the punp is off/on. This allows intervention to correct the situation without loss of fish or expensive motors.