Mulberry Tree

After a very short month of no leaves the tree has sprouted new growth ready for new fruit. Adding value to the ARC.

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/mulberry.html
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/business/15319.html

* Irrigation: Although somewhat drought-resistant, mulberries need to be watered in dry seasons. If the roots become too dry during drought, the fruit is likely to drop before it has fully ripened.
* Fertilization: Mulberries generally thrive with minimal fertilization. An annual application of a balanced fertilizer such as 10:10:10 NPK will maintain satisfactory growth.

Clean and Net Construction

Purchased some polypipe to form a hoop to suspend netting around Tank 1 to prevent Trout from jumping. Began construction.
Cleaned all 'risers'
Placed 'sock' filter over inlet pipes to sump.
Created vortex/whirlpool to move sediment to centre of individual Tanks and flushed.
Backwashed, cleaned primary filter, drained and rinsed sump.
Added Tank water and restarted recirculation system.
Fed fish with John and Corey. Corey brought in small Yabbies and created Yabbie Tank in A4. Also some guppies(to be identified- maybe Mosquito Fish). John and Corey will get more Yabbies and will try to catch some Eels.
Hosed floor
Emptied garbage bin to school bin
* Lost another 'jumping' Trout

Maintenance and Classwork 8/8/05

We NEED rain...
Water Test including town tap water to check levels in case we need to use town water. We pride ourselves in supporting ZERO Town Water usage however it has been almost 5 weeks since our last significant rain. The tanks is well under half. Approach. 4000l. If we were to use Town water we would need to leave the water 'sit' for a least 10 days to allow chemicals to dissipate.

Water Temperature
tank1 tank2 tank3 tank4 tank5
13.0 13.0 13.0 13.4 13.0
aquarium1 aquarium2
17.5 11.0 (turned heater off- no fish)

pH
tank1 tank2 tank3 tank4 tank5
6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 7.4

ms (salt content)
tank1 tank2 tank3 tank4 tank5
0.87 0.87 0.87 0.87 0.87
aquarium1 aquarium2
1.00 1.41

tap:0.24 ???? What is this reading- we would expect approx 7.0 for pH and 0.0 for ms

Cut more squares of shade cloth to expand the capacity of the biofilter
Cleaned 'first rinse' device
Tested automatic feeder- GREAT!

Classwork
Continued development of Badge Maker PowerPoint Presentation
Term review/s- Bookwork, Network Folder, eMail- Unfinished Work N's

Feed 8/8/05

To ensure maximum growth and care students will feed and check the ARC Period/s 1 & 6. Thanks to John, Nicolas, Jermaine and Corey and for their help.

Fish Feed and Clean

Fish continue to feed well, even the Trout even though air temps have exceeded expected and average daily temps. Asisted by John, Nicolas and Corey. These students will take responsibility for morning feeding (P1). This will enable us to 'ramp up' the feeding of the Trout- just 3 months to harvest!
Cleaned and rinsed 'risers', swept and hosed ARC. Backwashed filter, cleaned primary filter basket and topped up sump. Used the sock filter to catch uneaten food and 'fish poo' when cleaning risers. Worked well, still need to ensure that socks will not come loose in the sump and block the filter!

Total Clean 3/8/05

Full Clean and Maintenance.
Flushed and rinsed all Tanks
Drained sump, flushed and refilled
Remove and cleaned all Risers
Backwashed and Rinsed Filter
Swept and hosed ARC floor
Morning Feed of fish

* with help from John and Joel

Water Test 29/7/05

pH 6.6
Conductivity .82
Water Temp 14.3
Air temp 13.2

Class Activities 29/7/05

After beginning work in the computer learning space student management teams were allocated jobs in the ARC...
* continue and finalise Grading of Trout
* construction of biofilter socks
* feeding- Trout, Silver Perch fingerlings, Australian Bass
cleaning
* Water Testing (tests to be published later)
* Mini Projects have been developed for management teams including... Worm Farm, Brine Shrimp, Salt Water Aquarium and Yabbie Growing.

** Lost another 'jumping' Trout

'Jumping Trout' Batman! Stage 3 students feed Trout and observe Trout Grading.

Class Activities 28/7/05

Yr9 were joined in the ARC by Stage 3 students (yrs 5-6) today to grade Trout and feed fish.
Trout had previously been graded to ensure that each Trout had feeding access to grow at the maximum rate. 3 tanks had been set aside to enable large, medium and small gradings. Today Trout that had been graded as medium (T4) and living in a polyculture with 2 very large Silver Perch were graded to T1 (Large) and T3 (Medium).
All students enjoyed the interaction and learned a lot from each other. Jack (Yr6) took some photos see above.

Wyong Shire Councillors visit the ARC

Wyong Councillors Visit ARC

An enthusiastic ‘caravan’ of councillors from Wyong Shire visited the ARC today to get first hand experience of the exciting learning and research venture which is known as the ARC. Councillors were impressed with the underpinning environmental philosophy that the ARC has been built on:
A complete recirculation, commercial standard Aquaculture learning and research centre that uses only rainwater and advanced filtering techniques to ensure NO wastage of water occurs
Research and development of sustainable food production
Effective and efficient use of a small, intensive allocation of land to achieve maximum growth of both native and introduced species
OH&S teaching and learning
Industry partnerships with: Central Coast Aquaculture Foundation, Swimart, WaterCo, Wyong Shire Council, CIBA and MPG Fish Kariong.

Total Clean 27/7/05

Full Clean and Maintenance.
Flushed and rinsed all Tanks
Drained sump, flushed and refilled
Remove and cleaned all Risers
Backwashed and Rinsed Filter
Swept and hosed ARC floor

Feed and Check

All fish fed well.
Swept Floor
Checked recirculation system, adjusted flow
1 * trout jumper
Used car to roll out/flatten drive way

Maintenance

Quick Clean of Risers
Drained & Flushed Sump
Refilled, Backwashed and Rinsed.
Filled Sump
Covered some outlet holes with gaffer tape to test reduction of spray onto floor.
Added 250g of Bi-carb Soda and 500g of Salt
Swept Floor
Dead...1 * micky mouse, 1 * jumping trout, 3 * Silver Perch Fingerlings
Used car to compress new driveway
Fish Fed Well

New Driveway, Paths and Parking Area completed

Aim and Learning Outcomes Semester II

Semester II

Learning Outcomes

• Assesses the potential of aquaculture to sustain wild fish stocks and the aquatic environment
• Explains why aquaculture provides an economically sustainable source of food
• Identifies, describes and evaluates the ethical, social and sustainability issues related to the marine environment
• Demonstrates safe and responsible use of a range of materials, equipment and techniques in different aquaculture, marine and maritime situations
• Identifies and describes a range of aquaculture, marine and maritime vocations and leisure pursuits
• Collects and organises data by experimenting and accurately reading instruments, signals and charts and communicates this information

Future Jobs (Updated)

*** Please add your 'comments' to this list*** (members only)

Complete making filter socks for Biofilter. **(started see photo) Got some more shadecloth.
Seal extremity holes in return to tank PVC pipes to reduce splashing. (Try electrical tape first?)
Build second biofilter **(need more fruit bags, shade cloth etc.) increase flow of water to second biofilter.
Got a big pot to boil up some oyster shells to remoc=ve remains ready for Bio-Filter
Foam Fractionator **(investigating Internet)
DONE! Clean Algae off walls/floor of T1 test to see if filter will take algae out of the water.
Clean out T7 (blue rectangular tank in Lab)
Move 1000l CIBA tank to outside to collect and hold waste water for use in hydroponics.
Setup 1000l CIBA tank inside as additional tank T6.
Move graded trout from T4 to T1 (Students to do first week back)
Do complete water test... including hardness (calcium), Ammonia, Nitrate etc.
DONE! Although need more electrical and wet/slippery signs. Complete signage eg. OH&S in ARC and Lab **(need pins)
Companion Farming- Worm Farming, Poultry- Chook Farm. Investigate with Wyong Shire Council, Commercial etc. **(investigated plans- student project management teams to build)
Bins from Wyong Shire Council for storage and rubbish

Construction Work on the driveway, paths and parking area at the ARC

Sump Debris- excess feed and faeces (sump internal photo shows drained sump, inlet pipe, debris and shut off switch)

Maintenance 16/7/05

Rinsed primary filter, drained and flushed Sump to remove excess food and debris. (see photos)
Backwashed and then refilled sump approx. 600l of rainwater from tank.
Scrubbed Algae in T2 walls only.
Exchanged 2/3 of A3 for fresh tank water.
Cleaned and replaced filters in A1, A2, & A3.
Swept floor.
Australian Bass fed well on 'new' Silver Perch feed however still consumed all 3 cubes of Blood Worm.
Silver Perch fingerlings fed on 'new' Silver Perch 2mm feed.

** Work continued on driveway and paths to & from ARC (see photos)

Water Test 15/7/05

pH 6.4
Conductivity .68
Water Temp 14.3
Air temp 14.5

** Added to Sump- 400 g of Bi-carb Soda.
Cleaned Risers and Scrubbed Algae from walls and floor in T1, T3, T4, T5.
Added water to A1, A2
** Work commenced on driveway, paths and car park areas. Levelled and formwork in place.

Silver Perch Starter Pellets* Details as per HACCP requirements

Silver Perch Starter Feed

Silver Perch Starter Pellets Arrive

1 * 25kg bag of Silver Perch StarterFeed Pellets 2mm received today.

This feed will enable us to provide exact feed requirements for the 400 Silver Perch Fingerlings.
Compare the Analysis of the feed eg. Protein, Fat, Fibre to the *Trout* Grower Feed delivered earlier. See photos of label and bag for more detail.

www.aquaticfeeds.com.au
Protein 37%
Fat 10%
Fibre 4%
Digestible Energy 13.5MJ/kg
Ingredients: Fish Meal, Meat Meal, Poultry Meal, Maize Gluten, Soyabean Meal, Peas, Wheat, Fish Oil, Methionine, Lynsine, Vitamins & Minerals.
Bag No. 2881
* Details as per HACCP requirements

http://www.safefood.nsw.gov.au/

Water Test 14/7/05

pH 6.3
Conductivity .68
Water Temp 14.2
Air temp 12.8

** Added to Sump- 100 g of Bi-carb Soda.

Water Test 12/7/05

pH 6.4
Conductivity .63
Water Temp 14.2
Air temp 12.7

Quick Maintenance 9/7/05

Backwashed Filter, rinsed primary filter basket, topped up Sump. Fish fed well. Made a few more bio-socks.

2* 25kg bags of Trout Grower Feed

HACCP Identity Label

Fish Feed Received

2 * 25kg of Trout Grower Feed 43/26/Pellets 4mm received today.
Crude Protein 43%
Crude Fat 26%
Crude Fibre 1.33%
Pellet Size 4MM
Date of Manufacture 26/5/05
Run # 50196
Bag # 156

* Details as per HACCP requirements
http://www.safefood.nsw.gov.au/

Bio-Socks- [L] 'fruit bag' of Bio-balls, [R] 'fruit bag' of shade cloth to be added to Biofilter.

Water Test 8/7/05

pH 6.7
Conductivity .57
Water Temp 15.5
Air temp 13.7

** Added to Sump- 200 g of Bi-carb Soda and 100g of Rock Salt to balance water chemicals.
Topped up Sump.

Water Test 7/7/05

pH 5.8
Conductivity .01
Water Temp 15.6
Air temp 18.0

** Added to Sump- 100 g of Bi-carb Soda.

Ordered Silver Perch Feed- Windsor

Ordered 2mm Silver Perch Pellets. Delivered via Aust. Post.
Paul's Stockfeeds Ph 0245 772 148

The ARC- Aquaculture Recirculation System

Maintenance 5/7/05

Swept Floor ARC & LAB
Water Test
Backwashed Filter
Refilled with Tank/Rain Water approx 500l
Ground native fish food to create dust and crumble (coffee grinder)
Graded Fish Feed/photographed (to be added to Blog)
Topped up A1, A2 exchanged water in A3
Drained and flushed sump (removed over feed & faeces)

Classified Feed

See photo of various fish feeds. Expected delivery of trout Pellets 6/6/05

Water Test 5/7/05

pH 6.4
Conductivity .58
Water Temp 16.2
Air temp 17.4

** Added to Sump- 200 g of Bi-carb Soda and 100g of Rock Salt to balance water chemicals.

Visual Description of Fish Feed

Silver Perch- Breeding Pair?

A pair of Silver Perch of breeding age where sourced from MPGFish today and introduced to Tank 4 (T4). Polyculture- Trout and Silver Perch in the one tank.
T4 contained the graded Trout of medium size which have almost caught up to the graded large Trout. These will be combined with T1, large Trout in a couple of weeks. We see no issue with the Trout and Silver Perch cohabitating. This is a significant step leading to our first attempts at producing our own fingerlings- more information as Spring approaches. If you are a member of Aquaculture @ Wadalba Blog please add your comments. Photos to follow.

ARC

Feed and Clean 26/6/05

All fish thriving. Testing Silver Perch to move from dust/crumble to specific Silver Perch food- 1mm pellet.
Stimulating Bass with Blood Worm- found fish NOT excited by pellets?

Trout gorging themselves and growing rapidly. Have order Trout feed, will hopefully pick-up this week.

Siphoned sump and tanks T3-5 to remove faeces etc.

The 'big' clean has made it easy to ensure best conditions for all fish.

Tidied new cupboard and stored Datalogger, chemicals etc.

NSW Aquaculture Peak Body

NSW Aquaculture Peak Body
The meeting to consider the formation of an aquaculture peak body for NSW took place at the NSW Fisheries Port Stephens Facility on Saturday the 25th June at 10.00 am.
This is a crucial time for aquaculture in NSW. The aquaculture industry in NSW needs a “voice” to promote what is the sensible use of natural resources.
Land based aquaculture is still in its infancy due to a lack of incentives , and the excess of “red tape”. Much of this is directly due to the public perception of aquaculture and what constitutes “sustainable industry”. The P.B. needs to urgently address these and other issues.
There are already a lot of good people involved in the aquaculture industry in NSW.

Cleaned Floor

To ensure proper hygiene the floor of the ARC was hosed.

Total Clean

We have developed a set of instructions to clean the recirculation system. Student tested the instructions today.
Full Clean and Maintenance.
· Turn off all Shut Off Valves from Tanks 1-5
· Pump will drain the sump storing additional water in all Tanks. *Be careful that Tanks do not overflow.
· When water falls below the ‘Sump to Pump’ outlet turn pump off. Do not run pump dry.
· Siphon fish faeces and excess food from the bottom of Tanks 1-5 to a bucket/s. Use this water to water Chrysanthemums (good nutrient value for plants).
· Remove the Riser from Tank 1 (large Trout) and use the hose spray with town water to completely rinse and clean riser. * Be careful to not spill contents of Riser when taking it out of tank. Rub and remove any algae from the Riser.
· Use the Riser from Tank 1 to replace the Riser in Tank 2 (small fingerling Silver Perch) so as not to allow fingerlings to enter drain pipe. * Be careful to not spill contents of Riser when taking it out of tank.
· Use the hose spray with town water to completely rinse and clean riser. Replace Riser in Tank 1
· Remove the Riser from Tank 3, then Tank 4, then Tank 5 and use the hose spray with town water to completely rinse and clean risers. * Be careful to not spill contents of Riser when taking it out of Tank. Rub and remove any algae from the Riser.
· Turn Off the Sump to Pump valve
· Turn the handle on the filter to Close. This will prevent the filter water emptying from the Filter Basket.
· Remove the screw lid from the Filter Basket and empty and wash the basket with hose spray and town water. Replace basket after checking ‘O’ ring.
· Lay the pool filter hose across floor from Sump to outside roller door and down the side of the ARC.
· Remove Sump Drain Cap and balance pool hose in mouse of Sump Drain.
· Open the Sump Drain Valve and drain sump.
· Use town water and hose spray to ensure all excess food, faeces etc. is removed from Sump through the pool hose.
· Close Sump Drain Valve, replace cap.
· Begin to fill Sump with Rainwater Tank Water- will take approx 15-20 mins.
· Open all Tank Shut-Off Valves. This will return excess tank water to Sump.
· Open Sump to Pump Valve
· Turn handle on Filter to Backwash. When sump has at least 6 metal cage divisions start pump.
· Watch filter bulb to determine when backwashed water turns clear. Approx 1 minute?
· Turn Off pump
· Turn handle on Filter to Rinse. Run for approx. 10 seconds. Turn pump off.
· Turn handle to Filter. Turn pump on. You will need to turn pump off if sump runs dry. Continue filling Sump with Rainwater.
· Water level in Sump should balance out to 4 metal cage divisions.
· Do not leave until balance is achieved and sustained.

Water Test 24/6/05

pH 6.5
Conductivity .48
Water Temp 13.6
Air temp 17.10

Wyong Councillors visit ARC

Wyong Councillors- Mr Bob Graham amd Mr Neil Rose visited the ARC today. They were so impressed with our school community development that they have promised to return with the all councillors in the near future.

Photos of Feeders used in USA Recirculation Systems taken by Mr Godwin during his recent trip.

Wyong Councillors Visit ARC *Photo Bob Graham

Maintenance 20/6/05

Team Responsibility
1 Siphoned Tanks removed excess feed and faeces?
2 Water Test?
3 Feed Fish?
4 Move Cupbaord into LAB/Dismantle Carboard/Waxed Boxes and stack?
5 Stored hose?
6

Water Test 20/6/05

Temperature
ARC Air Temp: 19.7
Lab Air Temp: 20.1

Tank 1-5: 14.8

Aquarium 1: 20.7

Aquarium 2: 19.6

Aquarium 3: 14.4

pH

Tank 1-5: 6.8

Aquarium 1: 6.8

Aquarium 2: 6.9

Conductivity

Tank 1-5: 0 .48

Acquarium 1: 0.28

Aquarium 2: 0.97

Acquarium 3: 1.22

New Recirculation System Donated

Thanks to MPGFish of Mt Penang Gardens Kariong (Paul Kelly) for the donation of a new recirculation System.
2 * 1000l CIBA Tanks, Biofilter, Pump and plumbing. The system will be installed into the ARC and used in preparation for a Spring Spawn of Silver Perch.

Water Test 17/6/05

pH 6.9
Conductivity .49
Water Temp 14.4
Air temp 15.30

OH&S & the ARC

Our first priority is to ensure the safety of all those that enter the ARC. Students, Staff and Visitors.
We have:
- fitted a Fire Extinguisher
- fitted locks to the fridge and freezer and designated the fridge as a chemical store- no human food or drink
- relocated a cupboard which will also be classified as a chemical store and secure store for equipment
- placed signs to notify users of the ARC about the risk of electrocution, slipping, tripping etc. and safe practices that should be followed
- all lessons in MS and MAT underpin OH&S issues, especially those that are unique to the water environments that we work and learn in/near.

* need to source appropriate ‘pool’ signs for resuscitation etc. to be mounted in the ARC. If you have any other ideas please leave a comment.

Water Test 16/6/05

pH 6.8
Conductivity .51
Water Temp 15.5
Air temp 14.2

Class Act (Yr9 AT)

Allocated management teams had different responsibilities again.
Team 6- Water Testing
Team 5- Feeding (including coffee grinding)
Teams 1-4 Construction of BioFilter Socks

Feeding Frenzy

The Trout have increased considerably in their food consumption rate and size. We will need to look into a further purchase of similar food. The Silver Perch are also thriving with the ‘dust/crumble’ produced with the help of the coffee grinder. The Bass are feeding but are not showing the same enthusiasm for their feed.

Routine Maintenance 13/6/05

Cleaned Risers
Siphoned excess food and faeces from bottom of T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, A3
Backwashed Filter & Rinsed
Swept
Water Test including Ammonia & Nitrate
Tidied
Topped up Tanks 1-5 with rainwater, A2, A3 with T1 water
Added 120gms salt to A2 (possible disease??)
Added 250gms salt & 250 gms of Bicarb Soda to sump (T1-T5)
Fed Fish

*All fish doing extremely well.

Water Test 13/6/05

pH 6.6
Conductivity .42
Water Temp 16.6
Air temp 17.10
Ammonia .25
Nitrate 5.0

Trout Grower Food

Trout Grower Food was originally purchased from Ridley Aqua-Feed Narangba Qld.
It is a 4mm pellet containing:
Crude Protein 43%
Crude Fat 26%
Crude Fibre 1.33%

It was purchased in 25KG bags @ $60.00 from Radley's Rural Supplies- no longer sell

400 Silver Perch

400 Silver Perch fingerlings to T2. Used 'coffee grinder' to produce powder/crumble for new fish. Fish on Agistment from Mt Penang Gardens- MPGFish. Purchased from UARAH Fisheries, Grong Grong NSW. Fish transported in cardboard boxes. Excellent service.

Biofilter 'Socks'

We are introducing Biofilter 'Socks' (plastic fruit and veg bags) to hold the filter medium/material. Up to 20 socks- 1m * 20cm will be filled with filter material and then inserted into our Biofilter. We will experiment with other medium including cleaned oyster shells.

Filter Backwash and rinse today. Replenished water with Tank water approx. >100l. Concerns over lack of rain to replenish rainwater tank.

All fish thriving.

New Arrivals

As part of our industry relationship we accepted delivery of 92 Australian Bass at 12.30pm. These have been placed in T5. A small number 5-6 very small fish were placed in A3.

Routine Maintenance 5/6/05

Cleaned Risers
Flushed T1, T2
Siphoned bottom of T3, T4, T5
Backwashed Filter
Flushed and cleaned sump
Hosed floor of ARC
Swept
Replaced 1/5 20% of water in A1, A2, A3, A4
Water Test
Tidied
Topped up Tanks 1-5 with rainwater
Fed Fish

Water Test 5/6/05

pH 6.8
Conductivity .24
Water Temp 16.0
Air temp 17.7

Health and Disese Prevention

Established a 'salt bucket'. To be used to dip all equipment eg. nets to eliminate transfer of disease, pathogens etc. Purple Bucket. Please dip equipment after and before use.

Water Test 3/6/05

pH 6.6
Conductivity .24
Water Temp 14.9
Air temp 13.5

Trout Grading Complete

Growth of Trout expected to increase rapidly after grading, espicially Small and Medium sized fish.

Agist Fish- Mt Penang Gardens Project

An industry relationship has been developed through the CCAF (Central Coast Aquaculture Foundation) between Mt Penang Parklands/Gardens and Wadalba Community School Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC).

The ARC will develop an Aquaculture Management Plan for the Gardens with the goal to supply the park with a range of species grown in the ARC to restock the dams/wetlands.
An assessment will also be done to provide advice on improvements to the current Kariong facility to improve growth and survival of current and future aquaculture species.

Involvement will begin immediately with:
100 Bass (70 mm to 120 mm) from Mt Penang will be transported to the ARC facility on Monday afternoon 6/6/05.

20 Murray Cod (120 > 150 mm) from Mt Penang will be transported to the ARC facility on Monday afternoon 6/6/05.

400 Silver Perch fingerlings (50 > 80 mm) from Mt Penang will be transported to the ARC facility on Friday Morning 10/6/05.

These will be grown out and then returned to Kariong.

Water Test 2/6/05

pH 7.0
Conductivity .24
Water Temp 14.6
Air temp 16.5

Trout Grading Commenced

Grading and counting of Trout commenced. Trout will be graded into 3 sizes- small, medium and large. Grading is essential to enable all trout to grow to their potential.
Trout currently in T1 & T2 will be graded into Small T3, Medium T4 and Large T5. Trout will then be returned to Large T1, Medium T2.
Reduction of stress is vital- stress, physical damage and handling (mucus) could cause short term and medium term deather to fish.

Completed Transfer

Students completed transfer of Murray Cod and Yellowbelly from 1000l tanks to Aquarium (Lab). Acclimatised fish- time, water temp and water. This leaves Tanks 3-5 available for future 'agistment'. Refilled tanks and sump to 'normal' level. Need to reactivate Biological filter and investigate protein skimmer. MUST grade Trout utilising Tanks 3-5 then transfer back to Tanks 1-3.

Water Test 30/5/05

pH 7.30
Conductivity .24
Water Temp 14.9
Air temp 17.2

Maintenance

Backwashed filter.

New Equipment

Setup Aquarium 1 with heater for Murray Cod. Connected air hose to reconditioned air filters. New air stones, wool and activated carbon.

Central Coast Aquaculture Foundation Meeting

The group is meeting at WCS ARC today. This is a strong political group whose mission is to develop, promote and protect a sustainable aquaculture industry for the benefit of all stakeholders & the environment.
http://www.ccaf.org.au/

Water Test 27/5/05

pH 6.90
Conductivity .24
Water Temp 15.4
Air temp 15.0

Excess Food

Excess food. Suspended feeding of fish to develop scientific determination of mass of food for each tank. Will purchase scales and conatiners to prepare food each day? Drained and Flushed Sump. Backwashed and rinsed. Adjusted air flow to balance air to Lab and Aquarium.

Water Test 24/5/05

pH 6.30
Conductivity .14
Water Temp 16.2
Air temp 14.3

System Check-up and Clean

• Removed, rinsed, flushed and cleaned risers in Tanks 3-5. Significant debris, mould etc.
• Syphoned debris from base of Tanks 1-5. Left over food, dead fish and mould.
• Replaced 50% of water in Silver Perch aquarium (Aquarium 3). Dead fish- indicating a problem with water?
• Filled Aquarium 4-5. Ready for future use?
• Joined Tank 3 to recirculation system (Bi-carb Soda). Have been slowly mixing water with tanks for 1 week.
• Replaced air stone in Aquarium 3. Air stone discoloured, maybe adding unwanted chemicals?
• Cleaned filter in Aquarium 3. Old and discoloured. Need to purchase activated charcoal.

Aeration System Extended

The aeration system has been extended to supply air to the Lab (as well as the hatchery) and the aquariums, replacing the need to have small aquarium tank pumps.

Move Yellowbelly and Murray Cod

Murray Cod and also Yellowbelly will be moved to the Lab into Aquarium by students next week. This will allow greater control of their environment and food. We have continued to have significant losses of both species although the Murray Cod have has the most loss.

Silver Perch added

To extend our species farmed at the ARC 22 Silver Perch were added to the ARC this morning. Transported from Taree by Graham the fingerlings have been quarantined in the Lab section of the ARC using aquariums. After observation a decision will be made to either introduce them to the re-circulation system or continue their time in the Lab.

Yabbies Moved

Yabbies (Crayhaven) moved from the dedicated yabby grow out tank to the Trout tanks. This represents a change from the Monoculture situation (growing only one species in a given area) to Polyculture or Multiculture growing multiple species together.
http://www.alken-murray.com/glossarybug2.html
The yabbies will consume any of the over feed left on the bottom of the tanks. AND hopefully the Trout will not consume the Yabbies?

Water Test 16/5/05

pH 6.50
Conductivity .24
Water Temp 18.0
Air temp 16.1

Bi-Carb Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

System Backwash and flush. Sump drained and flushed to remove waste food etc.
Added rain water to Tank 3 to allow it to settle before rejoining Tank 3 to the recirculation System. Added 200g then 500g Bi-Carb Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) to act as a pH Buffering Agent.

Water Test 14/5/05

pH 6.30
Conductivity .19
Water Temp 19.0
Air temp 19.8

Water Test 13/5/05

pH 6.0
Conductivity .14
Water Temp 19.5
Air temp

Water ‘soapy’ due to feed. Needed to backwash and flush 3 times to return water to usual clarity. Will not feed for a couple of days to allow system to correct itself.

Water Test 5/5/05

pH 6.70
Conductivity .21
Water Temp 20.0
Air temp 21.7

More Murray Cod Dead

2 more Murray Cod fatalities. Will have to setup aquarium and isolate fish to determine problem. Is it temperatue?

Sump Drain

Excess food had been carried into the sump. We need to fit 'socks' to the inlet pipes to filter out solid material such as food and fish waste. The sump was drained as much as possible by continuing the recirculation while tank valves were turned off. Once the water level had fallen below the pump valve the motor was switched off and a hose connected to the outlet valve at the base of the sump. All water and excess food etc. was drained. New water from the rainwater tank was added and the recirculation restarted. Excess food will decompose releasing dangerous nitrates and ammonia into the system.

Murray Cod Fatality

We have lost 12 Murray Cod in total with 2 more being found today. All dead fish are stored in the ARC Freezer for later examination and measurement. Water tests confirm that the water is healthy. It has been 4 weeks since the fish were introduced. The temperature of the recirculated system is 21.9C. Murray Cod prefer temps from 24-26C. We may have to move them from their current tank to an aquarium to better control the water temp?

Water Test 1/5/05

pH 7.50
Conductivity .19
Water Temp 20.6
Air temp 18.0

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.