Aquarium 7 (School/Office Entry)

Aquarium 7 (A7) located in foyer exchanged 50% of water with ARC recirculation water.
Used discarded water for trees adjacent to school entry.
Cleaned glass, vacuumed bottom of tank ready for fish on Saturday.
Light source adjusted to be on between 7.00am and 3.00pm.

Tracking Down Gambusia, Mosquitofish

Have you seen this fish species. We are mapping the distribution of this noxious/introduced FROG and FISH KILLER! If you have seen this pest (fish) please let us know.

What is Gambusia, Mosquitofish

Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859
The Eastern Gambusia can be recognised by its dorsally flattened head, small, upturned mouth, large eyes, rounded tail and single dorsal fin.
It is green to brown on the back, grey with a bluish sheen on the sides and silvery-white on the belly.
Adult females are much larger than males. The female grows to 60 mm in length and often has a black mark on the side of the belly above the vent. Males grow to 35 mm and have a large gonopodium. This structure (clearly visible in both images) is formed by the thickened anal fin rays, and is used for sperm transfer to the female.
The Eastern Gambusia is native to the rivers of south-eastern America, but was introduced into Australia in the 1920s. Its reputation as a mosquito eater is responsible for one of its common names, Mosquitofish. In Australia, however the Eastern Gambusia appears no more effective at controlling mosquito populations than native fishes.
Its wide range of food items include ants, flies, aquatic bugs and beetles.
This species is now widespread in fresh coastal and inland waters of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is also recorded from coastal drainages of Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

http://www.amonline.net.au/fishes/fishfacts/fish/gholbrooki.htm

Construction Complete 8/9/05

Thanks to the Yr9 Construction 'Crew' the boardwalk is now complete.

* Trout Transfer almost complete from Tank 3 to Tank 1.
** New 1000l tank cleaned, positioned and filled awaiting new fish
*** Signage positioned on Tank 6

Yard cleaned and rubbish removed
Netting around T1 secured.

Full Clean and Maintenance 7/9/05

Rinsed Risers
Removed debris and excess food from bottom of Tanks 1-5
Backwashed/Rinsed Filter
Rinsed/Cleaned Sump
Rinsed Filter Basket
Rinsed new shade cloth for biofilter
Cleaned/Rinsed Biofilter material from Biofilter 3
Added Oyster Shells and new shade cloth to Biofilter 1 and 2

Changed 30% of water in Aquarium 1
Tidied ARC and LAB
Labelled Aquarium 5 & 6
Labelled Tank 7

Rainwater Tank is half full after weekend rain... see Bureau of Meteorology for details.
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_061273.shtml

** Construction Class almost finished boardwalk to protect plumbing behind tanks. Thanks Guys!

Fish Fed by John, Nick, Corey & Jermaine

Fish Fed by John, Nick, Corey & Jermaine. Tanks 1 & 2 look dirty- food on bottom of tanks.

Weather Report Monday 5/9/05

Automatic Weather Station Name: Norah Head
Observations
Date Time(AEST) Sunday 5/9/05
Temp(deg C): 10.2 Min 15.8 Max
Rain (mm): 9.6

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200509/html/IDCJDW2099.200509.shtml

Fish Fed by John & Mitchell

Mr Godwin Fed fish in morning. Fish fed in afternoon. The fish look fine.

Weather Report Sunday 4/9/05

Automatic Weather Station Name: Norah Head
Observations
Date Time(AEST) Sunday 4/9/05
Temp(deg C): 10.8 Min 14.3 Max
Rain (mm): 14.4

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200509/html/IDCJDW2099.200509.shtml

Quick Clean- Syphoned T2 (Tank 2)

Fish fed well. Dust & Crumble used to feed Silver Perch fingerlings in T2 has created some overfeeding waste which needed to be syphoned off.
Backwashed recirculation system to new reservoir- need to note quality of water from backwash as debris settles in reservoir.

Boiling Oyster Shells

Boiling Oyster shells ready for the Biofilter. (Thanks to Karen for putting up with the smell?)

Water Test 31/8/05

Tank pH Temp Cond
*
A1 8.4 21.4 1.17
A2 8.1 17.3 1.36
A4 7.9 17.4 1.07

**
T1 6.2 17.2 1.27
T2 6.1 17 1.27
T3 5.9 17.1 1.32
T4 5.9 16.9 1.27
T5 5.8 17.1 1.32

Results indicate...
* Change 50% of water to correct excessive pH in A1, A2, A4
** the need for the addition of Bi-Carb Soda to sump, re-circulation system T1-T5

Clean & Maintenance 31/8/05

All fish well. Cleaned ARC floor. Rinses Sump and risers. Backwashed. Will need major FULL clean by end of week. Fish feeding well.

Added 500gm Salt, 100gm Bi-Carb Soda to sump

New Reservoir for Hydroponics

Thanks to Mr Godwin who plumbed the 1000l tank to store backwashed water from our ARC recirculation system to be reused in hydroponics.

Maintenance

The Silver Perch quarentined died. It was frozen to examine later. No other fish appear to have problems.
1 * Dead jumping Trout (thanks to Daniel for the email report)

Feed and Check 27/8/05

Fish fed well.
Silver Perch (adult) moved to Aquarium 3- isolated from others (quarantine) due to possible fin rot. Added salt to A3 provide high salt content salt bath to attempt cure.
Added 1kg of Salt to recirculation system through sump to combat any possibility of transfer (if fin rot is confirmed).
http://www.aquaculturesolutionsaustralia.com/Bacterial_Fish_Diseases_In_Australian_Aquaculture.html

Check and Adjust Water Flow 26/8/05

Continued concern over Silver Perch (Adult) showing continued signs of 'fin rot'?. Sluggish, exposed flesh on Tail Fin (Caudal) & Anal Fin.
Adjusted water flow to individual tanks. Removed added ornaments to Aquarium 1?? Checked Murray Cod OK however looked stressed. Fed Australian Bass and Murray Cod (Blood Worm and Brine Shrimp). Will need to quarantine Silver Perch if condition worsens.
Image from http://floridafisheries.com/
Swept floor to remove spilt food and debris to minimise rodents etc. Moved new aquarium to LAB to prepare for establishment of Marine Tank (brackish water) with Bream, Flathead, Mullet etc. as part of Yr9 MAT Mini- Projects.

John, Nick, Corey- Fed all.

Water Test 25/8/05

Team (2) - Water Test


Team (1) - Measuring Weight/Mass of a Take-a-way plastic container of....
Trout Pellets- 378g
Dust & Crumble- 182g
Australian Native Pellets- 657g
Silver Perch Pellets- 110g
* Will need to re-measure when all containers have equal quantity.

** General Observations- Large Silver Perch showing odd behavior and damage to fins.

Clean 24/8/05

Rinsed Risers
Removed debris and excess food from bottom of Tanks 1-5
Backwashed Filter
Changed 30% of water in Aquarium 1
Topped up (50%) of Water in Aquarium 2 (unused at this time)
Tidied ARC and LAB
* great work by our general assistant in cutting grass, wipper snippering the ARC grounds and removing trusses.
** Rainwater Tank is DOWN to ONLY 1/3 (33%) of capacity
*** Construction Class is working on building a walkway to protect plumbing behind tanks. Thanks Guys
**** Mr Godwin has invented an automatic Fish Feeder and almost completed installation. This will ensure that our fish are fed JUST the right amount at JUST the right time. This will dramatically increase growth espicially in the Trout.

Corey & Jermaine- Fed all. Fed 'guppy' Gambusia, Mosquitofish to Australian Bass.

Water Test 23/8/05

Air Temperature ARC- 14.3
Temp. pH Conductivity
AQ 1 18.2 7.1 1.2 (Murray Cod)
AQ 4 10.9 6.6 1.07 (Porter's Creek Yabbies)

TANK 1-5 13.3 6.6 1.07 (Trout, Silver Perch, Australian Bass)

John, Nick, Corey, Saxon- No Blood Worms- Fed all. Wood pile gone, yard looks great, mowed today.

Clean 19/8/05

Cleaned Sump, did not flush and rinse. Backwashed system. Stored all food away from rodents to keep safe and dry. Created 'dust & crumble' using coffee grinder for Silver Perch fingerlings. Dropped off new waste paper baskets for oysters (biofilter) photos soon.

Need a major clean- still over feeding probably due to increased temperatures Trout eating less?
Tidied up ARC removed rubbish.

pH

Another 500g of bicarb was added today. pH is still around 6.0

Chemical Adjustment 17/8/05

We only use 2 chemicals in the Aquaculture Recirculation System- Salt and Bi-Carb Soda.
500g of Bi-Carb Soda was added today. This, as indicated in previous postings is used to correct pH by increasing pH to our prefered operating levels of 6-7 pH. The Bi-Carb also has a buffering affect in minimising pH swing, hardness/calcium content of the water etc. The Bi-Carb and ALL chemicals (Salt) are added to the Sump so that it is gently/slowly combined with the recirculated water.

Silver Perch (not interested in 'guppies')

A week ago some 'guppies' were introduced into T4 (large Silver Perch) tank to entice feeding. So far the Silver Perch have ignored the 'guppies'? Are Silver Perch Omni, Herb or Carnivores?
Research and come back with comments.

Maintenance and Clean 16/8/05

Cleaned all 'risers'
Created vortex/whirlpool to move sediment to centre of individual Tanks and flushed.
Backwashed filter, cleaned primary filter basket, drained and rinsed sump.
Refilled Sump with Tank water, 250g of salt and restarted recirculation system
Change approx 1/3 of A1
Hosed floor
* Need to add 500g of Bicarb Soda

Future Focus

We intend to expand the ARC to cater for greater numbers of fish. We have applied for several grants and are about to submit applications for another 2. Details will be added to the Blog soon.

Spring is fast approaching and we MUST get our garden plots built and ready to sow. Plots will be allocated to Stages eg. Stage 1, 2, 3, Classes and subject areas.
The ARC will be establishing a Stawberry, Tomato and Lettuce hydroponic farm to reuse recirculated ARC water as well as a Pumpkin patch including 'Giant Pumpkins (Atlantic Giant Pumpkin).
http://www.pcug.org.au/~sdeans/
http://www.atlanticseeds.com.au/

Crops and animal will enable a revenue 'stream' and comlimentary crops/food for the ARC. It is hoped that we can establish an interschool pumpkin growing comp.

Worms, chooks etc. are on their way.

Water Test 15/8/05

Tank/Aquarium Temp. pH Conduct.

A1 17.8 8.0 0.92
A2 11.0 7.7 1.41
A4 11.2 7.5 0.82

T1 12.6 4.8 0.97
T2 12.6 4.7 1.0
T3 12.6 4.6 1.02
T4 12.5 4.4 1.02
T5 12.6 4.4 0.92

* Tank 1-5 are seriously low in pH, with the water too acid. We have purchased some plastic covered metal mesh waste baskets which will contain Oyster Shells. The baskets will be located in the BioFilters and as acidic water passes over the shells the carbonate will be dissolved which will raise the pH and buffer the water against rapid pH swings. In the mean time we will add slowly 500 g of Bicarb Soda and retest.
** Aquariums will need at least 1/3 of the water exchanged to balance and refresh the water.

Completed Netting of T1

Hopefully the new net will stop our jumping Trout. Mr Heise and the whole class came up and fed the fish. New A4 tank with Yabbies and guppies doing great. Large Silver Perch in T4 seem to prefer a much reduced flow of water from the recirculation system...

* Lost another 'jumping' Trout

Extending the 'farm'

A recirculation aquaculture system produces nutrient rich water as waste.
Hydroponics
We are looking to create a companion hydroponic garden to use the nutrient rich water to grow strawberries, lettuce and tomatoes.
Worms
To substitute commercial pelletised feed and support the diet of native species we are developing a worm farm to provide a natural food source.
Chooks
The school produces a significant amount of waste (garbage) each and every school day. This includes: - paper which we will investigate to shred and compost - food scraps which can also be composted AND used to feed chooks. A local egg producer is closing in Jan/Feb 2006 and we have approached them to supply us with birds and equipment. This can be used as a revenue source for the ARC
Pumpkins
We aim to develop a herbal tea concoction that will combine nutrient rich recirculation water and 'secrete ingredients to produce a microbiotic liquid fertiliser to grow pumpkins, also as a revenue source AND maybe to grow some extraordinary sized pumpkins to compete with other schools and communities. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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.