My grow out tanks are long & narrow (5mtrs x 1mtr x 1mtr) with 4mtr grow beds setting on top. This meant that access was limited to a 70cm gap at one end with a 30cm gap at the other end for feeding.
The idea was to fill an empty IBC to hold the fish for purging. So I pumped water from the grow out tank into it and a spare kiddies swimming pool as not to waste water. When the water was down to 30cm deep it was time to jump in, crawl around and hand select the largest silver perch for our upcoming Aquaponics Seafood Feast to be cooked on the Rocket BBQ.
A total of approx 20-25 fish averaging 450 grams (the largest being 650g) were selected and placed into the IBC for purging & easy 'final harvest' over the festive season. Estimated total harvest is 12-15kgs.
A couple weeks ago the decision was made to harvest all of they Red Claw Crayfish that were in the 2nd grow out tank. Growth was slow & unimpressive in my mind. From a starting qty of 1 mature pair & 200 juvinille crays, a total of 80 crayfish were harvested with a total weight of just under 7kgs.
300 asst fingerlings of Silver, Gold & Jade Perch along with 50 Murray Cod are on order to fill the created void.
Delivery is expected mid January.