By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“After losing my first twenty yabbies to a sudden pH crash, I finally learned that silver perch are far less forgiving than I'd hoped.”
— Fiona. If you can't eat it, it goes to the chooks.
ArticlesCalculatorsSite PlannerShopSkimped on filtration to save a few bucks on the yabby and silver perch set-up. Three weeks in, the water went green and I lost half the silver perch. Replacement fingerlings cost more than a proper filter would have. Below: how I run the system now, what maintenance actually takes, and the permits and biosecurity rules you'll need sorted before you put shovel to ground.
By Fiona Gallagher · permaculture designer · food, animals and preservation on 12 acres in Tassie
“After losing my first twenty yabbies to a sudden pH crash, I finally learned that silver perch are far less forgiving than I'd hoped.”
After my overflow pipe cracked on the first fill, I watched half the water drain into the garden and lost a few silver perch before I could get the pump running. That night taught me to pressure‑test every joint before adding stock. Everything below is what I've picked up building, running and staying legal with a backyard yabby and silver perch system of my own.
| Species | Space Requirements | Feed Costs | Growth Rate | Profit Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yabby | 1m³ per 100 yabbies | AUD $5–$10/kg | 6–12 months | High (AUD $15–$25/kg) |
| Silver Perch | 2m³ per 100 fish | AUD $3–$7/kg | 4–6 months | Medium (AUD $10–$18/kg) |
Minimum 2m x 3m pond for 100 yabbies or 100 silver perch. Larger ponds improve water quality.
Yes, but check local council regulations. Some areas require permits for commercial aquaculture.
Comply with AS/NZS 4763:2014 for water safety. Avoid using prohibited chemicals (e.g., copper sulfate).
Feed 2–3 times daily, but never overfill. Use sinking pellets to prevent water contamination.
Yabbies require less space and feed but grow slower. Silver perch grow faster but need more water volume.
Backyard aquaculture is a low-risk, high-reward venture. With proper setup, maintenance, and compliance, you can generate AUD $500–$1,500/month from 100–200 fish. Start small, monitor water quality, and stay within AS/NZS standards.
Disclaimer: Always consult local council and environmental authorities before starting. AS/NZS 4763:2014 mandates safe water practices. Never use chemicals without professional guidance. Off-Grid Master is not liable for legal or health issues arising from this guide.
Worth a watch: Backyard Aquaponics Silver Perch Fish Update April 2013 - Aquaponics · Hot End Ranch