Challenger Institute of Technology

A unique Challenger Institute of Technology training program that teaches students about sustainable cultivation of fruit and vegetables has attracted students from all around Australia.

A student flew from Melbourne just to attend one of Challenger Institute's weekend aquaponics courses at its Murdoch campus that houses its very own commercial aquaponics system.

Aquaponics is the method of combining aquaculture and hydroponics to grow both fish and vegetables in a recirculating environment.

Challenger's aquaponics system was designed by Tony Bart, a lecturer in Aquaculture and Aquaponics. "The plants are feeding off the waste from the fish and it is saving on water," Mr Bart said. "This system uses far less water than normal growing methods."

With more emphasis being placed on sustainable practices, aquaponics is a great way of producing healthy food with significantly less water usage and without the need for artificial fertilisers.

The large commercial system at Challenger's Murdoch Campus farms barramundi in the system all year round.

The system consists of a 5000 litre fish tank, 1000 litre sump tank and submersible pump, filter box biofilter system and 96 metres of Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) channels to in which to grow the vegetables. The tank is self cleaning as an effluent arm ensures that all solid wastes are quickly taken out of the tank and filtered through a swirl separator.

The two day practical aquaponics course offered at Challenger involves a tour of one of the largest hatcheries in Australia and visits to various aquaponics systems already established in and around the metropolitan area.

To secure your place for the next weekend aqauponics course, 18-19 September or 29-30 October please contact Sue or Karen on (61 8) 9229 8432 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Challenger Institute of Technology consists of campuses along the south of Perth from Fremantle to the Peel region and inland to Murdoch. Challenger Institute is the preferred choice of more than 23,000 full time and part-time students applying for a huge variety of career, courses and training.