Hi Kathryn,

   Brookies sound like a good choice for your area. What could be better than raising a native species in its own environment? You'll have to keep that water well oxygenated and moving for trout. I think with the cooler water temps that they like, you could probably grow some good lettuces, brasicas, or any other cool weather crops. Those are some of my favorite crops in the garden, as I am constantly gazing through the Johnny's Seed Catalogs all winter.

   Growing under your porch sounds interesting. Is it enclosed and insulated? Its nice that you have hot water heat. So much you can do with that. I wonder if there is a way you can install a zone style thermostat to keep your tanks at a seperate temp, than your house's temp?

   I am still working on my bell siphon for my IBC system. I am just missing the gravel gaurd. I don't like the thought of buying a twelve foot section of 6" diameter PVC, just to use a few feet of it. And buying a pre-made on just isn't me. I've been a machinist for 30 years now and should be able to come up with something. I already have the slot pattern programmed on the CNC lathe at work. We call that "government work", and I don't want the boss to know about it. Ha ha!

I know how you feel about fishing in your tanks. Lol. Fishing is my passion here in Wisconsin. What kind of fish do you plan on raising?

Absolutely Kathryn! A person can't have too many friends. I think it would be great to converse back and fourth on our ideas. I actually thought about keeping my fish in the basement, and pumping the water up through the basement windows into the greenhouse grow beds. This would save me some room in the greenhouse, and some heat in the fish tanks. Still planning in my mind however....