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Cold Weather Aquaponics

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Cold Weather Aquaponics

This group serves the needs of those who grow in the cold parts of the world.  We'll discuss greenhouses, insulation, air sealing, fish selection, heaters, etc...

Website: http://frostyfish.com
Location: Anywhere that it gets cold!
Members: 75
Latest Activity: Aug 26, 2022

Discussion Forum

Cold weather Tilapia

Started by Ian Cameron Nov 16, 2017. 0 Replies

I picked up 20 fingerlings last November to grow out. Well, kept 2 males and 3 females aside to see if they would breed. Hmmm, I guess they like the greenhouse environment because I am now the owner…Continue

Cold weather problem?

Started by Jeff S. Last reply by Ian Cameron Nov 16, 2017. 3 Replies

I had an infestation of some kind of bug in one of my grow beds. I was able to flood it several times and eliminate the problem. I couldn't figure out why only one bed was affected and then I thought…Continue

To heat or not to heat

Started by Jeff S. Last reply by Mike R. Feb 11, 2016. 43 Replies

Last year I spent a ton heating my fish tank and built low tunnels around my beds to keep plant temps up. This year I'm thinking about heating the greenhouse to around 50-60 and by doing so cut down…Continue

Spring is Here?

Started by Ian Cameron. Last reply by Zach Mar 21, 2015. 1 Reply

Hi folks, well it certainly looks as if the weather over here is definitely getting warmer. Leaves are coming out on the weeping willow etc. The in-ground has survived the winter beyond my wildest…Continue

Cold Weather Aquaponics Blog

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Comment by Jeff S on July 18, 2018 at 8:22pm

Wood stove is nice but lots of work even if you have a wood source. Best of luck with your setup. Keep it simple.

Comment by Michael Osman on July 18, 2018 at 8:18pm

I call it "Semi-Passive", because it does have a wood stove in it.

Comment by Michael Osman on July 18, 2018 at 7:49pm

I've just about finished my semi-passive solar greenhouse...I'll put together a more complete video soon-ish.

Comment by Michael Osman on July 18, 2018 at 7:46pm

Comment by Jim Fisk on January 2, 2018 at 9:51am

This is my GH heater. It is a "Rocket Mass Heater" and the mass is the 2500g of water in the AP system. Water stores more than twice the BTUs in terms of weight or volume of rock or cobb. The black pipe inside i3 @ 7 feet of 3/4" SS pipe and the system water trickles thru it and raises the water temp about 2F in 24 hrs. I also have a pvc 100' solar collector mounted high up in the GH on the M wall and that will also raise the temp @ 2F on a sunny day. My build vids are under Fiskfarm on YT.

Comment by Jeff S on September 1, 2017 at 7:40am

I have pics in my photos on my page. It's more of a concept than design. There's no doubt in my mind that this is how I would go if I did it again. The design shows multiple FTs but can be done with one. Not sure how familiar you are with rocket mass heaters but the base is the heat "battery" that retains and releases heat slowly. The water in the FT also acts as a "battery" for more heat storage for the GH. I've never built a RMH but have done a lot of research on them.

Comment by Michael simonzi on September 1, 2017 at 6:22am
I'd love to see your plans for the rocket mass heater. There are a lot of creative people out there providing ideas that help hold down the costs. I know the costs will come down in time but my first heads of lettuce are going to cost me at least $1,000 a piece lol. I am going to attempt to sell to local restaurants once I get everything up and running.
Comment by Jeff S on August 29, 2017 at 10:54am

Right now I have okra, tomatoes, egg plant and peppers in the greenhouse. I'll switch to cool weather plants for the winter. Just grow for fun and personal use. Don't have much on it but you can check out my Facebook page "Fish House Gardening" to get an idea of what I'm up to. My outside gardens have lots of different things growing. Not sure what the actual cost is for the bucket heater operation. It will depend on GH temp and tank insulation. I haven't built a rocket mass heater yet but from what I've seen it would be the absolute most economical way to do the whole operation with propane and bucket heater as a backup. I have the plans for my design on my home computer and will try to send them to you later.

Comment by Michael simonzi on August 29, 2017 at 9:53am
Jeff how much has it cost you to operate that bucket heater?
Comment by Michael simonzi on August 29, 2017 at 9:40am
My GH is insulated and will be heated with a propane. I know I'm going to be dealing with humidity but withthe propane heater and my exhaust fans it shouldn't be too bad. I built the structure out of all pressure treated lumber for that reason. I want to grow orchids as well and they love humidity. I'd love to see your rocket mass heater design. What do you grow and do you sell it or is it for personal consumption.
 

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