To heat or not to heat - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-29T08:14:04Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/to-heat-or-not-to-heat?groupUrl=cold-weather-aquaponics&x=1&groupId=4778851%3AGroup%3A561108&id=4778851%3ATopic%3A618475&feed=yes&xn_auth=noVery interesting! Thanks so m…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-02-12:4778851:Comment:6244212016-02-12T05:33:55.325ZMike R.https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/MikeR
Very interesting! Thanks so much for the info. That makes me feel better about the basement system. What size are yourgrow beds? Are they DWC, or media beds, or ??? Could I impose on you to send me a picture or two of your systems? You can email me at miker_2@msn.com, then perhaps we can trade addresses and phone info to set up a meeting soon? I don't know if I will have time to set up a basement system before the March class. I wife keeps telling me our lives are too busy to start another…
Very interesting! Thanks so much for the info. That makes me feel better about the basement system. What size are yourgrow beds? Are they DWC, or media beds, or ??? Could I impose on you to send me a picture or two of your systems? You can email me at miker_2@msn.com, then perhaps we can trade addresses and phone info to set up a meeting soon? I don't know if I will have time to set up a basement system before the March class. I wife keeps telling me our lives are too busy to start another project lol....she is probably right....but I am really interested in aquaponics! The humidity is definitely no…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-02-12:4778851:Comment:6242312016-02-12T02:53:06.667ZJeff Shttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JeffSullivan
<p>The humidity is definitely not a problem. I have 2 40 gallon and 1 100 gallon systems in my basement with no humidity issues. Only lights I use are 4 ft. florescent tubes. I have T-12s and T-8s. They work fine for greens and seedlings. I'm still learning the growing part. I understand if you want flowering plants you need different lights. As a starter I would definitely do it and take what you learn to your outside system. Basement is a great place to grow your seedlings for you outside…</p>
<p>The humidity is definitely not a problem. I have 2 40 gallon and 1 100 gallon systems in my basement with no humidity issues. Only lights I use are 4 ft. florescent tubes. I have T-12s and T-8s. They work fine for greens and seedlings. I'm still learning the growing part. I understand if you want flowering plants you need different lights. As a starter I would definitely do it and take what you learn to your outside system. Basement is a great place to grow your seedlings for you outside system too. BTW 1 2 bulb 4 ft light will burn about with 32 watt bulbs cost about $2.50 a month. I have 2 over each basement GB. What you'll save not heating outside more than covers basement costs.</p>
<p>If you can get by here I think you'll get all the info you need to start. What I'll show you will prepare you for any "formal " class you take later. If you get your basement system going you'll have lots of questions for the class.</p> I hope you greenhouse is doin…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-02-12:4778851:Comment:6242302016-02-12T02:26:20.817ZMike R.https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/MikeR
I hope you greenhouse is doing good. Thankfully the weather has not been too bad this winter. Life has been so busy we have not been to Troy as often this winter. I still would like to meet up with you before spring. I am planning to attend a class by Jeremiah in Wis. in March. I hope to start a small system as soon as the weather breaks.co am wondering about a small system in the basement. I am not sure if the benefits would outweigh the humidity issues and the cost of the grow lights.
I hope you greenhouse is doing good. Thankfully the weather has not been too bad this winter. Life has been so busy we have not been to Troy as often this winter. I still would like to meet up with you before spring. I am planning to attend a class by Jeremiah in Wis. in March. I hope to start a small system as soon as the weather breaks.co am wondering about a small system in the basement. I am not sure if the benefits would outweigh the humidity issues and the cost of the grow lights. My GH sits on a 2x4 base, no…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-01-17:4778851:Comment:6216382016-01-17T02:54:35.369ZJeff Shttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JeffSullivan
<p>My GH sits on a 2x4 base, no foundation. The walls and roof are 2x4 on 24" centers, I could probably go to 36"centers but I feel safer in heavy snowfalls. One thing I like about the wood frame is that I can attach anything anywhere without special hardware. The walls are double layer 6 mil construction plastic. The roof is double layer 6 mil GH plastic for 4-5 years use and less dripping from condensation. I used const. plastic on the roof but it needs to be replaced annually and is more…</p>
<p>My GH sits on a 2x4 base, no foundation. The walls and roof are 2x4 on 24" centers, I could probably go to 36"centers but I feel safer in heavy snowfalls. One thing I like about the wood frame is that I can attach anything anywhere without special hardware. The walls are double layer 6 mil construction plastic. The roof is double layer 6 mil GH plastic for 4-5 years use and less dripping from condensation. I used const. plastic on the roof but it needs to be replaced annually and is more difficult to change than the walls plus I take down the wall plastic in the outside grow season to allow for ventilation but have screen to close off the space. This year I covered all the interior walls with 1" Styrofoam since there's no significant sun to utilize. The FT and GBs are insulated with 1" Styrofoam and there's a top on the FT. The sump is in ground with 2" insulation. I use a wood heater and a propane backup for heat. I light the wood heater in the morning and relight it when I get home in the afternoon and keep it going through the evening. My electric tank heater runs at 18% of what it did last year with this setup.</p> Jeff, does your greenhouse ha…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-01-09:4778851:Comment:6211942016-01-09T23:08:26.535ZMike R.https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/MikeR
Jeff, does your greenhouse have an insulated foundation? Is the greenhouse of a passive design or hoop house? Did you use plastic or something more substantial? Are your grow beds insulated? What about the tank and sump? Sorry to be so inquisitive. I tend to be a little obsessive when I start planning something. That obsession usually goes away once I start fixating on the total cost of said venture! Lol.
Jeff, does your greenhouse have an insulated foundation? Is the greenhouse of a passive design or hoop house? Did you use plastic or something more substantial? Are your grow beds insulated? What about the tank and sump? Sorry to be so inquisitive. I tend to be a little obsessive when I start planning something. That obsession usually goes away once I start fixating on the total cost of said venture! Lol. I look forward to seeing your…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-01-07:4778851:Comment:6211662016-01-07T13:44:14.322ZMike R.https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/MikeR
I look forward to seeing your setup. I expect to build an Ibc setup or barrelponics setup. The mechanics of the system will not be a problem. I have worked in maintenance all my life. The big sticking point will be the cash outlay. I already have too many expensive hobbies. I need a hobby I can enjoy on the cheap! Lol
I look forward to seeing your setup. I expect to build an Ibc setup or barrelponics setup. The mechanics of the system will not be a problem. I have worked in maintenance all my life. The big sticking point will be the cash outlay. I already have too many expensive hobbies. I need a hobby I can enjoy on the cheap! Lol Solar in my area isn't practi…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-01-06:4778851:Comment:6208952016-01-06T03:19:04.488ZJeff Shttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JeffSullivan
<p>Solar in my area isn't practical because of lack of sun. The only practical way I've come up with to heat is with wood. You just have to have a source for wood. I'm adapting my wood burner to heat my water right now. When you drop by Mike you can see what I've done and how it works. </p>
<p>Solar in my area isn't practical because of lack of sun. The only practical way I've come up with to heat is with wood. You just have to have a source for wood. I'm adapting my wood burner to heat my water right now. When you drop by Mike you can see what I've done and how it works. </p> Mary, I will have to take a l…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-01-06:4778851:Comment:6209782016-01-06T03:06:05.587ZMike R.https://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/MikeR
Mary, I will have to take a look at the sites you mentioned. From what I have studied so far, I would say a passive solar greenhouse and super insulation on the grow beds and fish tank would be the only way to make cold weather aquaponics work without going broke. Initial setup would be more expensive on the green house but would pay back over time. Still, I think it will be tough to make winter growing pay enough to be profitable....and I mean on a homestead level. Of course personal…
Mary, I will have to take a look at the sites you mentioned. From what I have studied so far, I would say a passive solar greenhouse and super insulation on the grow beds and fish tank would be the only way to make cold weather aquaponics work without going broke. Initial setup would be more expensive on the green house but would pay back over time. Still, I think it will be tough to make winter growing pay enough to be profitable....and I mean on a homestead level. Of course personal satisfaction and facination have to be worth something. I suppose we each one have a different break even point depending on our personal goals and desires. Jeff S said:
Mary, Looks l…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-01-05:4778851:Comment:6210402016-01-05T21:14:47.401ZJeff Shttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JeffSullivan
<p><br></br> <br></br> <cite>Jeff S said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/to-heat-or-not-to-heat?groupUrl=cold-weather-aquaponics&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A621032&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#4778851Comment621039"><div><p>Mary, Looks like you understand the reality of things. I'm curious, Is there anything special about the PortableFarm setup or is it just the knowledge you get from their course? I've looked at what they show online and don't…</p>
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<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Jeff S said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/to-heat-or-not-to-heat?groupUrl=cold-weather-aquaponics&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A621032&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#4778851Comment621039"><div><p>Mary, Looks like you understand the reality of things. I'm curious, Is there anything special about the PortableFarm setup or is it just the knowledge you get from their course? I've looked at what they show online and don't really see a revolutionary system. Granted they probably give you 2 years worth of knowledge to get you over a lot of stumbling blocks.<br/> <br/> <cite>Mary Hunt said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/to-heat-or-not-to-heat?groupUrl=cold-weather-aquaponics&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A621032&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#4778851Comment620889"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Mike, Re: Research... I have a "PortableFarm.com" set up that I've only experienced for 6 months here in the NW. The summer use shows great promise. Winter is so so... the cold weather crops are "ok", but I wouldn't call them life enhancers. They are growing incredibly slow. I keep the house at 50 degrees and have two water heaters in the 300 gallon tank (150 watt and 300 watt). The tank is insulated, but with the exchange through the gravel bed, the water loses its heat. In the summer it stays at 78 degrees without the heaters on, and now it hangs in the low 70s with the heaters on. </p>
<p>Portable Farms people GREATLY underplay the cost of the greenhouse set up needed to house plants in the north. Without that housing, the portable farm is a skating rink. Also, up here we get regular 60 mph gusts (like the ones that took down Seattle this summer). I have a SunGlo greenhouse that's good for 80 mph winds. (Gothic roof for snow) It never flinched, but other plastic covered greenhouses were blown away. The downside of this excellent structure is that it's 3.5 R factor also keeps water IN - lots of condensation that even fans don't seem to cut. </p>
<p>And the rest of the story... to have that greenhouse meant having a foundation with 3 ft walls and that meant excavation and that meant a building permit... </p>
<p>Check out NW Tilapia in Oregon for fish and for a mini greenhouse set up. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nwtilapia.com" target="_blank">http://www.nwtilapia.com</a> I've been to his place, he's a good guy and very knowledgeable about the entire process for this area. </p>
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<p><br/> <cite>Mike R. said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/to-heat-or-not-to-heat?groupUrl=cold-weather-aquaponics&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A621032&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#4778851Comment621032"><div><div class="xg_user_generated">Thanks Jeff. We come that way usually every couple of months or so. I am very interested to see your setup and hear how it works. I have had a conventional garden most of my life. I am interested in the economics of aquaponics as well as the bounty it may provide. I have been surfing the web looking for info on the different systems and trying to educate myself. I am one who likes to study a subject before plopping down my money or investing my precious time in a venture. I might even be considered cheap! I hope to attend one of Jeremiah's classes this spring.</div>
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</blockquote> Mike, Looks like you underst…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2016-01-05:4778851:Comment:6210392016-01-05T21:10:06.288ZJeff Shttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/JeffSullivan
<p>Mike, Looks like you understand the reality of things. I'm curious, Is there anything special about the PortableFarm setup or is it just the knowledge you get from their course? I've looked at what they show online and don't really see a revolutionary system. Granted they probably give you 2 years worth of knowledge to get you over a lot of stumbling blocks.<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Mary Hunt said:…</cite></p>
<p>Mike, Looks like you understand the reality of things. I'm curious, Is there anything special about the PortableFarm setup or is it just the knowledge you get from their course? I've looked at what they show online and don't really see a revolutionary system. Granted they probably give you 2 years worth of knowledge to get you over a lot of stumbling blocks.<br/> <br/> <cite>Mary Hunt said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/to-heat-or-not-to-heat?groupUrl=cold-weather-aquaponics&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A621032&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#4778851Comment620889"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Mike, Re: Research... I have a "PortableFarm.com" set up that I've only experienced for 6 months here in the NW. The summer use shows great promise. Winter is so so... the cold weather crops are "ok", but I wouldn't call them life enhancers. They are growing incredibly slow. I keep the house at 50 degrees and have two water heaters in the 300 gallon tank (150 watt and 300 watt). The tank is insulated, but with the exchange through the gravel bed, the water loses its heat. In the summer it stays at 78 degrees without the heaters on, and now it hangs in the low 70s with the heaters on. </p>
<p>Portable Farms people GREATLY underplay the cost of the greenhouse set up needed to house plants in the north. Without that housing, the portable farm is a skating rink. Also, up here we get regular 60 mph gusts (like the ones that took down Seattle this summer). I have a SunGlo greenhouse that's good for 80 mph winds. (Gothic roof for snow) It never flinched, but other plastic covered greenhouses were blown away. The downside of this excellent structure is that it's 3.5 R factor also keeps water IN - lots of condensation that even fans don't seem to cut. </p>
<p>And the rest of the story... to have that greenhouse meant having a foundation with 3 ft walls and that meant excavation and that meant a building permit... </p>
<p>Check out NW Tilapia in Oregon for fish and for a mini greenhouse set up. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nwtilapia.com" target="_blank">http://www.nwtilapia.com</a> I've been to his place, he's a good guy and very knowledgeable about the entire process for this area. </p>
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<p><br/> <cite>Mike R. said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/to-heat-or-not-to-heat?groupUrl=cold-weather-aquaponics&commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A621032&xg_source=msg_com_gr_forum#4778851Comment621032"><div><div class="xg_user_generated">Thanks Jeff. We come that way usually every couple of months or so. I am very interested to see your setup and hear how it works. I have had a conventional garden most of my life. I am interested in the economics of aquaponics as well as the bounty it may provide. I have been surfing the web looking for info on the different systems and trying to educate myself. I am one who likes to study a subject before plopping down my money or investing my precious time in a venture. I might even be considered cheap! I hope to attend one of Jeremiah's classes this spring.</div>
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