A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

do i need extra lighting?

Here is my plan. a 55 gallon rain barrel for a tank. with 2 grow beds on the side of it above the tank. i'm going to run the pump constantly and use an auto siphon to drain the beds

and i'm going to be putting in this space. it is a north facing window. it also opens up and has a screen so we can get good ventilation.

do you think i will need an artificial light to use all the time? just in case?

what should i get that would be the most efficient?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair on January 11, 2013 at 3:51pm

http://www.youtube.com/user/MrMadmax478 has a system in his garage very similar to what you are planning. He should be very helpful for you.

Permalink Reply by Bob Campbell on January 11, 2013 at 4:45pm

I too have a south facing window. I use a horizontal shutter with mylar to keep the warmth in at night and reflect extra light onto the plants. But even lettuce fails to get enough light, even though I have also added shinny mylar behind the plants to reflect even more light.

I'm currently supplementing with a 400W Ceramic Metal Halide, but your neighbors will not appreciate this type light daylight coming from your window. ... Hence the shutter

Permalink Reply by TCLynx on January 14, 2013 at 2:11pm

I was about to say even if that was a South Facing window you would probably need supplemental lighting. Being that it is a North Facing Window and you are in the Northern Hemisphere, You will need lighting.