A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Walapini update

Well, first crop of radishes done. Kale and lettuce about 2 weeks away. My water temps were getting bit low (65f) so I built a black plastic pipe coil (20ft * 3/4") for the fish tank today. Its hooked to the stripped hot water tank that stands on the wood heater. Water tank temps average 98 -108 f. Pumped via a spare pump for the aquaponics. It brought the system water temp from 66f to 75f in 3 hrs. Ordered a 12V hot water pump from US Solar. Should be here sometime next week. BTW, in case any one wonders, the pump sits in a 5gal pail full of cold water so it does not heat up too badly. I will attempt to do a drawing of this setup as I believe it is a very cost efficient way to get system water up to temps where fish will eat and thrive..ergo happy plants!

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Permalink Reply by Jeff S on November 28, 2014 at 10:12am

My GH is 2 x 4 framed on 2' centers. I staple the plastic to the studs then put 1x2 furring strips on each stud to secure for wind. On the roof I put a second layer of plastic and strips for an air gap and additional load strength. The walls have internal plastic as well that gives me 3 1/2" of air gap. I've read every inch of air gap = R-1 insulation plus each layer of plastic adds to that. Seems to work.