I started researching Aquaponics in 1995 and I have been building systems since 1999. At one point I had about 1,500 gallons of heated pools (heat pump) w/Nile tilapia. I grew hot and sweet peppers, tomatoes, cukes, herbs, etc... in a combination of gutters and grow beds w/hydroton - I canned a lot of tomato sauces and chilli sauce.
One I put together in my dining room which had lots of east and south facing window. It included a 55 gal tank w/Red Belly Pacu and a 100 gal. Rubbermaid water tank (tucked into the corner between windows and included a water fall) w/smaller Nile tilapia. The 55 gal fed three 10' pipes with net cup holes cut every 6" while the 100 gal fed a matching unit in the south window and a "tree" I designed which had one "foot" in the end of the tank for drain back. The "tree" also had aeration provided through mini soaker hose. It worked well until the company I was working for went under and I lost the house. Too much yard shade anyway.
I loved the Nile tilapia for the way they changed colors, you knew when they were going to mate, and took care of the young.
And I always got a kick out the reaction I got when people asked if I like to fish and I replied that yes, I thought it was fun to go out to the garage, grab my net and get fish out of the pool for dinner, and then show them. That always led to a couple of hours of interaction.
At this time I don't have a system set up but I have moved into a place that will allow for it once I have completed the remodel and have time to put into it's planning and the funds.
When the remodel is finished and I can move my things out of storage I will try to find my photos of the previous systems.
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Hi David!
We are narrowing down the design for the biomass pellet fired boiler and steam engine that will be generating the power for the pumps and etc. and heating the greenhouse. Rolling trusses Sunday, then glazing the greenhouse. Once we have a design for the boiler etc., I will know how big to make the boiler room. It is coming along. Thanks for asking. Once we have something running I will post pictures.
Welcome David :-)
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of your system.
God bless,
Welcome David,
Thanks for joining the Aquaponic Gardening community! I hope you find it a fun place to explore aquaponics. There is a real blend of experienced and new aquapons in this community, so please don’t hesitate to
join in. Always thrilled to have
experienced growers join us – please post some photos of your system!
A great place to start is to read the “How to Use This Site” link on the upper right corner, “Start Here” section of the Main page.
Please add a photo of yourself and participate!
Thanks again for joining us, and I look forward to getting to know you.
Sylvia