And here it goes...

[Kirk Ellern]

Here's what I've been up to over the past few weeks:
 
System: As you can see in the attached photo I set up an aquaponics system in a greenhouse (it’s a tent, really).  It has a 55 gallon blue barrel for the fish and several grow beds using expanded ceramic media (hydroton) with flood and drain valves for plants.  There is a sump on the far end of the left trays.  The system is currently cycling in preparation for establishment of fish and plants.  I have several ideas for additional beds in this system.  I have a 300 watt aquarium heater in the fish tank simply to keep the water above 65 in the cold.  The past few mornings I’ve found the water temp to be above 60 despite ambient temps around freezing.  This “greenhouse” has screened windows and is under an apple tree.  I’m hoping the leaves will provide suitable shade in the summer to keep things from getting to hot in the summer.   Unfortunately I do not really know what the water temperatures will be through an entire year here in Reno.  The tent isn’t insulated so it’s a gamble if left outdoors in the winter.  Even during the summer the weather can fluctuate 40 degrees in a 24 hour period.  I’m thinking there will be roughly 70 to 80 gallons of water in the final system.   Eventually I’d like to convert the pumps to solar and I’d like to have herbivores as fish so that I can produce the bulk of my fish food in the greenhouse (duckweed assumedly).  The grey plastic cube on the right will propagate duckweed for fish food.  The whole idea is to have input to the system be as small as possible but output be significant.  (Current input has been a bunch of money to set this up!)
 
Fish: Generally aquaponics systems surround tilapia which are intended for food in addition to the vegetables created in the system.  I’ve found that Tilapia are illegal in Nevada as they are considered an invasive species and according to my friends at the Nevada Department of Wildlife, this is non-negotiable.  Tilapia have done significant damage to the native species in Nevada.  I’ve been thinking of alternatives to Tilapia.  Edible Fish are generally carnivorous, fickle about water temperatures, and slow growers.  My thought is to use Koi for the first year to see what happens.  As to the Input/Output objective I have troubles believing the idea that buying small koi and selling large koi is a very viable business model.  Although my objective would only be to break even.
 
Questions/Assumptions I'm currently pondering:
1)      Stocking Rate – I’m thinking 3 to 4 fish with hopes they grow quickly
2)      Duckweed
  a.       What percentage of feed can be duckweed? 60/40 with pellets?
  b.      What would be the best source for duckweed?
  c.       Is there a better plant than duckweed for Koi? 
3)      Koi
  a.       Is there actually a local “market” for selling a couple large koi after I’ve raised them? 
  b.      I’d assume there might be if they were somehow special or somewhat rare.  
      i.      I'm not sure what to look for when thinking of “special” koi
      ii.      How special would they need to be? 
      iii.      Where would I get them?  D & S Koi Farm?  Aquarium Store?
      iv.      How much should I expect to pay for “special” koi?
  c.       I’ve read several web sites and books on koi ponds and have a general knowledge.  Any suggestions specific to:
     i.      My system?
     ii.      Local issues (weather, etc)?
     iii.      Preparation?
     iv.      Other folks doing something similar in the area?
4)  Other species?
 
Lots of information;  Lots of questions.  Hopefully not too many because I'll be under way in a week or two!