Thanks for the "Welcome" - Look forward to the discussions at this site

Thx going to try and locate the containers for the setup, ended up cleaning out gutters and some overhanging branches this weekend :(

Once I get the containers situated, I will shoot you a PM.

 

Thanks

-B

Awesome thx, going to try and locate some bulkhead fittings. Then I can get my project underway ;) thanks for the guidance

Hi TC, Thanks for the info on my blog.  It was kinda late when I wrote it, so I wasn't hitting on all cylinders.  I'll update it with more detailed info.  Thanks for the help and advice!

Jake

Hello TC sorry to bug with newbie questions...But if you have a second....I am going to attempt to design a mini aquaponics system out of some rubbermade totes this weekend. I am going with an Flood and drain system (I think) with a bell siphon....I also want to add a bio filter to this mini design because from what I have been reading it seems that it should help with solid removal (which is one of my biggest concerns)  

So I am going to have:

one tote for the fish

another plastic bin for a grow bed

another probably plastic trash can for the bio filter

also I think I may need a sump tank which from what I read looks to be an water reservoir

does the system above make any sense?? I am trying to make sure the solids are not getting stuck in the grow bed, and the water level in the fish tank stays steady so it is not bouncing up and down...Hope I am not sounding to silly, really need some guidance if you have a second or two.

Thanks

B

 

Ken,

Hi. Sorry for the delayed response.  Busy week.  So if I understandy you correctly, you want to cap over existing ponds with aquaponics systems for plants?  Why not simply put your plants to the side of the ponds, unless space is a huge concern?  You mentioned that you are using tarps for tank liners.  My favorite is EDPM 45mil.  Normally, I get it for about $0.30 per Sqft. from suppliers on the internet.  It usually does a better job than a tarp, for the long run. 

 

Being in the South, I really like using solar to provide power to pump water.  I've been doing that successfully on my farm for about 8 years now.  Recently, I have added some vertical growing systems to my aquaponics program.  I really like the fact that I can add about 5 sq ft of growing area, in a vertical capacity, in one square foot of floor space.

 

Best Regards,

 

Jon Chaiton

Hello All VERY new to aquaponics gardening :) looking to get my setup underway soon .TCLynx I have read and read :) you and others provide such a great wealth of information for new comers. Will be doing tilapia on my back patio shaded. I saw on the buy/sell board some IBC totes that were for sell very close to me I may end up purchasing. they are 2x 275 gallon totes. I read TC that I should buy two and leave one for the fish tank and use the other as grow bed media cut in half. Will try and read some more of the numbers for amount of fish-growbed size-tank size :) GREAT TO be here!!

do your Tilapia like elephant ears? My blues love em KC

Hi TC, comments sent last night meant for you. my piano had been drinking! 

Lots of abandoned tropfish ponds to CAPOVER here in FL.

Where is Tangerine? u bud KC 

Hi Jon, Started as a carpenter and a gardner so we're a good match.

I'm doing large backyard scale based on outdoor advertising tarps that are 14'

x48' (my cost only $20) hence current deepwater raft system is 40'longx4wx30h.

half a tarp makes an extremely successful 2000g Tilapia tank for under 100 bucks

8'x16'x36". I'm designing ways to capover existing ponds for Aquaponics want to collaborate?

I have been able to produce lots of Basil even in the summer with no bug protection.

Eggplant a surprise summer winner. building my second deepwell bed in a week will share pics it's so easy and CHEAP!  Take care KC

Hi.  Thank you for the invite to be friends.  By reading some of your comments it looks like you are very involved in aquaponics.  Is this your full time occupation or just a hobby?

I have been designing, engineering and installing commercial aquaculture facilities for both salt and fresh water systems for the past 25 years. But I am relatively new to gardening.  My little aquaponics system is only about 150 gallons but it is a good introduction for me to see how the garden side of the equation balances with the fish side.  I've learned quite a lot, relatively speaking, over the past year about aquaponics and had studied aquaponics for many years prior to jumping in. 

 

I look forward to discussing some concerns I have with you, if you don't mind.  In return, I'd be more than glad to discuss any aspect of system design, filtration, hydrodynamics or anything else related to aquaculture with you if you have any questions.

 

Thanks again.

Best Regards,

 

Jon Chaiton

 

Just rereading about catfish cakes is making me hungry all over again. I too am on a well and have high PH as well as High iron. Glad to see you sharing your knowledge and thoughts with others.

 

What a suite setp TC, The fish has got me drooling, I've never had catfish muffins before, are they prepped like crab cakes?

As to the birds call affecting plant growth: I'm not so sure granny was off her mark. Do you think music or singing has any effect on plants? Maybe the pitch, tone or rhythm act like RF transponders?

 

PS strip the skin off with a potato knife and wholla, you got yourself a long tube of vitamins;) 

PSS hit me up in chat on main page if u want to save some time. I'll be on for another 30 min

Hiya, I'm not sure if you are planting the same type of gourd but the Chinese eat the younger gourds, leaving a few to ripen for seed and others as a pot scrub. Sliced and stir-fried, it's kinda like okra.

Your banana tree is pretty impressive.  I would like to grow oranges, mango, papaya, blueberries, all kinds of different fruits.   I have a friend that has just given me use of his 2 acres to plant all the varieties I desire. Is this feasible with/in an aquaponics system?

Thanks, TC, for your warm welcome!  We are going to start our research soon, so I have a feeling we will be visiting you and Gina and Dave over the next few months.  I am going to try to attend the conference, but we will see.  I am on a PTA budget, and I know all my students will want to attend the conference as well, but it will probably be just me...

Hey TC, the Conference website it all set up to take registrations for the free Epcot tour.  The bus ride is $20.  Only the first 55 get to attend, so be sure to take register soon!

TC looks like I stepped on Kobus timed system so I answer here. I am using seaweed extract and not really tickled with production on my large tomatoes varieties. The cherries and pear tom are doing fine. I probably need to add it weekly and see if that helps. Take care .