A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

New To Aquaponics

Hi guys,

My name's Blake and I live in Massachusetts.

I'm really excited to get started with my aquaponics set up. I'm still in the research/saving funds stage but I've been working on planning things out. I decided to start a compost pile while I saved up for two IBC totes that I can get locally. To start I'm going to only use one tote so I can get the hang of everything. I'll start by growing some spinach and lettuce, then I plan on using the second for growing duckweed (should i keep the fish separate or join the two tanks together, and if so, how?) I will be growing in my basement in low light and will most likely be investing in some LED lighting because I want to be able to grow year round. I'll be raising red worms in the compost and putting them in my bed as well.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I've spent a lot of time creeping on this forum before actually joining and have come to value the collective knowledge here. Hehe. Can't wait to get started!

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Permalink Reply by Bob Campbell on January 28, 2013 at 7:56am

Growing in a basement is more difficult and expensive than outside in the sun. Moisture and lighting can be difficult.

Joining the two tanks may not work because fish will eat duckweed faster then it can reproduce. I prefer to grow duckweed separately because it likes high nitrate water. That is easier to maintain in a fishless system

I'm going to send you to my blog. If you are considering a DWC raft then look at the system Murray is standing next to. IMO this is perfect. The article describes why.

http://chicoaquaponic.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-perfect-system.html

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Permalink Reply by Blake Simmons on January 28, 2013 at 9:13am

Fantastic, I will check it out now. I have to grow in the basement because of limited space and warm weather. Luckily my basement is well insulated and the temperature and humidity are easily regulated. Eventually I'd like to get the system hooked up to solar so that its completely self-sufficient. Glad to know I don't need to have another system to grow duckweed. I'm going to look deeper into that process now. Also, I think I'm going to be using a typical flood and drain system at first until I can get the hang of things.