A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Newbie from Lutz FL (North Tampa)

Hello everyone! I thought I would introduce myself since I will be spending a lot of time here. I am completely new here and to aquaponics but I am not new to the internet or forums. I have very thick skin and can take it so feel free to critique. I am horrible speller so sorry in advance. I will be setting up my first system in the next few weeks. I have seen so many layouts and pictures that I keep changing my plans. But I am pretty set on this type of set up so please let me know what you think. I will first be building a aluminum screen room to protect my system from our chickens and the large oaks that drop leaves all the time. I will be using 2 IBC totes and continuous flood. Both totes will have the tops removed but still be 1000L in volume. Both totes will be half buried and half above ground. The set up will be rectangular, Each IBC will have 2 pumps (not sure of volume yet) and the reason for 2 is incase of a failure. The pumps will pump to a 24 x 48" tray that will flow to other 24 x 48 trays. Every other tray will have air stones. Each IBC will have 7 to 8 24 x 48 x 7 inch trays with hydrocorn. Red wigglers will be used too. We plan to grow lettuces, greens, tomatoes, beans, peas, cucumbers, peppers (green bell), strawberry, wheat and lemon grass. As for the fish I would like to do trout but I dont think it will work( temperature). So I would like to do Catfish and talapia. Can they be in the same tank? One day this will all be on solar but for now I just want to grow some food as I think I have the opposite of a green thumb! IF anyone has any suggestions or words of wisdom please feel free to respond. If any one Is in my area that would not mind showing me their system or looking at mine please let me know. Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Harold Sukhbir on March 12, 2013 at 8:10pm

Hi Kory,

Looks like you've done a lot of homework so far. As far as the pump goes, one that pumps the entire FT volume within one hour, or possibly smaller size, if you are adding aeration to the FT. For the fish, i have no experience with two in one FT but i imagine If they are in separate FT's they won't have to compete for food as some feed on the surface and some like the bottom.

If you have the opposite to a green thumb, then i have no thumb at all. AP grows everything beyond our expectations

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Permalink Reply by Alex Veidel on March 14, 2013 at 7:54am

Tilapia and catfish might have slightly different temperature preferences, but I know of no reason why they couldn't be in the same tank. My impression is that catfish like it a little cooler, but I might just be thinking of a specific kind. Catfish like to hang out on the bottom of the tank, so they are a good choice to combine with other fish to make best use of space. Props to you for doing your research!