A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Hello from Mesa, AZ

I was recommended to this community and I am really impressed with the layout.

I have been active on some of the Australian Forums, but I didn't know that AZ had a local group.

I am happy to be here.

Here are some pics of my first attempt at aquaponics. I will be making a shade this weekend. The AZ sun is toasting my plants.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Samson J. Loo on June 20, 2013 at 4:09pm

Welcome! You'll definitely need some shade fabric especially during our summers. I am still in the planning phases of my aquaponics system and have been acquiring materials here and there and finally have most of what I need to get started. I've learned a lot in the short time that I have been apart of this group which hasn't even been a week yet. It is good to meet you Aaron!

Permalink Reply by Matt Miskinnis on June 20, 2013 at 8:29pm

Hi Aaron, and welcome. You've definitely come to the right group . We in Arizona are an active bunch, and from what I've noticed one of the most active of the groups. If you need any advice, we're here to help.

Permalink Reply by Aaron Brooks on June 20, 2013 at 10:29pm

Thanks for the welcome. I hope to be out to see your setups and show mine off when it takes off. I will post up some more pictures when I build my shade.

Permalink Reply by David Schwinghamer on June 20, 2013 at 11:56pm

I recommend you use 40-50% shade cloth from either Amazon or Home Depot.

Permalink Reply by Jim Troyer on June 21, 2013 at 7:00am

Hi Aaron, glad to see you found us finally.

How are those baby fish you got doing?

Permalink Reply by Aaron Brooks on June 21, 2013 at 11:17am

I think most the babies got eaten by my goldfish in the pond. Luckily I put some in my son's ten gallon tank to grow out. They should be ready to move on in a month or two.

Permalink Reply by Jim Troyer on June 21, 2013 at 2:23pm

Bummer Aaron!!!

Let me know when you want some more, I'll take care of you.

That was my bad, I didn't think they going straight into your system when I said they would be okay... (duh)

sorry again,

Jim

Permalink Reply by Aaron Brooks on June 21, 2013 at 9:37pm

No problem. Let me know the next time your fish breed and I will stop by. No worries about the fish. Now I know to get them when they are an inch long, so the goldfish will leave them alone.

Permalink Reply by Samson J. Loo on June 26, 2013 at 6:53pm

Aaron if you don't mind me asking what size tubs, piping and pump are you using for this setup?

Permalink Reply by Matt Miskinnis on June 26, 2013 at 7:05pm

Looking at the pics, I'd say 3/4 inch pvc - any takers? Bets are on the table....

Permalink Reply by Aaron Brooks on June 30, 2013 at 8:37pm

I believe the fish tank is 170 gallons and the grow bed is 60 gallons with no media.

The pump is a pondmaster 700 gph

I have 3/4 pvc running from the pump and into the grow bed. The outlet is 3/4" with a 1" inlet on the top to assist starting the syphon.

I have a 2" bell with a 3" strainer.

I could never get the Bell Syphon to stop on its own, so I added the airline tubing on the top and that solved everything. I have been running now for 6 months with no issues.

I still haven't built a shade, but I am getting around to it. If I had the option I would put the FT below ground to help with the temps. My water cooks. I have been floating frozen 2 liter bottles to help with the heat.