James,

I started with a small aquaponics setup which has been working for over 6 months and it's producing quite well. I'm in the process of using it just to plant seeds until they are about three inches and then will be transplanting them into my rail and dutch bucket system which I am constructing right now. I have about a dozen goldfish and two growbeds with bell siphons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni7G6aWIyog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p-53_pe9Io

The unusual cold weather we had, where it dropped into the single digits, killed all my aquaponic tomato plants which were approx 8-10 in tall and super healthy. The goldfish did fine which I am glad because, even with a heater, the water temperature dropped so low tilapia would have died. I read that goldfish will survivie as long as the water doesn't freeze. I have my aquaponics in a small greenhouse but no heater (lessoned learned). I haven't found any local vendors so most of my supplies for constructing came from Walmart (totes), Home Depot/Lowes (PVC), Amazon for pumps and airstones, Ebay, etc. I could go on and on but if you have any specific questions let me know.

Brent

Hi I am from Alabama and am very interested in starting my 1st system. I need all the info I can get. What problems you have ran into with our weather. Which fish you have found work the best. What local vendors you have found. Just all kinds on questions!