Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey guys,

I live in a deed restricted community and I can't really have a aquaponics system without having a privacy fence (home owners association complainst)


Not really wanting to spend the $$$ on a association approved pvc vinyl fence I thought of another solution.

Using the small area on the side of my house that is already partially fenced off requiring me to only buy two 6 foot section of fencing.

The size isn't too great but still long enough to have a pretty good sized system set up there. It's about 6.5 feet wide and about 35 feet long. I might plan on using around 70% of the space for longer/rectangular grow beds and then a large tank at the end.






Physically there is enough room there but what about sunlight. There is a two story house next to me:




The shot you are seeing is in the direction of east to west so I'm not sure how that effects sun light distribution.

Any thoughts? Can I sustain an aquaponics system in this area?

King Eric did something very similar--shoe-horned a system along his side yard. See here.

http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/vie ... 0487#60487

Yeah you just have to put the plants where they will get the most sunlight, perhaps up high or maybe along this wall at the end, and stick the fish down the other end in the shade.
http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=477

Looks like it certainly can be done:

Check out

Steve and anges courtyard system
steve's old man's sysrem
Emir's system

all under members systems

If the wall to the left is North of the proposed GB area, the white paint will assist in winter, by reflecting light to the area under your eaves. In summer, this effect will reduce. If it is on the South side, your sunlight will be excluded in winter, making it difficult to grow crops.

Are you allowed to grow flower gardens in your back yard in that development?
I know that tomatoes and a lot of other plants flower. Elevating them to access the sunlight better is a valid excuse to have your GBs at a convenient working height. Perhaps having good looking GBs and tanks may be a means to minimise negative feedback.
Bribery with fresh produce has never been rejected by my neighbours.

Ick, a worm farm! That's gross! I don't want worms in my neighborhood.

WIMP!
Worms are great fun, wriggling through my fingers.