Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Good day. I am in north New Jersey, harsh winters, low light, freezing temps and whatnot. I want to set up a system in my basement. I have no interest in fish for food, though I am highly concerned with odor. Also, I believe I am on PETA's most wanted list for my genocide of both the beta and goldfish species... First off, my basement is neither heated nor finished, but my boiler is down there, and it remains moderately warm in the winter months. What would be a good setup? My space is limited, I figured an 8' run down the table, with maybe a small fish pond at the bottom. Any suggestions? My goal is to grow string beans, strawberries, lettuce, carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers. Is it feasible? I want some good honest answers before I go balls-in and set up something that will not work. Thank you.
Vince

Welcome. Ill let someone with basement experience chime in.

I don't know about the string beans, but the other veggies should be ok. You say that your basement is not finished, but is it at least insulated? Also are you prepared for the added humidity that the system will add? Some people grow ornamental fish in their systems. If you talk to your local aquarium shops they could tell you what kind of fish they are interested in selling more of. Then you could start breeding them. Your electrical inputs will be fairly intensive so figure that cost into your calculations. The lights, pumps and heaters can add up. A lot of people have good luck with t8 fluorescent fixtures with daylight on one side and warm white on the other. That would draw about 64 watts. There are led grow lights out there, and they are more expensive, but the power savings will pay for the difference.