Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello everyone,
I am looking to start an aquaponics garden in my greenhouse for fish and vegetable consumption. I live in zone 7 and have maintained fishponds for the past 20 years and have a love for gardening and want to take the plunge and combine the 2 passions.

My main questions are:
What are the best books dvd's to get started?
What are the best fish for this zone that are edible and where would you purchase them?
And what tubs/tanks or liners are best used for the safety of the fish and fish for human consumption??

I am most comfortable with pond liners, but I do not want toxins leaching into the water and fish.

Looking forward to any advice...

Thank you so much,
Holly

Welcome Holly! If you have not already checked it out, the IBCofAquaponics link up at the top of the page has most of the info you need, and it is free.

Thank you Moderator, I will look it up now.

Whoa... That is a first for me, you can call me Ron.

Excuse me Moderator, can all of us call you Ron.

No, just Holly.

Well moderated Ron....

Why no booty shake Rup?

Now look what you have done Holly

Welcome

Wow, I have not been on in a few days and look what I missed.. Lol! Thank you Ron! Or should I call you the Aquaponics Guru

I am leaning towards a liner since the greenhouse I have only has a 23 inch door and many of the hard pools will not fit.
Still have not gotten anywhere with finding someone that sells edible fish and a food safe liner..

EDPM liners are food safe. As for the fish... There is someone who stocks lakes there, that might be a good start.

Thanks Ron, that is what I use for my currant koi pond but never knew it could be used for edible fish storage or veggie beds. I was always afraid of toxic plastic chemicals leaching in. That makes the pond/tank end an easy build.. Now I just have to figure out my pond to garden ratio to see how big I will be building it

It just amazes me that more farmers are not doing aquaponics. Its a win win scenario, grow fish for eating to get plant nutrients and get veggies at the same time, minus the fertilizers, irrigation and plowing.

Hey, 'Aquaponic guru moderator Ron', has anyone told you that your just an all round helpful kind of guy? And pretty dam attractive for a pirate I might add..

p.s. Welcome to the forum Holly! I hope you find all the info you are after and feel free to ask about anything you are not sure of and we'll do our best to guide you in your adventure. Whats Long Island like?

now I am blushing again...

Look at all the compliments you received in less than 24 hours!

And only Rupes was edited in my favor!