Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All,

I recently erected a 50m polytunnel as a sort of pilot study into Commercial Aquaponics. So far I have two systems set-up inside it:-

The first is a CHIFT-PIST system with a 5000 litre fish tank (currently stocked with 300 tilapia fingerlings) overflowing into ~ 1,250 litre volume of gravel grow beds overflowing into ~ 2,500 litre floating raft tank (the sump).

The second is a PIFT (pump in fish tank) system with a 12,000 litre fish tank (currently stocked with 1,000 tilapia fry), which pumps water up to 2,500 litres of gravel grow beds, which then drain back into the fish tank.

I look forward to sharing on this forum and hopefully proving the commercial viability of aquaponics in the near future.

NE of Thailand, near border crossing to Vientiane Laos. Off-grid system in high tunnel greenhouse 12x35 meter, wood/metal workshop and geodesic dome house. Plan is to create self-sustaining "enclave". More details and maybe pictures (with copyright printed over them, to avoid use by scammers etc.) will follow......sooner or a bit later.

Hi Im forma Chile, but currently I live in Leon, Mexico, that is central Mexico. Kind of dry high desert, with rains during summer months.
I have 2 IBC Aquaponic systems, also a couple of organic farms on the area.

Hi jbraun, would love to see some photos. Perhaps you would like to start your own thread under members systems.

Hi everyone!
I'm from México.
I've set up an IBC system using what supplies I've managed to get in the small town I currently live (Iguala).
Prior to the start up of my system I did a lot of reading, most of it was here but didn't register until now.
I've been expanding it slowly but surely and have a lot of pictures.
My page is: http://proyectocharliesdlr.blogspot.mx/2012/01/sistema-acuaponico-exterior-ibc_13.html
I've had some trouble with the water's pH and hot ambient temperatures (desert-like heat) and I'd like some advice.
Anyone?

I am from the Philippines. Hope to learn more about this good stuff

Just starting off here in NW Spain, La Coruña is the closest town/city

Hi, Everyone. I'm Steve, US born, but live now in the Philippines with my wife and 3 sons. Just started reading and learning about aquaponics yesterday. Still not sure if this is something I should venture into. Wondering if the continual hot, tropical weather here is conducive for a good AP system. Also, not sure where or how to start...should I purchase an online program? Can I get everything I need here in the Phils? Any advice for a newbie like me would be greatly apprecited...Thanks!

Welcome Steve! Yes, the continual hot, humid weather in the Philippines is conducive to AP. There are already many people in said climates doing very well with it. Don't waste your money on online programs. Most of them read like an eighth grade research report. The best source of info is free by scrolling to the top of this page and clicking on the IBCofAquaponic link. I learned most of what I needed to know to get started right there. The rest I got from this forum.

Hi Steve!

I am also located in the Philippines (Metro Manila) and have had a small system that has been running since November and has done well. We were able to grow Tomatoes , Bell Peppers , Arugula and basil.

This forum is great and has all the information you need to get started.

I have just started to build a larger system using Blue Barrels and round containers for the grow-beds. My plants are doing well (tomato and Jalapeno and we will be adding some more beds . The one thing that I have found is that shade cloth is definitely a must and I am also considering covering my system during the rainy season.

The hardest thing for me to find to build the system was uniseals , I searched everywhere for them. I ended up using male and female connectors with homemade rubber washers and some silicone and they work really well.

My wife and I plan to keep increasing the size of our system as time goes and we learn more.

Mark

Live In the U.K Cambridgeshire. Just building Aquaponics system .

Hi All

Just introducing myself, though I've been reading posts on the forum for a few months now. I've built a small IBC system in a useless, narrow part of my property in Cape Town, South Africa. I think I set it up in mid October. I have 12 Tilapia fingerlings in it, and all seems to be going well. Here are some pics of the progress so far.

Cheers
Kev

I'm on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic and am just getting started. Anyone else on our island

Human? Actually I think of myself as more Neanderthal.

I'm from Philippines. We are a private science company venturing in Aquaponics. We have a 6-month old aquaponics system. One 1000 L fiber glass tank, and 3000 L waterproof liner in bamboo casing tank. I have 2 grow beds and 3 6ft NFT system. I have African Catfish and Nile Tilapia as the fish component. I have lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, pechay, chili, and eggplant in the plant beds.

Our growing media is Klayton. It is like a hydroton, but it is pure Clay, unlike those chinese LECA. We self.manufacture it.