Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just got my system completed and running! I am very excited, going to be planting in the coming week.

Anyone else from this region?

Welcome Rickster... please post photos of your system....

Where in northern CA are you? SF Bay Area here

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Now on my blog: Aquaponic Water Testing Info roundup

In Modesto area, had my going now for 5 weeks, where are you?

I'm also in the modesto area and am just starting to research this. have access to IBC's boss say's when we get enough we have them hauled away. don't know if there,s a deposit on them, if not i'm gonna drag a few home.

Hey There. I'm up in Redding, CA.

Looks like NorCal needs a bump!

Downtown Sacramento, closing in on a year.
Running a basic IBC and mini growbed for now. We're finally able to eat enough from it that we're down to $500 salads and $300 bluegill!

This is from setting it up last fall, I'm in the process of expanding into proper growbeds to match the fish tank capacity.

Happy New Year!
We've just had a cold spell (for us) over the Holidays, overnight lows in the low-mid thirties (F) for a good week or so.
With minimal insulation on the fish tank, none on the grow bed or sump, and 24 hour water circulation the water temperature got as low as 46F. That should start ticking back up as the overnight lows get back up to the 40's this week. This was cold enough that we lost a very handsome Plecostomus, but the bluegill and catfish are still looking good.
There was another kind of plus/minus experience; our landlady sent a crew around to clean the roof and gutters which was a nice surprise. Unfortunately they simply threw down all the debris in a perfect ring around the home which of course includes our tank and grow beds. Oh well, easier to pick out the same sticks and leaves from the beds at ground level than from up on a ladder!
Snow Peas are thriving and salad microgreens just keep coming in by the bunch.
It's going to be a good spring!

February 2015.
We're seeing good growth into the winter, taking advantage of the tree leaves having dropped for the season.
The Fish's appetites have increased big time recently even though the water is still in the mid 50's.
Now serving Peas, green onion, nasturtium, microgreens and radish!
Cheers!

Good morning, NorCal! I'm Jim in Sacramento. I haven't got a system set up yet, but I'm glad to see there are at least a few aquaponists nearby.

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

Looking good!

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

That was meant to refer to your AP photo, AquaNate. My first post was delayed, probably because my profile hasn't been fully vetted yet.

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

Hey, Thanks!
I kept things maybe too simple when starting out, but it's been a great experience so far. So now, which way to upgrade is the question!
How far along are you in planning a set up?

I've been reading through 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Aquaponics' by Meg Stout, and was planning to follow her recommendations. But last night and this morning I was reading some of Wilson Lennard's material on http://www.aquaponic.com.au and it's got me rethinking my whole design.

So far all I've purchased is ~16 cu ft of LECA and a relatively small water pump.

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Revised IBC-based system
First system design

+1 Lennard