Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey Sterfire, I sent you a PM but please disregard as a lot of the questions I had seem to be answered on this thread. I'm from Orange County and I believe I read that you were as well. The climate here is a little bit tricky in regards to fish and water temperature, we're basically right in between warm water and cold water fish as it doesn't get too cold or too hot year-round. I originally planned on doing tilapia year-round as I had assumed it wouldn't be cool enough for trout but I'm having second thoughts to that plan because even with my greenhouse, the water temperatures this winter has been quite low (50's and 60's F at night and in the mornings, although it does tend to warm up a little bit during the day). This has made me rethink my entire original plan as it seems trout just may be possible during the winter (and I absolutely love trout).

I was also wondering if you had a source for either tilapia or trout and if you would be willing to share that information with me. Most of the places I looked up have been in Riverside and I would prefer somewhere closer.

Anyway, I'm excited to see your system progress (looks great so far!) and I look forward to hearing from you. I'm glad I finally found someone nearby with an AP system! Let me know if you have any questions as well.

Yeah our climate doesn't allow any fish except catfish, i think, year round. I found a aquarium store called "ocean blue" that's down the street from me. I bought 11 blue tilipa from him for 2 dollars each. He gave me the impression that he doesn't normally buy them.

Currently, out of the 11 Tilipia and 10 Fathead minnows. On Friday, 5 Tilipia have been found not moving at the bottom of tank ( right side up, and when netted showed some life) in the morning, but in later that day, they were side ways sitting on bottom of tank. All readings are good, low temps have been pretty cold, and in middle of day the rest of fish are very active.

If my compost heater starts working today i shouldnt have such problems with water temps dropping at night.

Ok, so went out this morning found 2 fish slowly moving around...netted them and they both have a white thing growing behind their eyes.


Its kind of hard to see, but i am going to the store to pick up salt. Will salt a small tank with air stone to 10ppm, and the main tank to 3ppm. Leave the fish in the small tank for 30 min or so?

Hopefully this wont spread to the rest of the fish.

Any updates?