Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

what variety is that giant green tomato?

Not yet Kimo and to be honest, I don't know if they are still alive. I wasnt sure how low water temperatures would get but the temps dipped into the 50's over a long cold snap and that could have taken them out. I'm planning on going a different route this year and will dig a couple of small ponds, line them and then raise the crop through the warmer months. Next year I will have more control of water temps and can try to raise them in the AP system again. I haven't done a proper sampling to see what's left but I will in about a month when I harvest a bunch of broccoli and cauliflower.

Chris-Thanks bud! The variety is green zebra but they aren't supposed to get this big so I saved a ton of seeds... Calling him the "Hulk". Every tomato off that plant has been over 1lb. Tasted like an awesome low acid heirloom.
Kohlrabi I eat like a potato so boiled and mashed, you can microwave it whole (like a potato) or slice it up and broil it with some olive oil, garlic and sea salt. Lots of ways to cook it or you can also eat it raw.
I use The heat retained in the GH to warm over night but will have a wood burning stove type of heater next year as I have a bunch of free wood. You can put a tarp over your FT and secure it with a bungee cord and it will do a good job at keeping a lot of that heat in the water but I would do just what you are, use an aquarium heater. I'm making it not heating this year but that wasn't by choice.

Thx MDMX!

Jay- Green Zebra

Hitting 80 today, then dropping back down 25 deg tomorrow... Gotta love it

thanks rhino...stay warm over there.

I know I like to ask tommy variety questions, but I've got another question.

What's this one called?



It's a fantastic cropper. I'm imagining the fruit is tasty too!

I love the green zebra, Ill be growing them again and saved a lot of seeds myself. Although mine didnt turn into hulks turds like yours!

Ryan, I've tried reading through all 60 pages of this and haven't gotten an answer. Is this strict aquaponics or is there some supplementation? I just saw a farm that has awesome results but it was kind of hybrid system of aquaponics and hydroponics. It was unbelievable, much like your growth!

I'm a loyal follower to this thread!!

Ryan...question: If I wanted to add another FT to system, would you recommend another fish species and should I manifold the tanks together or keep them separate? I have tilapia now, and thought maybe koi or catfish in the new FT...something that would eat when it's cooler. Would this be the opposite when the warm weather gets here? I'm really trying not to use any additional heaters/chillers...too expensive. Thanks. PS- Ordered some of the green zebra and another giant called mortgage buster...ever grow that one?

G'day Ryan,

I know your mantra is "control, control, control" so you watch nutrient levels closely and there a many ways of achieving that control ie: more fish, less feed, water changes, mineral supplementation etc: but, do you target a particular nitrate level/range that you like to run your system at or is it "more is better" so long as you don't harm the fish?

I look forward to reading about your exploits in the future.

Pretty awesome you're finding a balance in your nutrient profile to have both greens and tomatoes growing that productively. Cheers.

I don't have a nutrient profile yet.lol Just zeros across the board. But, still growing things better, bigger, and faster then my dirt plants.

I've just got my ponderosa pink planted!



Lets see if I can grow a better one!

A few updated pics:
Graded the koi babies from last year as I prepare to spawn the big boys again this year:

Don't have much time right now but I'll try to answer these quick:

Hawaiian Newbi: it's definately not hydro, 100% Aquaponics.
Chris- it just depends what you want to raise... If you are having nutrient deficiencies during the cold months then it would probably be a good idea but koi don't eat much when it's cold either. Your current results should lead to your future changes/developments. Don't just change something to change it

Telonline- I try to keep them low but don't give out specific numbers on my system, sorry. Hi nitrates interfere with heavy fruit set.

Column- awesome! I bought it under the name "bell cherry" from a local farmer

Thx everyone for the kind words!!!

About 2 weeks until goat babies and things are staying busy!

That is just ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome.

Ryan,
Are all your goats Milk Goats? I'm actually looking for some Meat goats like Kiko or something, if you know any farms that will be wanting to sell some kids this spring, we may finally be ready for them. Finally got the materials to finish the perimeter fencing.