Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

25% fruit from flowers?
Thats heat or potash related in some cases, but yes also pollinating bugs.

Thanks Scotty

On the low fruit set on the tomatoes, sounds like you might need to do some hand pollination. An old Sonicare toothbrush works well for that. People will also use cotton swabs. However, there is something satisfying about seeing a cloud of pollen from the Sonicare.

+1 for the toothbrush. when the poly is on, went from 10-15% to close to 100%. Not bad now that poly is off.

YAR!!!
That's an heirloom bokchoy but I also use purple PAC Choy and several mustard varieties. In our area, if it's an Asian green it will typically work as a bait plant .

Scotty is right here Joblow, they go by a bunch of different names but are sweet and can be made into pies and jellies. I also grow a ton of miracle fruit and they make the little berries taste even better. Easy to grow but also a bug rodent attractant so be forewarned.

I would agree with the others on pollination being a factor. High nitrates can cause low bloom numbers, bUt doesn't affect fruit set to my knowledge.

Predatory wasps in action


Tank raised Koi going up for sale:




Commercial raft hervesting machine

Abstract for upcoming conference:

Topic:
Heirloom Tomato Production Trial in a Zero Discharge Recirculating Aquaponics System

Abstract:
Aquaponic farming is taking a foothold across the US and many other parts of the world. It has proven to be an extremely resource efficient method of organic farming and as demand for premium local vegetables and fish continues to grow, the industry is expected to continue seeing explosive growth in both the hobby and commercial sectors for many years to come. Aquaponics offers current aquaculture farms the chance to greatly diminish their environmental impact while at the same time increasing profit margins and diversifying their revenue stream. As more progress is made in the field, it also opens up a new market for RAS designers to grow the aquaculture sector by integrating their technology with existing hydroponic producers, gaining them the ability to apply for organic certification of their crops which often doubles the final selling price of the product making it highly desirable for many current producers.

The majority of today's production models and economics for aquaponics are based upon the production of lettuce, leafy green vegetables and herbs due to the fast turnover and relatively low risk involved in growing such crops. Unfortunately, in many areas these markets are already filled by large terrestrial producers or other small farms and profit margins do not allow for a profitable operation on farm sales alone. For the small farm that is utilizing 20,000 ft.² of growing area or less, specialty crops sold directly to restaurants and niche markets can often produce a premium return and allow the business room to grow into adjacent markets while keeping the farm profitable.

This trial will evaluate eight varieties of highly marketable heirloom tomatoes that were grown inside a high tunnel in a semi-controlled environment for a 10 month period utilizing a recirculating DWC (deep water culture) aquaponics system in which weekly harvest weights and growth rates were monitored and recorded. Macro and micro nutrient concentrations we're taking weekly and water quality in the RAS was measured and maintained daily. The purpose of this trial was to compare and contrast production and growth in the eight varieties of heirloom tomatoes in order to determine which of those varieties would grow the most prolific in the aquaponic culture system and which is going to be the most profitable option for future growing seasons.

That's some awesome looking growth Ryan

Ryan I get a bit depressed when walk out the back to my system after looking at what you are achieving

Sweet Basil looking good Ryan. Are those your Koi? How much are they selling for? I was thinking about getting some. Will you have the heirloom results this year? I haven't had much luck with the few I've tried. The Amelia has been the best of the beefs.

That machine must make things so much easier!

Looking great.

I'd love to hear the results from your tests with the tomatoes!

I know what you mean joblow....

Fantastic stuff Ryan! I assume that raft harvester was someone else's?

Beautiful work as always Ryan.

I am also curious about the harvest machinery; those look like loose leaf lettuce on the boards?