Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This is the area that I was considering putting AP in. Have measured everything up and can fit 1000L tank, sump and up to four grow beds eventually. Am planning to put a laser light roof/patio over the area, but am concerned about the lack of sun in winter. The photo below was taken midday Sunday 1st June, as you can see the shade line is quite high (shouldn't be that much change between now and winter solstice. I hope).

I have considered other styles, such as Steve & Ang, King Eric etc, using the PVC tubing but would prefer full growbeds.

Do I have sufficent sunlight or should I look at an alternate area??

Open for suggestions

Cheers

Lucky

Normally I'd say now where near enough sun ,, but you have several advantages ,, reflection of the light coloured fence and reflection of the blonde bricks and windows.
HMMM ,, put some plants in pots in the area , the type of plants you want to grow in AP and they will soon let you know.

I second that: reality always trumps theory!

A shame about the goldfish. Can you get larger ones? We have 3" feeder fish here for about $.50 ea...
And maybe (slightly) overfeed the bluegills before introducing them?

Good luck! I haven't yet had the nerve to post pics. Maybe next week when I make something interesting...

Will do. Done. Will let you know how things go as time progresses.

Thanks

Lucky ,, what time of day was your pic taken??? And what direction is the camera pointing toward ,, that will help us with knowing aspect and judging light levels ,, sorry to ask , but need that info to help.

No Probs Chappo. East behind, looking towards the West, pic taken at midday, area gets full sun mid summer.
Lucky

Morning sun is what I would be chasing Lucky, if you get at a min 2-3hours in the mornings you maybe alright

Thanks Gnash, unfortunately that's about the height of the shade all day at the moment.

Very tall growbed frames ???

At the least I could fit some damn big tanks under them...

I recon it will be ok , with those walls reflecting light,,, you may need to think about some shade cover for mid-summer ,, they are going to get the FULL on mid-day sun.

You might be OK if your cover is a prismatic kind, to refract the light from a grazing angle down to your balcony.

I dont think it'll be a problem. Even if you put the growbeds at waist height they will still get good light reflected off of the fence. You can also grow climbing plants and fix a trellace so that they can reach up to the sun. You get more sun in winter than I do.

I was thinking along similar lines, only use aluminum foil, mylar, or something else that redirects sunlight rays to where you want it. While the light colored walls will diffuse additional light, aiming sunlight right where you want it is better.