Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This system is quite unique in that it was limited to an existing shade house. The idea behind utilizing the shade house was to keep excess leaves and debris out and away from the system, as Mark and Ruth have a lot of mature trees nearby.

The shade house also has many other benefits. It protects the plants from the elements such as strong winds which can sometimes damage plants; heavy rains that can cause damage to the plant leaves and cause fruit to drop prematurely and harsh summer sun that can cause burning of the leaves. The shade house also stops a lot of water being lost through evaporation in the fish tank and transpiration in the plants as the shade house increases humidity and creates a micro climate.

Mark and Ruth's system has a 3000 litre fish tank capable of holding 100 fish at any one time. Three growbeds in one shade house and another growbed in the other shade house (which is alongside) as well as a drain tank.

Below are some pictures taken on the day of installation.