Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

All my cards on the table. I am 28 years old and I have had successfully raised every kind of animal from oscar fish, chickens, pidgeons and German Shepherds. I've breed pidgeons, Betta fish, chicken, and Oscar fish. I live on an acre of land and am very into aquaponics. I don't have the money now for a 10,000 gallon system but if I did I would still want to start with a good cheaper starter system to get a feel for it. I have a huge green thumb and a doomsday mind set. I live in north Texas and have so many questions. Like for example what kind of fish (fish I can breed and eat) should I get that can survive temps. from 100f to 30f? Or do I use a heater and if I do what is best? I have so many questions. Very excited to have discussions with all of you.

Welcome to the forum VG

I live near Huntsville TX so the temps are pretty much the same just more humidity. I've been at this for 1 year now and it's been amazing growth rate. Some things I'd say is get a plan together because the setup is hard once it's all done it's pretty minor stuff. I changed all my plumbing after I got it all done. Then I went chift pist . I went with tilapia as my fish and I would recommend it, however you have to sign a paper when you buy them here in Texas it's no big deal and who knows you may not have to . How do you plan on building everything ?

information on basic systems and background information can be found here....

http://ibcofaquaponics.com/ (download the PDF)

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4021e/index.html (view in web or download PDF - large doc)

http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/ (click on 'Guide to Aquaponics' 'systems' and 'information')

these should give you some ideas. And Ben10 can update you on locally relevant things.

I'd second the tilapia comment. They love warmer waters and grow very quickly. They aren't legal everywhere so as Ben said you may have to sign a paper. I also recommend local and native fish species as they are adapted to the area. Bluegill, catfish, and carp seem to be common in the US. A heater is not necessary from what I've been told. I am finding out for myself as we approach winter on that one. Local fish are able to survive the winters in the pond but if your tank ices over you need to remember to have a hole in the ice for air exchange though in north Texas I doubt that's a problem.
What kinds of pigeons do you breed?

I'm in So Cal and I raise catfish and tilapia. I like catfish because they survive cold water and thrive in warm water. Tilapia I need to het the water on cold nights / winter. Tilapia breed easily. I'm hoping to breed catfish also but they need to be 2 - 3 years old. I just passed the 2 year mark so hopefully next spring / summer. Start small (IBC), tiny even (barrel). Use cheap fish (goldfish). Then after you learn about cycling, nutrient deficiencies, solids (filter or not?), etc. you can plan for expansion and have better success.