Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Have to admit.. I've been bitten by the AP bug. Fortunately, I've got a 150g acrylic salt water tank left over from a previous life, a free pool liner and pump and a small basement room indoors with a heating pipe running through it. Don't think I could ask for much more of a head start...

So the two non- rock foundation walls have been rigid insulated. The ceiling will be once the lighting situation is sussed out. A 54"x 59"x29" wide by 12" deep "L" shaped grow bed has been constructed in the room. Tank stand will be housed outside the grow room but still indoors, unfortunately, but I don't think heating the tank will be much of an issue as ambient temp in usually 65-70*+. Planning on using either pea or 3/4 stone as Hydroton is just not cost effective at the moment. Maybe on a larger project once I'm more experienced. Stone is available @ $39/yd.

Putting my order in for Uniseals for the swirl filter and sump today as well.

My big issue is finding fish locally. One of two known tilapia farms burned down last year, unfortunately, and will not be re-built according to the owner. The other is completely out of stock. I had tripped over a great thread by GTMYLO but he seems to have stopped posting as of several months ago. If anyone can point me in the direction of local NH sources for tilapia it would be greatly appreciated. I'm in no rush, as I'm still only half way up the learning curve but, if nothing else, I could use this time to grow out some fingerlings while I'm finishing my system build and cycling...

Any directions anyone can point me in are appreciated...

Hello welcome to the forum,

I also live in NH nice to see more people. I have not been able to get tilapia, and am now doing trout. I'm looking into bluegill also maybe we could order and spilt a batch, they seem like they might work for you.

good luck,
David

Welcome to the forum fishbits

New Hampster haha

So here's the full system. http://youtu.be/jwIKUP4gfCY Still messy as it's not fully operational yet. FT is 150 gal. GB is whatever a 5'x5'x3'x12" deep "L" shakes out to.

Have a scavenged Intex 400GPH pump feeding a 150g tank. System is in the process of cycling now. I'm due to test the water tomorrow. Will post results when I'm done. Hopefully have fish in within a week or so. 2 Eheim 300w stick heaters are finally getting the job done. Made the mistake of trying to go with 2 Chinese Odyssea 500w sticks but the dang things would turn off after 3 minutes. Even 200w less the Eheims are doing 1000% better. Right out of the box I knew they were better quality, physically larger, heavier glass and heavier gauge wiring.

So here are tonight's tests.... Getting there.... Slowly....

So this is what happens 24 hrs after a little seaweed extract.... Test was done before adding another 100# +/- of washed stone to the GB. Retest in 24 hrs if the storm doesn't bury me...