Hey everyone
Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm very, very green when it comes to AP, and after doing a google search, this seemed like a good place to set some roots.
I'm looking over my options, gathering as much info as possible while I work towards obtaining the necessary materials (food-grade barrels, etc.). I'd like to get a setup with some sort of edible fish (crappie would be fantastic), growing (perhaps) tomatoes, spinach, maybe some herbs.
The zone where I live (known as the High Desert out here) is designated USDA 9a, which means it gets fairly cold for Southern California. In the winter, temperatures dip down as low as 20 degrees F, and in the summertime I've seen it get up to 128 degrees F. On average, however, I'd say we hit about 28 degrees F once or twice a year, and about 120 degrees F with about the same frequency.
I'm guessing a larger system (such as one IBC container) might be easier to manage, due to the larger amount of water holding its temperature better. On the other hand, I'd rather start off with a smaller system, for cost and complexity considerations.
I have about three years experience as a rough carpenter, and have completed most of my undergrad work towards an engineering degree (probably software engineering, not bio or agriculture unfortunately).
I'd like to get everything powered by solar panels eventually, with the ultimate goal of making the system feed off of our composted waste (vegetable matter). If that means getting into vermiculture, I'm perfectly fine with that (I think).
I was wondering if anyone had some advice? I'm trying to do this with a budget of $200 but a large amount of time and plenty of tools on hand. Does anybody have any input on an edible fish species that might be appropriate for my neck of the woods? As much as I prefer the taste of crappie, I'd settle for catfish, tilapia, or some other edible fish for the sake of getting it right. I believe trout might also be a possibility, as there's an open-air hatchery not too far away.
Thanks, and I look forward to being a part of this community
