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Organic Soil Gardener in Canada to start aquaponics
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Author:  PlaidBee [ Dec 8th, '15, 03:46 ]
Post subject:  Organic Soil Gardener in Canada to start aquaponics
Hello all!

So as the subject line states; Organic soil is a hobby/passion of mine. Gardening in general is really the passion. Furthermore, something that is close to my heart is the sustainable production of food. When I first began learning about living soil and all of the neat and exotic things you could use as amendments I was like a kid in a candy store, lol. I wanted my soil to have all sorts of things like greensand or bat guano, not to mention peat moss. AFter a but of research I was able to discern which products are unsustainable and/or destructive to plants, animals, or the earth itself. I am happy to say that I have done away with the Bat Guano's etc. and they are only in use in my recycled soils, provided they haven't completely broken down yet. My mixes no contain things like homemade Compost and Worm Castings, Chicken Manure, and are soon to contain homemade comfrey meal. I'm still sourcing Kelp meal and Alfalfa meal

So it's indoor gardening season and I thought I'd spend this winter making my practices even more sustainable. Not surprisingly, Aquaponics is at the top of my list. The simplicity and lack of required input once the system is up and running make it very appealing. My ultimate goal is a closed loop system, fed with duckweed(or something like it).

I am very much into doing lots of reading and research and am open to suggestions and constructive criticism. I'm not new to gardening forums, but I am completely new to keeping fish. Plants, on the other hand, I understand quite well.

So, If i'm not mistaken, Creating a thriving and healthy fish population and ecosystem is the first step. For my first unit, I aim to keep it small and simple. Something like a 20-30 gallon fish tank with a tray on top for plants/media. Eventually I would like to use some sort of media that can house earthworms to take care of the larger chunks of solids from the fish tank. But if that's too complicated then please, someone let me know, lol. My system will be indoors. It's air conditioned to 20 degrees Celsius. Rh is 40-55%, depending on the humidity outdoors.

I would appreciate some guidance through the process so if someone reading this figures that it's time to return the help offered to them through the magic of the forum, please, I am your vessel, lol. Teach Me, =)

Oh, BTW, I'm a 34 year old dude who lives in British Columbia, Canada.

Take care,

PlaidBee
Author:  BuiDoi [ Dec 8th, '15, 04:16 ]
Post subject:  Re: Organic Soil Gardener wants to build an aquaponics syste
..
Hi.. welcome to the world of AP..

I started with a classic IBC super-compact setup and it was, well, a compromise, to keep the bride off my back..
NOW.. that she has tasted the difference.. MORE - I want more..

So I built a new system that is a Poo-Collection system for application to wicking beds and general HydroPonics, that are being built..

So far, we are having good results and there are WAY too many fish, but, the chemistry is stable..

The experience makes me think that it would be good for the colder climes, where plants just don't work in winter..
Ie take the fish inside and store the nutrients over the winter.

Quote:
.. I am happy to say that I have done away with the Bat Guano's etc. and they are only in use in my recycled soils, provided they haven't completely broken down yet. My mixes no contain things like homemade Compost and Worm Castings, Chicken Manure, and are soon to contain homemade comfrey meal. I'm still sourcing Kelp meal and Alfalfa meal...


So you have got into Humonia. YET.. :whistle:
Author:  PlaidBee [ Dec 8th, '15, 04:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Organic Soil Gardener wants to build an aquaponics syste
BuiDoi wrote:
..
Hi.. welcome to the world of AP..

I started with a classic IBC super-compact setup and it was, well, a compromise, to keep the bride off my back..
NOW.. that she has tasted the difference.. MORE - I want more..

So I built a new system that is a Poo-Collection system for application to wicking beds and general HydroPonics, that are being built..

So far, we are having good results and there are WAY too many fish, but, the chemistry is stable..

The experience makes me think that it would be good for the colder climes, where plants just don't work in winter..
Ie take the fish inside and store the nutrients over the winter.
..



Hello BuiDoi, Thanks for the welcome.

That collection system that you have sounds sweet. I love building these sorts of projects over buying a pre-fab unit. I'm just that kind of person. I like to create and tinker. The thing is, I'm not really capable of sitting still for longer than a minute of two, lol. I Built everything in my current indoor Garden except the lights and other electricals instruments. I will likely build everything myself. I really like the look of those units that use the three large 55 gallon drums. One cut in half for the beds, one sideways for the fish, and one upright for the res. tank.

What kind of plants did you grow in your first unit?

PlaidBee
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