Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey, my name is Ben and I've been growing food and veg for several years now, on top of going to college. Aquaponics definitely seems like the logical next step, and so over the few months I've been sourcing equipment and materials for building a model similar to Travis W Hughey's barrelponic system, but for under £100. I think I can do it; as good as his manual is, I think there's some room for simlication to start with a very rudimentary system.

What I'm really struggling to decide is the fish to use. As an open system, in the North West of the UK, in winter when it freezes, it really freezes, so there's the temperature considerations, but also how good the fish are to eat. I'm considering grass or common carp, but I can't find the necessary information to justify that position anywhere! I know WelshDragon uses trout and carp, but I don't know which carp he farms.

I am a total noobie to this happy little aquaponics forum, but I'm a quick learner.

Ben.

All carp are perfectly edible, but some look down on them as a trash fish. They are slower growing than most aquaculture fish though.

If you have an open system, the easiest thing to do is get fish that are native to your climate. They'll be able to take the winters.

Hi Ben,
Welcome!
We have common and mirror carp in the same tank.
If you are interested in carp -pm us and we can put you in touch with our supplier, likewise with the rainbow trout!
We wish you good luck with your project and if you want to come and visit -we are about 2 hours away.
WD

Welcome Ben,

Were just down the road (or will be as soon as our house sale goes through)

Welcome to the fun world of aquaponics in cold weather! You might benefit from a polytunnel - I have seen a small one for 75 quid which'd probably work for a Barrelponics style setup