Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just thought I'd get a thread going for location specific resources in Florida. I know there are a few other Florida systems going or in design phase.

Buy Locally think Globally. Where to get Tanks, liners, Grow beds, etc without having to ship them cross country?

Where to find salvage or junk to use for grow beds and such?

Locally appropriate grow media, Florida doesn't have huge supplies of rocks so gravel is a little harder to come by.

And Fish! Where to get Fish in FL and how do you rate the suppliers?

Appropriate Fish for Florida?

Fish food?

Fish from Boynton Beach here: http://www.miami-aquaculture.com/
Quality and assistance were very good. Had tilapia shipped here in January.

...or from what I hear, any golf course pond is filled with tilapia and oscars.

---or PM Joyce. She has tilapia in Florida somewhere. Maybe she can set you up with some breeders.

FYI I tried to buy srom Miami-aquaculture and they wouldn't talk to me. The problem is: I'm in Florida and they wanted to see my permit. I applied to the State for the permit but was denied because I am not a commercial Aquaculturist. I did find another source in the Area. PM me TC, and I'll give you the information. He has breeder stock only.

Wonderful to get a list of resources in one place. Great.
Mark, when I get closer to having a place to put some fish I'll be in touch.
Thanks

North Florida checkin in, havent set up my system just yet. i've gathered some supplies but waiting for warmer weather top kick in since it will be an outdoor system. I'd actually like to set up a greenhouse first but i'm not sure that will happen.

Hello, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm in Ocoee, Florida. It's near Orlando. Haven't put up my system yet, currently in the planning stages. I hope to learn from your experience running a system in this area. Searching for equipment to start with atm. If I get any good contacts I'll let you guys know.

Welcome GB. Where are you going to school? I not far from you. Holler if you need help with anything.

Thanks, I'm going to Le Cordon Bleu Orlando Culinary Academy. I used to live in Oveido and have visited friends in Chuluota before. Over spring break I will be clearing the space in my backyard for the system. I'll post a journal thread with pictures : )
Jazz I saw a thread where you mentioned a source for 55gal Blue Drum Barrels. Any idea what was in them? Not chemicals I hope.

Hay Glabrom,
Yea Jazz has a good source for blue barrels where they know what was in them!

If you are planning on a small system or perhaps a barrel ponic learning system. I say definitely go for some blue barrels as a learning system is a good thing and haveing a few blue barrles around is good too. If you want to go big on a system, the blue barrels get pricey on the plumbing fittings and they take up more space per gallon of gravel.


Oh, by the way I have some fish now. Not Tilapia yet but I have catfish, they are pretty cheap and easy to get. The cook likes catfish anyway.

Continuing the Tilipia topic. I spoke with Dan again at Miami-Aquaculture. He is waiting to hear from the FL state gov department that gives him his permit to sell fish. As he explained it, when he filed paperwork in January, the permitting department was discussing changing the regulations. It was in public comment at the time. This was a change to require a permit to buy the Tilapia. He isn't certain whether it has changed. He is under the assumption that his permit to sell tilapia is dependent on our ability to buy. So, I did learn that in the 50's Fl stocked tilapia in canals and lakes, but now the environmental groups are concerned that non-native species are running (swimming) wild. Each area (north, south and central) in FL has different regulations on Tilapia, beyond the state rules . After he hears from the state, I will post what the state recommends. If Dan's permit allows the sale of fish to us, we will have to look locally for any other problems.

I'm still in the planning stages for my system, and having a fish source is a major sticking point. I live in one of those home owner associations area that prohibit growing vegetable gardens and almost everything else. I am trying to design an attractive indoor system for the south facing enclosed Fl room. Ideas?

Linda

What a bummer Linda! Those associations have their good points but also their bad ones. They tried to do that here but it would require about 90% of the city population to clean up their property to make a few people happy. Needless to say it didn't pass

You might try a search on indoor hydroponics and convert likely ideas to aqua.

Great news, Gators! It's Tilapia breeding time and...

NO SPECIAL PERMITS NEEDED FROM THE STATE OF FL!! The state gave their blessings for obtaining tilapia in southern Fl. Other regions may have to be county permitted to ensure that you aren't introducing them into the wild. Miami-aquaculture will be able to help. I thank them for the assistance in solving this bureaucratic issue.

In central Florida Morning Star Fishermen can supply Blue Tilapia but they are not set up to ship so people would need to bring their own containers and aeration for the drive home.

Hay All, It is Thursday April 24th and so far I don't have work till Friday May 1st. If anyone around Central FL is interested in a short notice, casual, AP get together (even if it's only two or three of us) let me know!!!! My system might be a little sad on the fish and nutrient production at the moment but I'm still willing to show what I got. Anyone else interested?

Hey TC. I have to be in Mt. Dora for a rehearsal at 1. Is that close to you?
PM me....