Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I plan to overwinter some tilipia in a IBC in my greenhouse, anyone ever insulate one before? I was thinking of 2" foam. I can keep the greenhouse above 35f in the coldest part of winter, but I don't want the IBC to get colder then 75f. Im thinking 4 large aquarium heaters may work, also thinking of a propane koi pond heater maybe. I'm also looking for a alarm that will go off if the temp gets too cold, but I cant find one for water. I am looking for a alternative to heating the whole greenhouse to 75f, that may cost more then I can afford.

Thats 2 deg C outside to 25 deg C required water temp.

I have kept small tropical fish over winter in wheelie bins and tubs outside in the past. I used 2 x 200 watt aquarium heaters and insulated the bins with bubblewrap.

I also restricted the cooling effect of evaporation by cutting holes in the lid and keeping it down.

Finally I restricted the aeration from the air pumps to avoid excessive chilling.

No fatalities.

Currently winter draws in over here and I have a small tub outside that is heated and contains tropicals. It gets a little sun during the day. The tub is heated with 2 x 100 Watt heater which kicks in and out as required and is fed air and connected to a flood and drain system. I have done this for about four years and no probs so far.

As a last resort you could collect fry, annd over-winter them indoors in an aquarium.

Regards

Johnnie

Anyone have a year round aquaponics greenhouse? Is it worth it? Weighing pros and cons of considering it. South Carolina low temps 15-20 over night lows fareinheight.

I do aquaponics all year, but I am in Florida where the night temps only get down to around 40F. I have seen where other people up North move their fish in doors, some to the basement. It also depends on what type of fish you have. Some people start with young fingerlings in the spring after it warms.