Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Howdy folks! I'm new here and half-way around the planet from most of you. I'm having a very hard time finding information on American aquaponics; almost everything eventually points back to you people!

Does anyone know of any North American forums on our subject? I'm trying to decide what fish to raise, but I'm having a terrible time figuring-out what can be farmed here. I know trout can be raised and it's done successfully here; but I'm not a big fan of the texture of trout, and want to find a better alternative.

Any ideas? I love the idea of a vegetarian fish as well, but don't necessarily want to be heating tilapia tanks all season (I'll have a 7-8 month season here without a proper greenhouse).

Oh BTW, I'm just outside Chicago in the northwest 'burbs.

Hi bhsx,
All us North Americans hang out with the folks from Oz!! They are fun, friendly and helpful! Look in to Goldfish, Koi, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, Crappie or sunfish. Also grass carp (very vegetarian) if it isn't banned in Illinois. John Gotfish is having limited success with Yellow Perch, and I'm not sure if anyone here is working with something else besides Tilapia. I am cycling up with some ornamental Comets. I will probably work with hybrid tilapia if I can get proper broodstock in the next couple of months. Otherwise, I will call the local hatchery in the spring and see what he recommends.

bhsx- Welcome to the forum and BTW we have some good ideas over here that we would love to share with you.

G'day bh,
nice to have another person from the northern hemisphere join us, there is a few other forumers from your area and they are as helpful and generous with their knowledge as Janet is.

Spend some time reading the different topics, ask questions and above all - have fun

Id say stop looking for a North American forum on AP, you have found this spot and there is not a better place for sharing information good or bad.
Just figure your home and start reading, share when you feel the need, and welcome.

Really, there are some of us who hail from the US. Not all of us are knowledgeable, (speaking of myself) but all are willing to share and learn. Welcome!

YAY!

There's plenty of "you lot" on here bhsx, welcome home!

I am 50 miles Northwest of Detroit (above Pontiac). I start my aquaponics this spring in a 700 sq ft greenhouse with a 3000 gallon tank. I will be doing a multiculture of catfish, blue gill, and perch. I recommend the 'Aquaponics Journal' magazine (checkout their web site). I am doing a two part article in 1st & 2nd qtr 2007 issues. I learned a lot from reading their back issues.

A few pictures of my system are under 'projects' on my web site www.dsbengg.com

Be glad to discuss aquaponics with you bhsx.
Welcome aboard.

It is Jan 2nd 2007 at 2:36 pm.

The outside temp is 46F and my greenhouse is at 85F. The grass is green! Must be global warming...or are we spiraling into the sun and I did not hear?

Normally, in Michigan it would be 20F ( and -5F at night) and a foot of snow on the ground!

Hi DB:
Neat project! What is the sliding ceiling (last picture) going to be used for?

Hi DD
The sliding ceiling door leads to a chimney vent. It extends above all roofs to about 18' AGL. The idea is to get all the passive ventilation I can in warm weather. The hot air rises up the chimney vent and pulls cooler air thru the knee wall vents. I am an electrical engineer that has done embedded control systems for a career. I am automating the ceiling and kneewall vents to open and close from a embedded control computer program. Read my article in Aquaponic Journal to hear all about it. Also, I have posted my system decription on the forum. Last summer was hot hear and the passive venting kept the greenhouse within 6F of outside temp at all times.