Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Great site!
I have been messing around with aquaponics for about a year now. I have a homebuilt system that I have just redone and will post pictures of after I finsh the reasemble. Plan on raising blue tilapia and growing either brown rice or a combo or fresh veggies. I have been told that it will be very hard to grow rice in the system, but I am hoping to be sucessful at it. I have a friend who is also into aquaponics and sells fingerlings here in Indiana, currently he deals in blues and niles so if your close to Indiana and need any just send me a message. I am headed out to the garage now to work on the system but just wanted to say hi!
JJ

Hey JJ - welcome. Rice will grow just fine in AP, but you won't get much per square foot of growbed. Most grains (especially corn) put a lot more energy into growing non edible parts vs many other veggies. In my system I have started to notice that vines and climbers do very well. They do a great job of cleaning the water and provide lots of things to eat. Things like squash, cucumbers, tomatoes etc. Part of aquaponics (the plant part) is intended to help clean the water. The more growth you can get out of the plants the better it is for the fish. That is over simplified a bit, but you get the idea.

Where is your system going to be located? Indiana weather will provide some challenges, but nothing that cannot be overcome with the correct expectations.

Again- welcome. I look forward to some pictures!

Welcome to the forum JJ! I look forward to seeing pictures of your system. Tilapia may provide best growth indoors at your latitude.

I have heard that about rice, wonder how the rice would do with over crowding in aquaponics.
I may just lean the other way and go with a variety of veggies.
I am in north central Indiana near Monticello and will have to rely heavy on artificial lighting becuase this system will be in my garage until I am able to build a lean-to greenhouse.

take the roof off that garage and put in some fiberglass panels, add acouple double pane windows and you are there. I am doing horticulture in W.Ky and will gladly help with plans for the greenhouse. I am glad to hear of another person close by that is willing to try Tilapia, though my weather is a bit more moderate and will be in a greenhouse, I will need advice on trying tilapia outdoors.