Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello all. I'm brand new to this site and aquaponics. I'm in the process now of planning my system. I will use either a 300 gal rubbermaid pool or IBC's just not sure yet. I plan on stocking talapia fish due to being warm water tolerant. My question is (especially for those here in AZ) how do you control excess heat in your system? I plan on putting my fish tank in a continually shaded area. Will water aeration over the surface of the tank help cool it like in a swimming pool? Also if the heat gets to be too bad, has anyone used chillers before? They are pricey but can maintain a constant temperature. I come from a salt water reef aquarium background so I understand all the bio load and filtration subjects. I would love to hear anyones thoughts and experiences on this subject especially those in the the lower Sonoran Desert where I am. Thanks.

Jack

since you have a low humidity situation there a cooling tower type set up known as a swamp cooler by you would work. Bakki showers add air and would allow for evaporative cooling. I do not know how much it would as around here there is so much humidity in the air cooling towers do not work that well. Maybe if you search threads for bakki shower cooling you might find similar situations climate wise and can see if that will work enough. It will evaporate lots of water for the cooling effects so make up water use will go up.

I am planning a new system but I intend to have the FT underground so it will be insulated from summer and winter. Also a shade fabric over the FT and growbeds should help with the heat for the water and plants. I'm thinking high % cloth over FT and 30% on top of growbeds which is enough for soil gardens here in AZ to prevent tomatoes from blossom drop at 85F/29C

I would think that you'll be struggling to have it too hot for Tilapia.. I don't think it will be a problem for you.