Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello! Just introducing myself! I've been interested in aquaponics for ages but never really dove into it as I have a tendency to be a bit ADD and bounce from interest to interest. BUT, I've recently started planting emergent plants in my fishtanks and have wanted a veggie garden for ages but living in a rental property I don't have the ability to build anything as large as I'd like (outside).

So, natural progression, time to set up an aquaponics system! I have a local source for IBC's so I'm planning a very basic IBC setup. I'm not sure yet whether I'll leave the IBC full height and build my own grow tub or just go ahead and use the top of the IBC.

Since I'll be doing this indoors (I have a highset house, so I have LOTS of space underneath) I'm planning on getting a metal halide light setup. First question, what sort of space do I need between the light and plants, minimum, to make this work? I'm happy to go smaller (shorter) on the IBC if I need to so that I get enough gap between the light and plants.

Thanks! =)

Welcome to the forum!!!

Thanks! I also have a question regarding the lighting. I can get either a 400w HD setup (cost about $75 a quarter in power) or a 250w HD setup (much less!) but I want to make sure I'm allowing enough light for the setup.

Area for the setup is a normal ceiling height so I also want to make sure I don't burn the heck out of the plants either. I use a 400w HD on the aquarium plants at work and I know it's really hot.

welcome!

why not use florescent bulbs cheaper on the power bill and also cheaper to buy. unless you already have a hd system

From most things I've read it seemed that fluros wouldn't be suitable for good veggie growth? There's also a chance I can get a MH setup for free but I'm wanting to go for what's best, not cheapest. =) open to suggestions!