Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Wow, aquaponics is the coolest thing since sliced bread! I've known about the idea for several months, but only recently have done some serious research. We had a very hot (100F) and very dry summer, and I was desperate for a way to garden without being forced to use chlorinated, and poisonous and costly city water to save my garden from the dry heat. I was ready to give up, before I started to explore aquaponics----and now I've found the answer.....What a great way to combine all those subjects I studied and loved in college-----microbiology, chemistry, botany, animal science----AND a great love for green smoothies and growing natural foods....Aquaponics is a match made in Heaven. Yes, I studied that too! Too much to say now----I need to go play with my new IBCs! I just found 7 of these things locally----the perfect kind---single-used IBCs, with a food-grade water soluble liquid inside-----Where you ask?? Visit a local winery / distillery. They will probably also have single-used plastic barrels, if you ask. Another great place for barrels is a local cheese factory-----or many other larger food production companies. I am excited to be a member of this forum----LOTS to learn.......THANKS

Welcome John.

Remember to post pictures. Everyone loves pictures of your progress here.

Welcome, yes post up some pics.

Welcome to the forum

Thanks for the welcomes, guys.....
Hey--got a basic question----I live in central Iowa, USA, where the weather can get extreme. We can easily get a lot of snow and down to -27C to -29C n the winter, and then back up to 38C in the summer. This past summer was brutal, with hot and very dry being the norm. I'm wondering what kind of a aquaponic system could survive these extreme seasons?? I could put fish in the garage and make a hoop house outside next to this, but not sure of the temps I would get inside a hoop house. I could also dig a pond, down to maybe 5 ft. (1.5 M) where the average ground temp is 10C and put a hoop house next to this. For year-round production with these extreme temps, should I be thinking of one system or two? I suppose I could raise trout in the cooler months and something else in summer, or just simply have two separate systems. So many possibilities, I can't sleep at night---! I'd love to chat with someone with experience working in hot-summer / cold-winter conditions..........Thanks----Wayne

Think thermal mass. I live in mild San Diego, so I really can't say much about it, but Zsazsa's system could be of use to you.