Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

My name is Tom and I am originally from South Jersey and moved to Pinellas Park FL 5 years ago..I am new to the aspect of growing plants in water and not using soil. I started my system about 2 weeks ago using a 55 gal drum as the fish tank until I am able to get my 250 gal pond set up...the plant beds are 2 halves of a 55 gal drum that has sponge blocks at the base and covered over with river rock,crushed shells, and pebble stones….the fish I am using are goldfish and also crayfish...the plants I have added to the system are the following: tomatoes, cucumbers, okara,lettuce ,peppers,greenbeans,mint and parsley. Also added a aloe plant ,elephant ear and guava plant.. So far the system is balanced..mint has already started forming roots as it was a clipping off my mint plant in one of my raised beds...i will add pictures soon as I am trying to navigate through this site...look forward to meeting and chatting with new friends around globe...good luck to all as this is an awesome way to grow plants ...


im here for guidance since most of you are the experts ...

Welcome to the forum!

Pleasure to meet u n thanks

Likewise Parker! Make sure to share pictures. We love them.

here is first pics with more to come

These are the fittings that we use - standpipe with a media guard to hold back the gravel.

It is really easy to put in during the early stages, onces the roots grow and the plants get bigger it is a different story. I think you will be sorry if you leave it too long.

im setting another barrel up this weekend, ill try this technique out on this one, as for the other one imma have to just leave it the way it is because i dont want to disrupt the system when im seeing progress...

this is what the drainage system looks like under gravel