Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello all, another So Cal member I am located in OC (Fullerton) unfortunatley at the moment in my situation I am unable to establish a Aquaponics system but it is something I want to research on as much I can so in the future I will be able to sort one out. At the moment I do not have the foggiest in anything, about what plants to grow/how to grow or what fish to get...how to acquire and which are easiest to breed. Anyway, I can see how essential having a functional system could be in the case of any disaster or society collapse. To whoever has a functional system I very much envy you, once I research a little more you will hear back from me. All the best for now!

Hello, Anybody know of a inexpensive source for PH neutral grow media in the Orange County area..?

I know in San Diego, I was able to find red lava rock, ie scoria, in bulk at a landscaping supply place.

Thanks Ronmaggi,
I did see lava rock at our local store too but I was a little hesitant to use it as some have said it's sharp to work with and may easily mush up the plant roots etc. I also wonder if worms would have a hard time living in it, if I decide to add them later. I may resort to using lava rock but would like to hear from a few people that use it and what their thoughts are on it...

Do you currently use lava rock and what is your experience vs any alternatives you have tried.?
Thanks

I use lava rock. The worms and roots are fine. T first it is hard on the hands, but they toughen up. I would love to be able to afford hydroton. Everyone who works with it loves it.

Hey everyone!

Just in the planning phase of a system up near Victorville, CA. Nice to meet everyone

If anyone has any advice for AP'ers in the High Desert region, I would love to hear it. The temperature swings up here are pretty dramatic, and I'm starting to worry that the only things I'll be able to grow are coelacanth and prickly pear.

More specifically, our outside temperatures reach extremes of about 28-122 degrees F almost every year, with 19 and 129 being the most extreme that I can remember. I'm really not sure about the ground temperature, or even the temperature of the water nearby (Hesperia Lake and Mojave Narrows), but I would love to know.

I do know that they have a trout hatchery located adjacent to the local community college, and that Hesperia Lakes had a network of man-made trout streams for years...so I've been considering that avenue. However, I'm trying to make this as low-maintenance as possible...so ideally I'd like to have a fish species that will propagate itself, as opposed to having to restock every year.

My plan is to start low-budget and see if I can build up from there. I just sent off an email to the local car wash to see if they had any extra 55 gal barrels lying around that I could take off of their hands. Guess we'll see where that goes

Any bakeries near you? I recently heard they are a good source for IBCs.

Hello All,

Thanks for an interesting site.


I have an up and running AP system, approx. 500 sq ft green house, located in the High Desert (Oro Grande) just outside of Victorville. The temp swing is pretty easy to manage. I would post some pics but don't know how.

Thanks again for a great site.

David

Easy, size your pics to 800 x 600, then in the full editor there is a too to add up to three pictures per post.

Hello All,
Trying to get you some pictures, hope I can.

Thanks
David

Hi all I am in OC as well. Building a new in ground aquaponic system. I have Tilapia currently filling the pond with "plant food". Right now I have a few test plants in the water just to check if there is enough nutrients to support plant life. Later I will add a trellis with Kratky style boxes staggered across it.

What my project looks like right now. I need to finish the masonary work, and then build a wood trellis up top. Adding LED lights of course and a solar panel to power it all. So far it is very relaxing to sit outside and listen to the water while reading or getting work done remotely. I want to give it a really earthy look to compliment the rest of my yard. Looking forward to getting it complete.

Nice!

Hey Socal-ians! After 4 years, im back, so throw me down on this list. Glad to see more Southern Californians here now.

Check out the DF Systems topic for my current project... its weird...

Man, i remember it was a guy from Sonoma, Anza, and myself (palm springs) for the Cali-contingent.

PM me if you guys ever plan on visiting Palm Springs/Coachella area.

looking forward on reading more on your systems/projects.

-Dank Fish

Hello everyone,

Looooooong time researcher here. I am probably one of or the only one here in Torrance so far. I will be diving in within the week with a vertical system in a 5 gal bucket to start out. Gonna try to get a feel for it in a small and inexpensive system. Gonna start out with some gold fish as they are inexpensive to purchase. There are a few people around me who do sell Tilapia in various sizes, so i'm excited about that. After the initial learning curve, my plan is to build an inground fish tank underneath a purgula with an outlandish 10 by 10 by 3 ( may be smaller). I have a pretty big back yard that can easily accomodate 200 square feet of flat grow beds. Ideally i would like to use a vertical system. We will see how it goes. Anywho, I just wanted to introduce myself.

-Hill