Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello,

I just started researching aquaponics and I must have a system of my own!

I am thinking about building a single or possibly double IBC system. My first big question is: should I build this into a walipini (underground greenhouse). The temperatures get down to 10 degrees F or less in the winter time here. I am guessing it would get too cold in a typical above ground greenhouse for the plants without a source of heat. I do not desire to pay to heat a greenhouse. Are there any cons to an underground setup besides that I have to dig a large hole?

thanks in advance, unior.

Welcome
Others in similar climates to you should reply soon

Welcome!

Just on the greenhouse heating topic, have a look for rocket mass heaters. I think a few members here have made them for their greenhouses, and from what I have read they are a really cheap and efficient form of heating.

I've never heard of a Walipini before, looks interesting!

+1 Walipini

I guess some the swimming pool conversions are a type of walipini?

only problem I can see is developing knee strain climbing the ladder out with mega kg of veg and fish.

I was thinking about access to the hole. If I used enough room I could dig a ramp or build stairs. A bigger problem might be that I live next to what is basically a swamp/marshland and I'm worried about the hole filling with water.... not sure what to do about that.

Rocket stoves are usually designed to burn wood correct? Wood would be difficult to aquire here the price of cordwood is high in this area and I have no forest of my own. Maybe there is such a thing as a coal fired rocket stove?

Unior, since you are located in the states you have access to pellets which are used for wood stoves. You can get them at Lowes and Home Depot. Do some research on the web to find rocket stoves using pellets. An absolutely wonderful source of info is Bigelow Brook Farm on youtube. He has a great looking deodisic dome greenhouse that he heats with a rocket stove on pellets in Maine (a whole lot colder than Virginia). I'm starting to build my greenhouse now, and as money comes available I will be putting in a rocket stove.