Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have been interested in starting an Aquaponics system since I visited Disney World about 7 years ago. They have a pretty amazing ecosystem that they use to supply several of their restaurants. I live near Chicago so temperature is an issue. I can't build an outdoor greenhouse due to restrictions in my neighborhood. Hopefully I can keep the plants and fish alive and expand into my basement.

Welcome Nate,
I hope your system works well. pictures please.

Hey Nate,

Im just starting out too. I live in Wisconsin just north of you and have to deal with the weather also. I just finished building my first small system for around $100. It was a fun small build and will help get a lot of herbs for the kitchen. I say try a small setup that fits indoors just to get your feet wet. Then maybe you can expand a bit after that. Just a suggestion. Happy to see someone nearby interested too. Check out my thread. Like i said just starting too

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=21883

I'm starting with a small system (IKEA Rack) with a 13 gallon fish tank and 7 gallon grow bed. For now I'm keeping it in the formal dining room. Hoping to grow herbs as well. I am still undecided on the fish species. If I transition to a system in my basement, it may be cold enough for rainbow trout. Otherwise I'm leaning toward Koi just so I can get something local from a pet store. Not sure where I can find Tilapia fingerlings without having them delivered.

Hi

I have a site where you can keep an electronic diary of your progress, and also see how others are progressing and what fish they are using. Its on http://www.ourresearch.net. We are using this as the basis for research on how things work by those who have diaries on the system. You may want to have a look.

Ria

Thanks for the link. I definitely want to document my progress to keep track of what works and what doesn't.

Hey Nate how is it going. I was wondering how your system is going and if you have any pics yet. Happy Farming.

I have the thing constructed but I was having issues with the timing of the flood up and drain down. I was busy working over the last week so I'm planning on having it done by this weekend. I'll post some pics once its all complete

Hi Nate,

Have you got those pics? I'm curious. I know another guy named Alex who's not too far from you who's also growing indoors.