Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

The plans are coming along great. I am going to go with a UVI type system with a Chatterson twist. I like the tried and tested system I paid to study last week. Since the R&D is already done the chances of failure are greatly reduced.

I've been meaning to read about the UVI system (esp since it's arguably the foundation of aquaponics). I have some of the papers just haven't gotten around to it. Not sure about Chatterson. Briefly scanning through Srac 454 it appears to favor multiple FT's with high densities, regular fish rotation/harvest, and ease of management. Sounds like a good starting point for a commercial system.

Do yourself a favor and read Ryan Chatterson's thread. He is arguably one of the best in the world.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=12589

I don't disagree with much you say FF, but have to on that last one. You could say he is arguably "the" best in the world, but I don't think any would argue that he is "one" of the best in the world. Semantics to be sure, but Ryan is certainly in the top 5 in anyone's book.

Love you too man

Lol, yeah, I actually started to read that system thread last night but had forgotten the name of it. Only got through part of the GH building before I went to bed.

Zwiebel,

For a system the size of the one you are proposing to build on TCLynx's thread. You may want to check out his back porch thread.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=8754&hilit=backporch+thread

FF,

Yeah, I might do that. At this point I'm only really trying to decide on the materials.

*edit* Yeah, nice build but he's using wood which I cannot use unfortunately. I'll look it over a little closer to see if I get any ideas for plumbing and such later.

Question, why can't you use wood?

Oh, I figured you knew since you seemed to be reading my posts. I have termites that have been treated and come back. I'd prefer not gamble with it since they are a problem in the area. I know there's treated woods but as I said pest control failed and I prefer to err on the side of caution when dealing with 1000's of liters.

ZR- drywood or sub termites? Subs need moist environment. I would think in your location, it would be very dry. If they are drywood, there are safe products that you could treat wood with to slow them down. They can be painted or sprayed on the wood so the termites don't eat them. Also, drywood work very slowly, unlike subs that can do a lot of damage in a few years, or if it's a super colony, a few months.

Lol I wouldn't know the specific species of termite but your assumption is reasonable. Their tunnels coming out of the wall would seem to indicate they're pretty active. But it's all relative. We notified the landlord over a week ago and no one has come out to treat it. So maybe you're right. It's not that big of concern out here. You've prompted me to do some more reading.

Still, other than cost is there a reason why people here seem to be almost insistent on wood? Sure it's easier to work with and can be ascetically pleasing if done right. I mean functionally is there a reason not to use metal?

*edit* Well they're not drywood termites according to this article - http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/az1232/ As we have mud tubes.
From the sounds it's most likely subterranean termites. Back to reading.

you got me again: Ultraviolet ..?

@boss - University of the Virgin Islands

Yeah looks like subterranean are the most common here - http://extension.arizona.edu/sites/exte ... az1356.pdf

Reading it now.

University of the Virgin Islands - thanks, never would have guessed that one