Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This is my first post.

I am wanting to build my first AP system. I should say that I have pretty good knowledge of the Nitrogen cycle. I have had several salt water tanks including a 220 gal reef tank. Nitrate/Nitrite levels above 5 would kill the display tank.

Space I have available. In my basement corner. 12 feet long, 7 feet wide, 6.5 feet high. Pic posted

I am equally as interested in the fish to eat and the veggies that I could grow.

Fish

Pan fish. (Blue Gill, Black crappie)
Catfish
Tilapia

Veggies

Broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, celery, peppers (green, jalapeño, habenro), tomatoes.


With the fish and veggies these are my wants and by no means do I think I can accomplish all these with the limited space. I do plan on moving to a much larger place within a year or so. My idea was to cut my teeth on a small/ med size AP system and when I move upgrade to a much larger system.

I have been reading multiple forums/websites and a lot of YouTube on the subject. I get the overall idea (I think) but need advise on size of tank with or w/o sump. Types of GB and sizes. I would like to do a DIY (frame tank use pond liner) stuff like that. Also for my grow lights it must be LED. I do have enough funding to do this.

Any advice/links to threads. I would be willing to post pics of my project from start to finish.


Thank you and Blue Skies


Pete

Welcome to the forum Pete. You may want to check out the IBC's of Aquaponics which is a freebie off a link in the upper right hand of the page your reading this on.

If you can keep the temp below 75 F in your basement, you can grow trout.
Bluegill are very durable but they grow very slowly.
Catfish are fast growers but like warm water.
Tilapia need water 70 or above to really thrive and to survive the water temp has to stay above 50 to 55 F
Yellow Perch might be a good option also.

Most veggies will grow in AP but not necessarily in every system. Things like temp, pH and nutrient levels come into play just like in soil.

Cheers

Here is a ongoing thread about lighting

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25009&hilit=LED

Temp in my basement 60 winter and 70 in the summer. I have nothing that would create unwanted heat in the summer running in the basement.

Thank you for the info and link.