Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Cheers guys,

New to this whole thing but I have been looking into it for a while now. I am an American from Cape Cod but I now live in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Been drawing up a project proposal to build an aquaponics system as part of an initiative for bicommunal cooperation between Turkish and Greek kids. Peace through plants I guess.

Honestly I am not really sure where to start, the grant is for 10,000 euros which is enormous and I doubt I would need all of that. I am just struggling to figure out the cost for a good size system. Preferably solar powered and using something like Tilapia. Completely unsure on the materials as well. I originally wanted to use several IBC totes but can't seem to find them here.

Anyone on the island make a system before? I could really use the technical expertise.

Justin

There is at least one other member from Cypress on the forum. I am not sure how active he is though. It sounds like a great project though. Don't be afraid to hit us up for questions.

I am moving to Cyprus soon and was wondering if you wanted a hand at setting up you aquaponics system, when are you thinking of starting the project

Hey man, yea I think I could really use the hand. To be honest I forgot about this for a while because I was supposed to hear if my project was selected by like late December. Wasn't until yesterday that I found it was selected for the 2nd round!

hey pikee, hit me up on my email jlehmann582@gmail.com and we can chat if you are on the island somewhere.

I still have to make it through the second round of reviews but if I get it, I will REALLY need a hand

Hi, I am new here. I live in Cyprus in the Troodos mountains, and I am planning to start the AP as well. I saw a couple other guys here that are starting or are about to. Can you help with info on where to get the clay pepels and maybe Tilapia fish in Cyprus? Are there any legal issues in getting this set up? I bought a few lambs couple years ago, and I was forced to register as a farm, just so I could have 4 lambs.. Dont wanna run into issues like that with fish or AP in general. I would be very grateful for any input or informations. Thanks.

If you have trouble getting the expanded clay you can always opt for using gravel. I have Pea gravel in my grow beds and it works very well. I don't know what types of gravel you'll be able to get where you are but as long as you do a vinegar test to make sure the gravel doesn't cause a pH problem you should be fine. Also don't use anything that has lime in it.

Hi Fellas, I'm around. It's been a while since I've logged in, and feel I should make more of an effort here than I have done over the last year or so.. I'm currently residing in Liopetri, Cyprus and have a backyard aquaponics system rearing/harvesting Nile Tilapia & produce, azolla & duckweed year round.


I'm doing of lot of groundwork, learning as I go, + trying get everything off the ground here too. Been trying to convince plastic companies to either import or produce plastic (food safe) grow beds etc. We are in discussion on how we can try to get a community or society off the ground here as well. There is an effort to have a professional fly out and conduct a talk on his project too.

Any way, among us there are a few of us spanned out island wide. Those of us that are active and open to meet talk, help and discuss are on contactable via the social network of facebook (aquaponic system cyprus). We have Nile Tilapia available and a guy just started with trout fry yesterday. We are looking into experimenting with other natives e.g perch and carp as well.

There is a lot happening here.. and very quickly. So good to see you are on here and formally introducing yourselves, we can get into contact pm me. I'll leave my local number with you.

Cheers,

Danny

Hi there, Am in the final construction phase of a deep raft AP system. Would be interested in a dialogue concerning tilapia, best fish feed, sources for growing medium like vermiculite & coir. Also can't seem to find slit or net pots anywhere on CY.
Am located in Pyrgos near Limassol.
Cheers, Ray

Hi Danny, I just wanted to see if you got my pm about a week ago. I would love to get in touch and talk. Thanks

I sure did and sent a response your way.

[UPDATE] Good news after 15 months I have a success story to share, just netted a 500 gr (M) Nile Tilapia. He was becoming territorial towards his later years. One of three Nile fish given in exchange for a good deed. He fathered well over 70 fry (long story cut short) 1st time harvest for me and the joys/journey it was to watch/help, care & provide for him to arrive plate size.

A fond memory and respects to him. He didn't give easy which made it a worthy ''chase & catch'' imho. He was culled, (humanely, quick as possible) graced, prepped, steamed. A succulent, soft & tender fella. Not too fishy, not too earthy either like most rant on about. Drizzled with lemon and a side portion ( sweet chilli asian style salad) complimented him and completed the dish as a whole.

Gotta take the good with the bad too.. I spose.

Bad news is: In the attempt to net the male I netted a female.. eggs splurted everywhere. The fish went nuts (FT) and I placed her back as quickly as I could and she regained some eggs. DOH!

Just hit good (spring time) temps lately 25c and above.. with that breeding has commenced that explains the aggressive/protective nature of our matured Tilapia (M).

*The tanks is much quieter now and the stock seems much happier with his departure. I hope to hear to of your success stories. Keep us posted. All the best out there!!

Anybody still active with aquaponics here?