Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all, long time follower, new poster.
I currently have a few aquaponics setups. One is outdoors and has 600 gallon FT with a few 4x12 grow beds (media bed) and a couple indoor systems primarily for LED light testing and tilapia breeding.

One problem I have encountered on the outdoor system is the heat here in Florida, and I would like to grow consistent crops all year long. There is plenty of information out there about greenhouses and keeping heat in for the cooler months (not a huge problem here in Florida). What is the best way in the Florida heat to grow lets say lettuce year round? If the water temperature is kept cool, will the plant thrive? Or does the ambient air have to be kept cool as well? I could envision using some geothermal tubes to keep the water temperatures down, but at a loss of an economical way to keep the ambient air temperatures down. Obviously shade cloth will help, but is cooler water and shade cloth enough to make it through the summer heat? (I will be testing a few ideas this summer and looking for more ideas)

Another option is that I have access to about 2500-5000 sq ft of warehouse/shop space with 16ft ceilings that I have thought about turning into a vertical indoor aquaponics system. I will be giving up the free lighting provided by the sun, but would be able to maintain consistent temperatures and artificial lighting to yield a very consistent harvest. Obviously the electric bill will be quite high but the tradeoff of consistency is what I'm looking at.

I may have an opportunity to buy several acres of land, but need to use aquaponics to justify the expense and I need to have a plan on how to deal with the summer heat before I can proceed.
Right now the aquaponics will be used to provide fish and veggies to my family and some close friends with the goal being consistency in production.

Thanks!

I too am in FL and deal with the FL weather. Best u can tell you is to work with the plants that can deal with the heat. I've tried a few things since my system is shaded, but since everything is still at the mercy of the weather, during the summer months not much does well. What does ok is okra, some beans, carrots, peppers, red potatoes, and am presently trialing sweet potatoes. Even have to shade my fishtank. I'm sure there are other vegs able to cope, just havent tried them. Growing in a controlled environment could get quite expensive. If I had the space my choice would be a hoop style greenhouse and deal with what can handle the weather at the time. I've been told okra is a good crop to grow if you're looking for a commercial crop to grow. Also, just remembered, Malabar spinach. Have no experience with it beyond what I've read. Good luck .