So recently I've decided I'm going to start an Aquaponic system this year. Depending on whats available I'll do an indoor IBC tank setup in the basement w/lighting, or an outdoor setup which I'd prefer due to the space available but dread because I'll have to do a double wall hoophouse setup to ensure insulation during the cold months. I'm a very proficient gardener: growing 7+ varieties of tomatoes with Cherokee purples > 1 lb on the vine, prolific squash so big I can use 'em as weapons, shade compost, in-garden composting, working with self-seeded Tulsi basil, even prevented an outbreak of cherry tomatoes gone wild; so I know I can handle seedlings, transplanting & cloning. The fish seem self-sufficient after cycling, and given some quality feed I've found & Duckweed I can grow.
My end goal is to have a setup running on a deep-cycle battery charging solar power system (IMO required for Aquaponics) with an automatic feeder & organic fish feed available for any vacations/time away. I was thinking Tilapia & catfish in a CHOP-PIST (Constant Height One Pump-Pump In Sump Tank) system with at least 3 medium-based grow beds, which would then flow into a trough for duckweed, then into the sump. But I have problems...
Feasibility of double-wall "trapped air" insulated hoophouse/structure around aquaponic system & water heaters for heating during cold months.
What solar panels/solar system to get & where.
Where to get fish fingerlings/frys to start the system once cycled.
Where to get IBC tanks for grow beds & fish?
Possible while keeping Aquaponic system (not solar system, I know that'll be pricey) to about $250 MAX?
Anyone have any input? I saw someone open a thread on Aquaponics last year but didn't see it end out anywhere that would help w/my questions. Honestly the whole thing seems very very simple, especially if built right (which I will do), I dont know why everyone doesn't do this. What am I missing here?
My end goal is to have a setup running on a deep-cycle battery charging solar power system (IMO required for Aquaponics) with an automatic feeder & organic fish feed available for any vacations/time away. I was thinking Tilapia & catfish in a CHOP-PIST (Constant Height One Pump-Pump In Sump Tank) system with at least 3 medium-based grow beds, which would then flow into a trough for duckweed, then into the sump. But I have problems...
Feasibility of double-wall "trapped air" insulated hoophouse/structure around aquaponic system & water heaters for heating during cold months.
What solar panels/solar system to get & where.
Where to get fish fingerlings/frys to start the system once cycled.
Where to get IBC tanks for grow beds & fish?
Possible while keeping Aquaponic system (not solar system, I know that'll be pricey) to about $250 MAX?
Anyone have any input? I saw someone open a thread on Aquaponics last year but didn't see it end out anywhere that would help w/my questions. Honestly the whole thing seems very very simple, especially if built right (which I will do), I dont know why everyone doesn't do this. What am I missing here?