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[Day_Tripper]

Anybody play with aquaponics?  I've been researching how this can be done indoors.  I have a deck and lot's of light.  I've seen stuff that is really expensive, but I think it can be set up much cheaper with odds and ends that other people want to get rid of.  Here is one video:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg17Yp1OONo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg17Yp1OONo</a>

My Aquaponics system. The before video - before I rebuild it and extend it.

[4Etznab]

This is really cool! I've heard of Hydroponics for years, even know a few people who were able to use them to great ends. I have never really looked into them. With times being what they are, this seemingly self contained system would be a more practical choice for me. Living in the "Great White North" I wonder how well this would function in an indoor environment? It would be nice to be able to extend the growing season from a 3 month period of time to year round.
 On with the journey, cheers!

[Day_Tripper]

Yes, you can do this inside.  Here are more videos from do it yourselfers.  One of them uses a rubbermade bucket for the fish.  There are certain fish that are recommended and a type of crawfish, but it looks like any fish can be used.  Tilapia is considered the best fish since you can eat them too, but they're too big for an indoor set up.

I'm trying to figure out how to get the set up for free or really cheap.  There are always free fishtanks from people who don't want to hassle with fish.  The problem is moving them, they're heavy.  I figure I'll just put the word out and see what I can find and if someone would be willing to deliver it.

This technique is supposed to grow the veggies faster than in dirt.  I'm just wondering how well root veggies work like carrots in this type of set up.  Lettuces, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries are all supposed to do well, but I can't find anyone talking about potatoes, turnips, carrots, or beets.


<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVkIzrKpKek" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVkIzrKpKek</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkiQucQbLec" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkiQucQbLec</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9fQXLfgBUI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9fQXLfgBUI</a>

[Day_Tripper]

I guess carrots do work.

http://aquaponics.eu/plants.htm

[lashmar]

I've been looking into this because a friend of mine told me about it a few months ago. I'm still learning about it, its hard to find new info about it after a little while. My friend is doing it in Thiland, he moved from the US a few weeks ago, and he's going to grow lettuce and sell it to hotels. I can't remember what else he's going to grow but it seems very interesting.

[Regnad]

My question is do you think marijuana growers already have this growing technic harnessed, you know they always stay ahead of the game, just like when hydroponics got started....
Just a little food for thought.....

[Day_Tripper]

My question is do you think marijuana growers already have this growing technic harnessed,

Possibly.  I know there is a store in the city here that specializes in hydroponics.  In high school I dated a guy who's Mom worked there.  I'm into the organic thing, so I'm not keen on hydroponics.  It uses chemicals rather than natural.  However, the pump systems are similar.  I've found videos about hydroponics, sans fish, and it seems the same.

I've put the word out that I'm looking for a fish tank.  It could happen.  And the guy I talked to said he'd move it for me.  We'll see.  Then, I need to set up the pump system before ever getting fish or plants.  If this works, I may try something outside on my deck too.  I have a hottub that I never use and maybe I could put some koi or something in there.  But I know I need to start out slow and small.  Besides the pump, the rocks are expensive as well.  I'm going to hit thrift stores and see what I can find.

[4Etznab]

Besides the pump, the rocks are expensive as well

I've been playing with a flow system that might just eliminate the need for the pump, I'll let you know. I can't seem to find anything specific on the rocks, have you found a spot that explains the criteria. If it's no more than "Pea Gravel" I can get that for about $20 per ton.
 This is cool, the soil on most of my property is spent after many years of being abused by unscrupulous farmers who never had sustainability in mind (it's going to take a great deal of pissing in the yard to bring it back), we compost but even with that our yields are typically small due to insect or small mammal loss (not that I blame them, they have to eat too) and then there is our growing season is so short. Year round crops are a definite boon!

Thanks for the post D.T.

[Day_Tripper]

I've been playing with a flow system that might just eliminate the need for the pump, I'll let you know.

Tell me more.  I may have obtained a fish tank with tetras.  I wanted to try the pump thing first, so as not to disturb the fish, but I'll take what I can get.  I may even get them to move it...for FREE!!!    But, I'll wait and see if and when it happens.

As far as the rocks, apparently there are specific rocks to use.  Some rocks, like gravel, change the Ph balance.  So, the rocks that are used are river rock and lava rock.  I could probably find lot's of river rock around here.  Or, I can buy the rocks.  We'll see.  I'm trying to do this cheaply.

[4Etznab]

I'm at phase 2. I have a couple of adjustments to make, but it is looking promising. Currently everything is scaled down so some problems will undoubtedly occur when I size it up but I'm very hopeful. I was thinking of making a "Youtube" video of the assembly once I have it refined, in that way I hope also to get input from others on possible improvements.  Fingers Crossed!!