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Vodin
12-30-2013, 01:04 AM
My system is beginning to bloom. Cherry Tomatoes, Green Bell Peppers, Chile Pepper (Thai Hot) and Green Peas.
Chives, Oregano, Basil, Lemon Balm and Cilantro are ready to go.

Beefsteak and San Marzano are still filling out. Aloe Vera is not really taking root working on the 2nd attempt now.
Broccoli and Jalpenos, is still growing.

All but the herbs were started from seed mid October this year.

The plan is simple. Grow this year round and set up another grow bed. The second grow bed will start the plants for the grow bed and the vertical pallets that are out in the backyard next to the ponds. (I live on a small plot of land 40'x80')

I get the upper hand on the short growing season by starting the plants a few months ahead indoors. Then clippings are taken of the plants that I wish to continue to grow during the winter and bring those in.

Plan for 2014 is the completion of the large outdoor 12'x10'x5' pond. I will start the Channel Catfish indoors with the Tillapia this year. Then 2015 they will go into the large pond.

While this is occurring I will be pursuing vertical aquaponics outdoors. 4 foot 6" PVC tubes with holes cut for the plants to grow out of. Resulting in 28 plants in a 2 foot area. If this works I can set up 40 of these towers and that will place a big dent in the need for purchased food.

Do more with less.

2die4
12-30-2013, 06:06 PM
With this system, have you noticed a substantial increase in your electric bill?

Metrocruiser
12-30-2013, 06:41 PM
Nice plan vodin, it is very similar to what I have been planning for this spring:) but I dont have any fish plans yet so Ill be using ferts if I go hydro. I cant wait to see your plans.

We have a conventional garden space that didnt do so well the last 2 years so hopefully the compost we are now making will boost production some. As well, Ive never done a hydo pipe setup outdoors. Any feedback about differences doing this indoors or outdoors?

The vertical setup sure helps to maximizes the yield/space ratio.

What type pots will you be using? Ive seen people using the black netpots or costco red beercups with the bottom cut out and rockwool or hydroton balls? Are there other types of good mediums?

ElevenBravo
12-30-2013, 08:05 PM
Cool, show some pix and give more details please!

As was asked, how about the electric bill? Maybe the tac team will storm your house looking for.... pot. Offer them a nice tomato sandwich if they come! :-)


EB

Vodin
12-30-2013, 09:37 PM
Here are the latest pics.

This is 1 of 5 Bell Pepper plants. I believe these are buds.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IMG_0997_zps1583f710.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_0997_zps1583f710.jpg.html)

The next plant 1 of 5 is Thai Hot Chile Pepper.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IMG_0998_zps6deb7a77.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_0998_zps6deb7a77.jpg.html)

Luckily I got some training from the Paparazzi photo team. We will be having some youngsters running around...

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IMG_0999_zpsa0c94698.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_0999_zpsa0c94698.jpg.html)

Here is a shot of the Green Beans 1 of 2, 1 of 1 Broccoli, 2 Iceberg Lettuce sprouts, 1 of 5 Kale, and San Marzazano tomato 1 of 5 and trying to propagate Aloe Vera.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IMG_1003_zpsd627d79f.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_1003_zpsd627d79f.jpg.html)

More info in next post.

Vodin
12-30-2013, 09:59 PM
Cool, show some pix and give more details please!

As was asked, how about the electric bill? Maybe the tac team will storm your house looking for.... pot. Offer them a nice tomato sandwich if they come! :-)


EB


Electric Bill consists of

3 CFL lights and it will come out to an extra $75 a year. That is ~.21 a day for the lights 12 hours a day every day of the year.
3 300 watt subermsible heaters, 1 Air Pump and 1 120 GPH Water pump. I have been testing it out with a Kilawatt meter. I have had a few heaters day or create stray voltage in the water. So I have not measured it a true year but my calculations place the cost at $1.30 a day or $475 a year.

The grand total is ~ $550 a year or $1.51 a day.

Here is the break down you pay
$10-14$ 1lb Tilapia

If I eat 35lbs of Tilapia it will have paid for the cost. The plants I am growing are as follows
Green Beans
Ice Berg Lettuce
Tomatoes
Kale
Broccoli
3 different Jalapenos
Onions

Herbs
Chives
Lemon Balm
Oregano
Cilantro
Aloe Vera (if I can get it to propagate)

I eat the herbs now. I wait for the Tilapia and the Vegetables. The vegies are indeterminate meaning there is a constant supply with no real termination date. This will also get me set up on starter plants for the spring. I wont need to buy pre grown plants.

All this and I go down stairs and have a 'Zen' moment as my wife puts it. I go feed the fish and take dead leaves off of the plants. There is no weeding with Aquaponics.

Metrocruiser
12-31-2013, 12:11 AM
Here is a shot of the Green Beans 1 of 2, 1 of 1 Broccoli, 2 Iceberg Lettuce sprouts, 1 of 5 Kale, and San Marzazano tomato 1 of 5 and trying to propagate Aloe Vera.

More like propagating ladybugs lol

Vodin
12-31-2013, 12:20 AM
I bought an herb plant from a garden center. I didn't see the aphid infestation. So I bought 1500 ladybugs but messed up the release. So bought another 1000 and did it proper. If the tilapia didn't eat em the spiders in the basement got the ones that aren't in the grow bed. The ladybug mating signifies they are happy with the food and environment. And most of the aphids are gone so they did their job.

helomech
12-31-2013, 12:32 AM
All this and I go down stairs and have a 'Zen' moment as my wife puts it. I go feed the fish and take dead leaves off of the plants. There is no weeding with Aquaponics.

I hear you, I love spending time messing with my aquaponics.

Metrocruiser
12-31-2013, 02:40 AM
Oh man, you two are making me get aquaponic visions in my head. I am dreaming of an indoor windowsill tube system. Our sunroom has 15' of south west facing exposure. Got about 4 houses and a highrise 2 blocks away that can see right into our kitchen when it gets dark and the blinds open. Some privacy would be nice and some fresh herbs and veggies would be awesome.

If I had one 5" diameter pipe running along the windowsill run of 15 feet what type of fish tank size would be ideal? As well, what about number of plants/spacing, I would like grow some greenleaf lettuce, green onions, basil, cilantro.

I hope this is on topic because I am not meaning to hijack, please move or delete if this post is inappropriate.

Metrocruiser
12-31-2013, 02:49 AM
I bought an herb plant from a garden center. I didn't see the aphid infestation. So I bought 1500 ladybugs but messed up the release. So bought another 1000 and did it proper. If the tilapia didn't eat em the spiders in the basement got the ones that aren't in the grow bed. The ladybug mating signifies they are happy with the food and environment. And most of the aphids are gone so they did their job.

Bugs sure suck. We have a plagued apple tree and I should try some LBs this summer.

- - - Updated - - -

Your plants look awesome, healthy and yummy

helomech
12-31-2013, 02:02 PM
Oh man, you two are making me get aquaponic visions in my head. I am dreaming of an indoor windowsill tube system. Our sunroom has 15' of south west facing exposure. Got about 4 houses and a highrise 2 blocks away that can see right into our kitchen when it gets dark and the blinds open. Some privacy would be nice and some fresh herbs and veggies would be awesome.

If I had one 5" diameter pipe running along the windowsill run of 15 feet what type of fish tank size would be ideal? As well, what about number of plants/spacing, I would like grow some greenleaf lettuce, green onions, basil, cilantro.

I hope this is on topic because I am not meaning to hijack, please move or delete if this post is inappropriate.

You want the fish tank big enough that the water level does not go down too low, and that it does not overflow if you have a power failure. The amount of water is not that critical, it is more about the amount of fish in the water. With 15 feet of pipe that would probably give you over 20 plants. I would start with just a few fish, and monitor the levels of nitrates, ammonia and nitrites, and then you could add more fish. The general rule of thumb is to try to move the water every hour. So if you have 100 gallons, get a pump that can pump 100 gallons a hour at least at the height you are pumping too. It will show on the back of the pump packaging.

- - - Updated - - -


Bugs sure suck. We have a plagued apple tree and I should try some LBs this summer.

- - - Updated - - -

Your plants look awesome, healthy and yummy

Bugs are even worse in aquaponics, because you can't use any pesticides.

ElevenBravo
12-31-2013, 08:19 PM
Very nice Vodin, thanks for sharing! Can you teach us about aquaponics? I know theres plenty on oogle, but Id like to hear from *YOU* since 1) you are sucessful 2) you are a trusted source of information.

Thanks!
EB

helomech
12-31-2013, 08:21 PM
Very nice Vodin, thanks for sharing! Can you teach us about aquaponics? I know theres plenty on oogle, but Id like to hear from *YOU* since 1) you are sucessful 2) you are a trusted source of information.

Thanks!
EB

What do you want to know, I been running a AP system for over 2 years now.

http://www.shtfready.com/threads/880-Aquaponics-system-Need-people-to-critique-my-system?highlight=aquaponics

http://www.shtfready.com/threads/3952-Got-my-temporary-green-house-up?highlight=aquaponics

Vodin
12-31-2013, 08:50 PM
helomech's system is huge he is also a source of information for me. Mine is what I can fit into the space I have which is small. My first build was simple and I did it before I researched anything.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/002_zps3b6ebd10.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/002_zps3b6ebd10.jpg.html)

This initially took up a 3'x3'x3' space until the plants started to grow. In the end the tomatoes were 54" tall and curled over at the ceiling. I farmed Chives, Green Beans, and Cherry Tomatoes (about 2-3 lbs) in the 7 months I had it. They started from seeds. I had pumpkin and other plants. No fruits I learned about pollination long story there.

First my suggestions are figure out
what you want to invest
what you want from your investment
where will the fish tank be
how much space do you have there

I am assuming this will be indoors...?

For me indoors resolves a lot of issues with where I live. Colorado, long bouts of cold weather making a short growing season.
I didn't want to start out big so I bought a used 55 gallon -> FOOD GRADE <- barrel. It contained Mountain Dew from the Pepsi CO.
I paid $10 for the barrel, I needed to keep the water oxygenated for the fish air pump $10, need a heater for the fish $19, and I need a water pump to move water from fish barrel to the grow bed another $15.

$55 for the fish tank set up.

I cut the top 1/3 of the barrel off, flipped it over and sealed any holes with silicone. I made the grow bed ($7 silicone)
Built a Bell Siphon and installed it. (PvC pipe and a bit of frustration) ($15)
Filled the grow bed with media. 30Litres of Hydroton (baked clay balls) (($30))

So total now is $100 for the set up things you need at this point is water. Set up system filled and ran it for 1 month no seeds no fish (to set up the biological requirements for plant and animal)

Bought gold fish (buy feeder fish cheap) and seed of the plants I wanted. Also bought Master Liquid Test Kit this tests the Waters pH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Salt level. The kit is about 20 years old I have had fish tanks in the past. I would assume the cost is about $30

So for $140 (fish x10 at .20 and fish food $8) you have what is needed.

Now before you do all this Calculate your space and how the light shines in the area you will have the plants in. When you have that and $ we can start banging an indoor system out.

Vodin
12-31-2013, 09:01 PM
You want the fish tank big enough that the water level does not go down too low, and that it does not overflow if you have a power failure. The amount of water is not that critical, it is more about the amount of fish in the water. With 15 feet of pipe that would probably give you over 20 plants. I would start with just a few fish, and monitor the levels of nitrates, ammonia and nitrites, and then you could add more fish. The general rule of thumb is to try to move the water every hour. So if you have 100 gallons, get a pump that can pump 100 gallons a hour at least at the height you are pumping too. It will show on the back of the pump packaging.

- - - Updated - - -



Bugs are even worse in aquaponics, because you can't use any pesticides.



Bug removal. Figure out the bug and find its predator. My infestation 'was' Aphids, Ladybugs I can deal with and they LOVE to eat Aphids.

A couple of weeks later my brain kicked in with Aquaponics no chemicals!!! BUT DE or Diatomaceous earth is a natural bug killer and when it hits water it breaks down and doesnt effect aquatic animal life. Use on dogs for tics and lice.

Learn More here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

bacpacker
12-31-2013, 09:16 PM
Great layout of details Vodin.

I have really enjoyed following Helo's system build since he started putting up the info about it.

In all honesty, this is something I should start doing myself. Other than the time it would require, the only reason I haven't, we don't care much for fish short of some saltwater species. I do like reading up on your guys work. It highly impresses me of your skills.

helomech
12-31-2013, 09:17 PM
Bug removal. Figure out the bug and find its predator. My infestation 'was' Aphids, Ladybugs I can deal with and they LOVE to eat Aphids.

A couple of weeks later my brain kicked in with Aquaponics no chemicals!!! BUT DE or Diatomaceous earth is a natural bug killer and when it hits water it breaks down and doesnt effect aquatic animal life. Use on dogs for tics and lice.

Learn More here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

Yeah, we use DE a lot, but it is only so effective. It is a very wet environment. We also use DE for our chickens a lot.

Metrocruiser
12-31-2013, 09:29 PM
Does overusing a specific pesticide make the pest more resilient or immune?

Metrocruiser
12-31-2013, 09:33 PM
Great layout of details Vodin.

I have really enjoyed following Helo's system build since he started putting up the info about it.

In all honesty, this is something I should start doing myself. Other than the time it would require, the only reason I haven't, we don't care much for fish short of some saltwater species. I do like reading up on your guys work. It highly impresses me of your skills.

Yes I read it from start to finish and enjoyed it as well. It was my intro to AP.

My wife loves fish but I dont care for it too much. Panko breaded tilapia taste pretty good though.

Vodin
12-31-2013, 09:41 PM
Does overusing a specific pesticide make the pest more resilient or immune?

I would guess immune. The thing is you don't want to introduce it to the fish. If its bad for you its not good for the fish.



bacpacker

I am not fond of fish either. I choose Tilapia because they have near no fishy taste. (If they are raised in a good environment)
Channel Catfish will go into my outdoor pond since they can endure the temp swings of Colorado. Tialapia die at 55F or lower.

I am doing what I can to reduce what has, is and will be incoming due to the economical issues going on.

If I can supply food I wont need to buy it. I use heirloom seeds so don't need to worry about GMO issues. And it also offers a mental moment B)

helomech
01-01-2014, 01:24 AM
Does overusing a specific pesticide make the pest more resilient or immune?

They can't get immune to DE, it works by dehydrating them.

Metrocruiser
01-01-2014, 02:11 AM
Oh nice!! Going to.look into this stuff

ladyhk13
01-03-2014, 07:05 PM
They can't get immune to DE, it works by dehydrating them.

Isn't DE a form of glasslike substance? When they eat it it shreds their insides?

FL-Jeeper
01-03-2014, 07:53 PM
Isn't DE a form of glasslike substance? When they eat it it shreds their insides?

From what I understand, it is not eaten by the bug, rather it is so microscopic it gets into the soft joints of the exoskeleton and desicates them from the inside out.

Vodin
01-03-2014, 11:42 PM
FL-Jeeper is correct. Insects with an ex-skeleton have cracks where DE can insert in between their plates. It creates incisions and they bleed out. DE dissolves when liquid is introduced. So when you apply it to your garden it will kill whatever touches it that has an ex-skeleton. But when it rains it washes away. It looks and feel like Talcum powder.

helomech
01-04-2014, 04:02 AM
http://www.earthworkshealth.com/organic-pest-control.php


Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, organic garden pest control and household insect killer. Diatomaceous Earth kills by physical action, not chemical. It is safe for pets and people. The tiny diatoms scratch off the insect's waxy coating, and dehydrate it. DE kills spiders, roaches, silverfish, ants, fire ants, carpenter ants, bedbugs, lice, mites, earwigs, flies, fleas, box elder bugs, crabs(std), pubic and hair lice, scorpions, crickets and harmful insects. Diatomaceous Earth is used in the home, yard, animal housing, etc. Sprinkle a 2 inch wide border around the foundation of your house to stop insects from entering.

Vodin
06-12-2015, 03:06 PM
Seems that I set up a thread a few years ago. I propose this. Since I am starting the 5th crop now in the basement system it all starts over. So...


Aquaponics= Water, Fish, Plants, Water Pumps, Air Pumps, Water Heaters and Electricity.

Aquaponics Input= Water, Fish Food, Electricity and your time.

Aquaponics Output= Fresh Fish and plants to eat.

It can be done on a really small scale.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/121912%20001_zps2f0mboh3.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/121912%20001_zps2f0mboh3.jpg.html)

And can grow as big as you wish it to. Any method will produce more than you would expect.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/1%20AP%20Office%20over%20grown_zpsghfl8oop.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/1%20AP%20Office%20over%20grown_zpsghfl8oop.jpg.htm l)

jamesneuen
06-12-2015, 03:15 PM
I like it. I'll have to read this

Vodin
06-12-2015, 03:28 PM
The pictures above was when I started in my office using a 55 gallon barrel. Pumpkins, tomatoes, herbs and cucumbers were the first attempt

Tomatoes are simple to grow indoors.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/BAP%20System%20001%2017_zps5ogywrbx.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/BAP%20System%20001%2017_zps5ogywrbx.jpg.html)

Growing pumpkins indoors was the easy part. I then learned about pollination.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/1aPumpkin%20Flower_zpsxlvdusss.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/1aPumpkin%20Flower_zpsxlvdusss.jpg.html)

These are just some of the possibilities with an indoor system. Did I mention this was grown in the middle of a Colorado winter?

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IP%20SS%20041313%20002_zpsg040bxw1.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IP%20SS%20041313%20002_zpsg040bxw1.jpg.html)

If you look out of the window that is snow on the ground.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IP%20SS%20041313%20003_zpszhtno4a6.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IP%20SS%20041313%20003_zpszhtno4a6.jpg.html)


What questions do you have. If you going to become involved with anything always ask questions 1st.

Sniper-T
06-12-2015, 03:52 PM
hmm. I forgot all about this thread. My bad!

Thanks Vodin!

Vodin
07-01-2015, 10:32 PM
Wow, lunch was served.
Cut up a little Basil.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/th_IMG_5408_zpssaxii2ye.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_5408_zpssaxii2ye.jpg.html)
Some Green Mustard, Spinach and Romaine lettuce.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/th_IMG_5407_zpsro1lt2wr.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_5407_zpsro1lt2wr.jpg.html)
Added some Parmesan Cheese and Italian dressing.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/th_IMG_5414_zpslqdakjqe.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_5414_zpslqdakjqe.jpg.html)

My wife and I enjoyed excellent fresh salads from the deep dark basement. This will be repeated tomorrow as well.

bacpacker
07-02-2015, 12:12 AM
Now what! You trying to encourage me to build me a set up? :)

Vodin
07-02-2015, 12:19 AM
Funny thing, it does not boil down to what you stock up. That will run out, it is what you can do. Of course you should do a set up. 300-800 fry can be born each month.. Fry to plate is 8 months. And Tilapia don't really have that fishy taste. Come on.. do it...

bacpacker
07-02-2015, 01:49 AM
We've been talking about starting a small hydroponic unit to start. Shouldn't be hard to add on later.

Vodin
07-02-2015, 06:35 PM
Hydroponics uses only chemicals to raise plants.

Aquaponics use fish to raise plants.

bacpacker
07-03-2015, 02:32 AM
Yep, I just don't have the time for even a hydro system. When we do, it'll be a small.

bacpacker
07-12-2015, 02:03 AM
We found a local Hydro/Aquaponic store and visited it today. They have all kinds of goodies. We ended up spending about 2 hours looking around and asking questions. Picked up a nice catalog that has lots of growing info included and a bunch of fliers and handouts with information. Getting ready to start doing some research cause I figured out in about 10 minutes I really have no clue.
Big thing is, the wife is totally on board with getting something going.

A couple of questions I have already been thinking about.
1) If using a Aquaponic system, what ongoing cost do you have besides seed, water, fish, and electricity? I know there will be some one time start up cost for pumps, containers, ect.
2) What is being used for lighting? What color light? Wattage? Does anyone grow outdoors during acceptable weather conditions? Helo, I know you were adding a building to contain yours in. Was it made to let in light (greenhouse)?

I'm sure I will have plenty more.

helomech
07-12-2015, 02:30 AM
Really just electricity and replacing pumps and stuff. Fish food is a very small cost, unless you are feeding lots of fish. See cost is going to be very small also. I get water from rain, and my pond.


My green house is mainly for getting my tilapia to survive winter outside, and for some more tropical plants like orange trees, etc.

bacpacker
07-12-2015, 02:43 AM
Thanks Helo. I thought that's kinda how you were using the greenhouse. I didn't think there would be large ongoing cost in an AP system. Hydro on the other hand, lets just say I was surprised at how high the cost were for the supplies. This after buying the set up to operate with.

helomech
07-12-2015, 01:10 PM
Yeah, and with hydro what will you do if the SHTF. Can't buy the chemicals anymore.

Vodin
07-12-2015, 04:19 PM
Yup AP was the way to go in my mind. Even if I lose Electricity I would be able to put water into the grow bed manuallyevery 1/2 hr. my set up was about $400. Grow bed $129, Stock tank $129, pumps ~$50, Heaters $50 and lights ~$60. Oh the grow media ~$80 but I Purchased baked clay balls it can be done much cheaper.

bacpacker
07-12-2015, 04:56 PM
How mufh do you all have to run heaters? Right now I plan on setting up in the basement once I get started and just wonder bout the temp requirements.

Vodin
07-12-2015, 05:25 PM
Basement set up:
Water container: Place it atop pallets or 2x4's. Concrete chemicals will leach into you tank. Treat you tank like drinking water.
Heater: It all depends on the water volume you are heating and to what temp. I am heating ~130 gallons to a temp of 76 degrees Fahrenheit. What is the cost of this? It is hard to calculate it is all based on the temp of the earth, your house and the weather. The entire cost of my system a year is about $250. I run 2 air pumps, 2 water heaters and 4 CFL lights (the equivalence of 300 watts). That comes out to about $20 a month. I am calculating on the high side.

I will be converting to LED lighting this year and that will drop the wattage by 150 watts.

helomech
07-12-2015, 05:42 PM
Depends on the fish, and plants as far as the temp goes. Tilapia going to want 80 degree water, but perch or catfish probably won't need any heat. Some plants require warm roots to grow.

bacpacker
07-13-2015, 12:15 PM
I guess my first step is to start tracking temp, and humidity in the basement for a while and see what it's running.

As far as a set up goes, for a tank I am considering a 280 to 330 gallon food grade tote. Take the top off of it and use that for one grow bed. I'm guess that will leave space for at least 200 gallons. Should be able to handle a few fish in that. I'm sure I'll need to size the pump for how much bed size I'll be running.

helomech
07-13-2015, 02:49 PM
You need to size the pump so you turn the volume of water over every hour. That is the basic rule for ap, so with your tank you should run at least 330 gph pump.

bacpacker
07-13-2015, 06:35 PM
How do requirements for perch compare to talapia? I assume they tolerate colder water better.

helomech
07-13-2015, 06:51 PM
Perch can live in very cold water, if the water is not frozen, I think perch will survive. But I don't think many plants will thrive with very cold water.

Vodin
07-14-2015, 01:19 AM
2 things:
Can you fit a tote down the stairs into the basement? I could not.
What plants do you want to grow. Research soil temps needed then decide what works best for you.

bacpacker
07-14-2015, 11:40 AM
We park the cars in our basement so access is no problem. I have an area in mind to set things up at that is away from the garage doors and will be as stable temperature wise as anywhere I have. I'll just have to provide lighting and run some electric to the area, which I need to do anyway.

Plantwise, I'll try anything to see how they'll perform. Peppers, tomatos, greens, etc will be the start up. Cukes, squash, onions, carrots would also be on the list.

helomech
07-14-2015, 01:15 PM
I never had much luck with things like carrots, and onions. The rocks don't give way was easy as dirt for the root vegetables to grow. Except for beets, i had a lot of luck with beets. Tomatoes grow like crazy, sure wish I liked them.

bacpacker
07-14-2015, 01:47 PM
Wonder why beets work and not carrots? I'll have to figure out onions, we eat a ton of those.
Do your tomatos bear a lot per plant? Enough to can?

helomech
07-14-2015, 01:57 PM
I think because most of the beet is above the ground level. Where carrots are completely below.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/helomech1973/aquaponics/photo1.jpg (http://s266.photobucket.com/user/helomech1973/media/aquaponics/photo1.jpg.html)

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/helomech1973/aquaponics/431992_1883386180621_1720369983_900029_802524511_n .jpg (http://s266.photobucket.com/user/helomech1973/media/aquaponics/431992_1883386180621_1720369983_900029_802524511_n .jpg.html)

Yes the tomatoes had lots of tomatoes.

bacpacker
07-14-2015, 08:38 PM
Good lookin beets. Onion bulb up much better sitting g above the level of ground. Def8netly something g to work on once I get started.

How long did it take for the fish to "seed" the water once you put them in? How long did you wait after filling the tubs to put the fish in?

helomech
07-16-2015, 04:12 AM
I put fish in immediately, but don't put to many until the bacteria gets established.

Twitchy
07-19-2015, 06:22 PM
Heck of a setup... Its been a while since i have toyed with hydroponics, I actually spent around 9 months on it for a school project at one point. Never did have any good results, likely due in part to not regulating numerous variables I could have like temperature and nutrients in the water. Can't really get into it at the moment due to my location but its always in the back of my mind.

Vodin
07-29-2015, 01:41 AM
Got 3 different types of lettuce growing, parsley, basil, oregano and lavender. Drying out the basil and eating salads weekly. :)
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/Vodin136/IMG_5644_zpsveblk5vw.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/Vodin136/media/IMG_5644_zpsveblk5vw.jpg.html)