Any one doing verma/aqua ponics?

[Chickies-duckies-etc]

I am interested in aquaponcs, but am not likely to try doing it at this point in life.

Some random thoughts for your consideration:

There are 275 gallon containers on the used market for cheap or free that might be put to use. Watch CL or check your local sources for them. Make sure they have been used for food related products and not dangerous chemicals.
http://www.containerexchanger.com/subcategory/IBC_Totes/12

Way back in the 80's I saw a set up that I thought was a great idea. A wood frame, plastic covered lean to on the south side of a house. Inside it they had built a large concrete tank that was divided into sections. It held water with fish. The water was circulated through a base board heat system in the house to help with warming the house. There was variety of vegetable and flower plants growing within the "greenhouse". They used a variety of passive solar absorbing things to help maintain heat. May be some ideas that would help to cut costs of maintaining the temperatures in the winter at least.

 

[Kassaundra]

My garden is sprouting!!!!!!!!!!!

I know that is the easy part, any seed will sprout, keeping it alive and growing is the real test, but I'm still so excited!!!!!!!!

Here are the pics.

I planted the seeds on Friday, noticed the first changes, sending roots down on Sunday morning, by Sunday night they were sprouting, then first thing Monday morning these pics were taken. No fish or worms in the system yet. I was going to wait on the worms until things started sprouting. I put dryer lint on the rocks, then put the seeds in that, wasn't sure if they would sprout in just the rocks or if they would wash down through the rocks w/ the flood and drain going on.

 

[shortstaque]

Quote:
This is all really interesting to me, thought I've never tried it.

As far as electricity to keep the fish warm enough, there are some suggestions in the book Toolbox for Sustainable City Living to create a passive solar design, that would make use of solar gain to keep the fish tanks warm enough. They used food grade 55 gallon drums for raising tilapia if I remember correctly. I can't remember the specifics, but I think it was like a lean-to on a south facing wall. They might have painted the drums black to absorb heat, coupled with using stone and water to retain a relatively stable temperature.

My garden is sprouting!!!!!!!!!!! I know that is the easy part, any seed will sprout, keeping it alive and growing is the real test, but I'm still so excited!!!!!!!!

Congratulations and good luck!​

 

[centrarchid]

Warm it where you can but try to use species that tolerant of lower temperatures and a range of temperatures. Tilapia will be a pain during cold months of winter if you are where winters are cold.

 

[Kassaundra]

I added the grow light today (well my husband did at my request). The sprouts are a little leggy, hope I didn't wait to long to add the light, but if I did I have more seeds! It is official the east window in the winter does not have enough light even for leafy greens. Haven't added the worms yet, going to soon. Then I may consider a feeder goldfish or two.

 

[Kassaundra]

All the plants are still growing, the only thing that has sprouted poorly has been the spinach. All the little sprouts are getting there true leaves now, still worried about the legginess of the plants, but so far so good.

 

[Chickies-duckies-etc]

Kassaundra - How is your garden growing? Been hoping for an update.........

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
It's doing great, the lettuce is harvestable size (just leaf lettuce no heading) the chives have been growing, and are alive but not thriving, same w/ raab broccoli. I think so far the way it has been set up leaffy veggies are the way to go. I keep meaning to post another pic of the plants, if I get a chance to this coming week I'll post one.

 

[Chickies-duckies-etc]

Thanks for the update!! Glad it is working for you. I have read about so many ways to grow veggies indoors and out. Your system is great because of the very low costs involved. I think I have almost everything it would take to give it a try. Keep up the good work!!

 

[fl_deb]

Way to go Kassaundra!


I am glad this has been a mostly positive experience for you.

Keep up the good work and let us know!