This project was a long time coming, I transformed a platform we had built for a water catchment tank into a 1400ish gallon fish tank using a EDPM liner.
The system currently has 4 ebb and flow beds but this is not true aquaponics but rather an aquatic system using a aquaponics component as a bio filtration system.
The body of this is built with 4×4 pressure treated lumber designed for ground contact. The first layer is 4 inches below grade and held into the limestone with 12 inch hot dipped galvanized spikes, which were aided in penetration by hammer drilling into the limestone layer. The other layers are each attached with 20, 6-inch galvanized spikes per course (5 per piece of lumber). Translation it isn’t going anyway.
Plans now include creating a floating plant island to prevent floating plants from being pummeled by the overflows and aeration wand. Adding cinder block towers and benches for emergent vegetation and of course adding a lot more fish. We also need to do some plain old landscaping around the area to make things look better now that the heavy part of the project is done.
This is something I am delving more and more into as time goes on because the return on energy input is so effective. I am working a great deal now with native fish species and I think this is truly the way forward for such things.
Sure you can break your neck trying to breed tilapia, once you get it right you have 6-7 months to grow them out and either they die in the cold or you have to provide heat to keep them alive.
When we look at using local species we can collect them for almost no cost, adapt them quickly to systems or small ponds and simply grow them out to harvest size. I am also not separating aquaponics from aquaculture today because in reality aquaponics is a form of aquaculture the two disciplines have some differences but in the end both can produce fish or shellfish for our consumption.
Join Me Today to Discuss…
Why grow fish in the first place
Why grow local fish over faster growing exotics like tilapia
Why tilapia still have their place
Why I feel wicking beds are the ultimate tool to combine with all forms of aquatics
Ebb and flow beds are useful in any system for filtration
Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK (866-658-4465) and you might hear yourself on the air.
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Today we are joined by Tawnya Sawyer of Colorado Aquaponics. Tawnya is a Colorado native who grew up in the mountains raising plants and animals for food.
Tawnya is passionate about changing both the quality of the food available and the demands placed on natural resources for food production.
Colorado Aquaponics grows local food, designs and builds aquaponics systems, provides project management services and delivers educational programs. They provide services to individuals, families and communities who want to take charge of their own sustainable food production.
Join Tawnya and I Today as we discuss…
How aquaponics differs from aquaculture and hydroponics
How aquaponics moves you closer to a “closed loop system”
Species of fish to consider for your aquaponics system
Timer based vs flush and drain systems
The need for back up systems to prevent fish loss
The advantages of fish as a protein source over small mammals
Using aquaponics for backyard and hobby producers
Heating options for fish that require it such as tilapia
Acquiring fish from a hatchery vs. breeding your own
Self provided food options such as duckweed, worms and black solider larva
Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.
Today we discuss something really out there credit card companies are doing to earn your business, a bit on reloading, a new method of fish farming, choosing BOL land and much more. Join me today for another round of your questions and feedback.
Tune in today to hear…
How far are credit card companies willing to go for you (your Monday humor)
Thoughts on reloading for the beginner
An awesome new method of fish farming, of course regulatory bullshit pushes it out of America
What uses are there for a horse if the SHTF other than for transportation
What permaculture books do I recommend
Can you really learn a lot about permaculture from a webinar
Thoughts on planting apple trees and their impact on attracting unwanted wildlife
Choosing a BOL that is close to home and accepting its limitations
How do you negotiate big ticket purchases like vehicles, boats, real estate and RVs
What do I think of “Fall of the Republic” by Alex Jones
What can we do to make a real difference
How do you share the message of individual liberty with out over doing it
Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.
