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Permalink Reply by Tommy Dee on April 30, 2012 at 9:44pm

Goldfish have no stomach. Only intestines, which makes them a great fish to use for aquaponics.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on May 2, 2012 at 12:42am

I'm guessing Dustin will be in touch with you if he proceeds with the aquaponics idea, but let me insert myself in the mix.

I have a 20,000 gallon goldfish pond surrounded by a flower garden and an a 180 gallon tank in my garage that's fed by rainwater. I don't have any immediate plans for an aquaponics system but, I have to admit, I find the idea fascinating - a self sustaining mini-ecosystem. You mention U-tube. If you ever get the chance I'd like to see your system in a video - no rush - just want you to know their are some interested people out there.  

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Permalink Reply by Tommy Dee on May 2, 2012 at 7:42pm

Hey, Robert Jango!!! I am so glad that people are intersted in aquaponics. It's simple, takes hardly any time and once you taste a tomato grown aquaponically you'll get a bigger system for sure. 

Your 180 gallon tank in the garage would be a great way to test aquaponics out. The easiest way is to use an ebb & flow set up. I got my fittings for the inlet  and drain from a hydroponics store. You can order them online too.

Here's a video I made a little while ago. Rember there is no soil & there is no filter. I just mention that because one of my friends that has great aquariums just couldn't believe it.

http://youtu.be/_2BPaPNDI4E

 

 

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• ebb-flo fitting.jpg, 3 KB

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Permalink Reply by Tommy Dee on May 2, 2012 at 7:48pm

I'll figure out how to put actual images on here rather than a link. A little help, please. Somebody?

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on May 3, 2012 at 3:36am

Sorry I don't know how to add images either Tom.  But I saw your video and you're right about the  simplicity.

The hobbyist goes through phases as they begin to appreciate aquarium ecology. It starts with filters and ends with plants. Lately people have been putting plants in their filters - things like Java moss. Aquaponics is just a step away - a larger filter disguised as a vegetable/flower bed.

Good stuff.

 

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Permalink Reply by Tommy Dee on May 3, 2012 at 7:36am

Thanks Robert Jango.

I'm getting a bigger tank for outdoors. I'll show videos when it happens.

 

 

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Tommy Dee on May 3, 2012 at 7:02pm

I'm wondering if anyone knows about more edible types of fish? Say tilapia, blue gill, trout, edible shrimp, fresh water clam and musscles. 

The blue nile tilapia is an african ciclid. I don't know much about blue gill and there is no info that I can find about raising them in a large tank. I know trout need cold water, 55*F-58*F. I'd like to get some brown, white or pink shrimp.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Jango on May 5, 2012 at 2:14am

Aquabid.com is the ebay for aquarists. You can get just about anything there.

Bluegill can be kept in tanks. They're temperate like goldfish (warm in summer/cold in winter) and probably benefit from the seasonal changes. Though I haven't heard of anyone breeding them in captivity, I'm guessing its doable. Tilapia, catfish, and perch are the main freshwater fish used in aquaculture (generally not tanks) here in the US. Tilapia - a tropical fish - can withstand temps in the 50s but will perish in ice-covered ponds.

There are some other food fish that may not be practical but I'll mention them just for the heck of it. Arapaima, like Tilapia, is tropical and is now being sold in the US as food but it can grow to 8+ feet!!! Snakeheads, another tropical, is a food fish in SE Asia but probably illegal to buy now in the US. And finally, I've always wondered about Koi. I know wild carp are a good food fish; so I don't see why Koi (domesticated carp) can't be eaten as well. Obviously you would use a cheap strain and not some $1000 show fish. 

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Permalink Reply by Tommy Dee on May 5, 2012 at 10:28am

Thank you very much Robert Jango. You are very knowledgeable.

Most everyone in aquaponics is using tilapia. There is probably good reason for that but I'd like to try something different. Perch or blue gill and a few $5.00 koi.

I'll eat carp but my wife won't. With the diet these fish get I bet they'd tast ok.

Thanks again.

 

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