Aquaponics Update

We are moving forward on the aquaponics idea!  At least in that we've started acquiring the pieces to put it all together. We started with purchasing a pump that would meet the needs for our planned set up volume wise and an outlet timer that had enough increments to fit the cycling we'd want to do (turning pump on and off so many times an hour)

Next was finding barrels for the fish. We live right near a pickle plant and there were a bunch advertised on craigslist for $25 a piece. I picked up four after our big snow storm. They smell STRONGLY of pickles, haaha. I need to rinse them out but I'm waiting for a longer stretch of above freezing weather before attempting that. 

Next was cinderblocks. Part of our system is going to rely on gravity for drainage so we minimize electricty needed to move water vertically. I was a beast of a pregnant lady and loaded all of those on the cart myself! (18 of them)  The employees were quick to help me push and they helped me load it in the truck. 

Good job farm truck!  We had a busy day when I got all of this and it made me so glad to have a pick up truck!  Water trough, two bags of shavings and the cinder blocks. 

Eric brought all the cinder blocks downstairs because I was thoroughly pooped. This was our first attempt for an arrangement. I wasn't pleased with the sturdiness of the cinderblocks, especially considering we'd be adding what is basically rocks to the upper tank. The height was also less than ideal when we started factoring in plant height and where the grow lights would need to be. 

This is our current arrangement. We'll be adding another barrel for sump water to minimize the current flowing back into the fish barrel. But then we considered the size of the fish we want and are wondering if the barrels are the ideal choice. So things are still up in the air and could change. But we are making forward progress and that feels good!

I expect we'll start with goldfish and get the system stable and plants growing before moving into edible protein aquaculture.