Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Use the number of people you want to feed times (x) the 25 sq. ft. required for each person
and the resulting figure will be the size of Grow Table space you will need. That's easy.
In the US, check with your State Authorities with the
Fish and Wildlife Department
and
find out if tilapia is legal in your state. Tilapia are the fish of preference in ALL aquaponics
systems in the Northern Hemisphere. They are a fresh water/warm water fish and they are
very healthy.
Position yourfarm close to an available source offresh water.This can
be as simple as a garden hose or a waterline buried underground to
keep it from freezing. There is very little evaporation inside the green-
house because the water is not exposed to the air very much, but the
plants transpire and literally pump water into the air to bring nutrient
up to use. In hot weather, the plants in a Grow Table of 100 sq. feet
can 'drink' up to 10 gallons of water per day.
Electricity also needs to be available inside the structure. This can be
as simple as running an extension cord from the house or garage to the
greenhouse. We strongly suggest that it be either buried or run through
conduit underground or at least 8 ft. or more above the ground to pre-
vent accidents with cutting or running over the wire. The best solution
istorunthewireinsideconduitandplaceitunderground.Ifyouhavea
friend who is an electrician, have them put in the electrical system for
you and include three outlets for the control center, air pumps, exhaust
fan and circulating fan and lighting and then when you have a harvest,
offer them fresh vegetables in exchange for their services. Solar is an
even better solution.
When you're dealing with living aquatic animals, they require daily care, attention and
yes, even affection to remain healthy and grow to their full size.
If your fish are
'stressed' for any reason, they won't eat . . . and if they don't eat,
they don't poop . . . and if they don't poop, your plants will not
be healthy.
So, if you're going to be gone for longer than a day or so, ask a friend or
neighbor (that you trust) that will feed your fish.
