Aquaponics production is a way for us to efficiently produce both fish and vegetables together in a "closed loop" system. We can do this at home to grow our own food with less work, maintenance, less pesticide and fertilizer than conventional agriculture/gardening involves.
Here is an idea that we came up with. We have started up three systems, establishing fish on their side and nitrifying bacteria in the grow media side. One system is run off our main air line at the fish facility and is growing trout fingerlings outside. One system is in our greenhouse running off air from that setup, but staying warm and growing bluegill under a bug light. See the pics. I have one other system setup on by backporch connected to an OWS windmill and I plan to back it up with a small air compressor. Once the systems have cycled for at least a month then we are planning to plant tomatoes and other vegetables and herbs in this grow media. These are prototype systems made from used bead filters and using beads and river rock as grow media. The system is powered with an air lift, 1-3cfm. Can be powered with a windmill and small compressor in unison or with compressor as backup.
These are prototypes, but if they work well then we may start selling the setups, as we have plenty of used bead filters. Also check youtube for a wealth of knowledge about aquaponics and the future potential for food shortages.
