Aquaponics Dec 08

I have one of my other systems on solar with 75 watts of panels set up. It drains the 2 deep cycle batteries during the night and I have ruined 2 sets of batteries that way. I recently found out that if I rewire the array to series/paralell that I will double my output so will be doing this soon. I am also working on building a wind generator to help with electricity costs. The Tilapia are spread between 3 systems with the largest being 300 gal.

I have solar panels running one of the pumps but it drains the 2 deep cycle batteries totally during the night and I have killed 2 sets trying to keep it running on solar only. I just found a way to rewire the array to double the output and will be doing that soon. The array will be wired in series/paralell instead of simply series. The 300 tilapia are split between 3 tanks the largest tank is 300 gallons. The formula changes depending on whom you are talking too...

Wow.. I am tickled pink with envy! I never would have thought a girl could be that handy dandy! Kudos... Why don't use connect a couple of deep cycle batteries to your solar panel to run your pumps 24/7.. n free your aquaponics from fossil fuel. .. It seems to me that your 55gal tank is way to small for 300 talapia. The formula is 4gal of media to 2gal of water to 1lb of fish. U can put an aquarium heater n insulation foam to ensure the talapia's survival in cold weather. Great job!!!

im working in northern vietnam with ethnic minorities trying to develop cheap alternatives to this idea. i saw something at the end poor mans aquaponics...could you explain? my email is tslc04 yahoo

My uncle just gave me 3 "franeup" framing kits to make 3 more really cheap. Should use about 24 2x2's for the frame and then with heavy mil clear plastic sheeting should be able to cover it cheaply also. but that is for another project...LOL The gravel is just all purpose gravel from home depot at $2.47 for a 50# bag. any coarse gravel will work, just dont do lava rock, too hard to clean once in the system, roots grow right thru it and it hurts your hands to dig around in.