A symbiotic relationship of double rewards for the creator.
It would be a triple winner if you could view the fish in the tank.

It's actually much clearer in person- you can see *almost* to the very bottom. Also really nice is hearing the water trickle- like having a water feature

How many gallons does it hold?

The IBC totes hold 250 gallons. Once you cut it and remove the top, the bottom holds about 200 gallons to the top, but you don't want the water all the way at the top so I keep it around the 175 gallon mark.

Harvested any fish to consume?

How about the quality of life for the fish??

Jay- not yet!

Mary Stella- happy and healthy critters are of utmost concern to us on our farm. I'm sure that means different things to different people, but to us, for our fish, that means they are well fed, and live in a stress free environment (stable/healthy water and no predators).

Right. Unhappy fish won't last long. If our fish could talk I'm sure they'd say they were happy. Well, as happy as a fish could be, I guess.

That was a great podcast Dave and Trish, I really enjoyed it. I love the concept of aquaponics and have used it for years in ornamental ponds, it's the same idea as a skippy filter for a pond. However, you need fish that poop a lot for the plants to do well and right now I am keeping only small tropicals in my ponds. I use the water for plants but it isn't complete enough or have enough nitrates in it to be used hydroponically.

On the podcast you said that you took a video of the farm including the greenhouse and hydro tank. Where is that video? I looked for it but couldn't find it. I'd love to see it.

Great work, I might even say 'brilliant'

Thanks Jonna.

Here's the videos for you to enjoy: The thread "Video tour of some of our gardens" in All Things Gardening forum

Great podcast - thank you so much and yes, it was me that asked for it. Thank you for your kind words

I was wondering if this one was big enough to feed your family but you answered the question. I just think it's so cool you'll be able to have fresh produce in the winter. WOW!

I'm so sorry about too much rain. That happened to us last summer.

My Little Business and Rhinestone Kid are still in bud. Not blooming yet.

Dave, you did post a photo of your mushroom compost but that was at your "other" garden

Thanks again for all this info.

I'm glad you liked the podcast, Vic. And thank you for suggesting the topic!

Just listened to the podcast last night. Great subject. Any chance.of a parts and materials list? If I knew how much time and money are involved in the build. I could better gauge when I want to start.

How big of a grow bed could you manage off of 1 "tote" full of fish?

Hi Philip,

Actually, there is a tremendous resource out there that you should download:

http://www.backyardaquaponics.... (Warning: Big PDF file!)

It's a book length document loaded with pictures and everything you need. Check it out!

As for money, it's really the tote ($50?) and a few PVC fittings ($20 perhaps) along with a little pond pump ($20?) So pretty cheap, comparatively.

The tote's growbed is about 4 feet by 4 feet, so 16 square feet. I'm currently growing several tomatoes, a pepper, a zucchini, swiss chard, several lettuces and onions, and others that I can't remember right now. Check out the document above and let me know if you have any questions and I'll be glad to answer them.