Hi everybody,
I'm currently planning/designing a small aquaponics system in my backyard. I live in Long Beach, California, which has a pretty mild coastal climate (no frost, little rain, winter temps in the 40s-60s, summer in the 60s-80s). I've already gleaned tons of quality info from this forum, so I figured I'd join up and bounce some ideas off everybody. Please weigh in! I have very little experience in aquaculture and hydroponics, so I can use whatever tips you've got.
I've got a 12x12 concrete slab in the corner of my yard that I'd like to set my system up on. Here's what I'm thinking thus far:
2 GBs, 1 FT, no sump
Ebb and flow method to flood GBs, gravity flow back to FT
Based on what I've read, tilapia seems like a good choice for an edible fish
In addition to leafy greens and herbs, I'd like to try to grow tomatoes to see how they do in AP versus dirt gardens

I haven't fully pored through the existing posts in this forum, so I won't ask any specific questions just yet. Just thought I'd throw this out there. I'd especially like to hear from other folks in the Southern California area.

Thanks!
Danny