Hello from Southern California

[Longshot]

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

[badflash]

You are on the right track. O. mossambicus is legal, most others are not. The regulators are liars or idiots, or both, so make them show you chapter and verse of any regulations.

Mossies don't get big enough for good fillets, but they are fine headed, gutted and scaled. Pick the meat off the bone at the plate. Yummy.

[Longshot]

I read in a few spots that blue tilapia are particularly well suited for AP- any idea on the legal status of these guys? I also read something about how legality depends on whether the fish are kept in a "closed system" or an "open system". I assume an AP system would be considered "closed" (isn't that the whole point?). I would like something that gets big enough to fillet...

[JCO]

Welcome to the show....pull up an easy chair, relax and stay awhile. New voices are always a welcome addition to our family..! Whatever questions you have on you mind, this is the place to get the answers so pick a topic of your interest and start your own thread and Enjoy.

[urbanfarmer]

Hello and welcome!

Yes, it would be considered a closed system. You need to check directly with your local governing organizations to determine the legality of the fish you wish to use. Heed badflash's advice and get the details from the local authorities and verify what they tell you. Also, with a small enough system you can always try to pass certain restricted fish species off as pets, but that may not work for your area. In Florida you can pass off certain african cichlids as pets... that is what I heard from a friend anyway! LOL

[keith_r]

look into what people are growing in ponds in your area..

[Big Al]

hi longshot, welcome to the addiction. you will be suprised how big tomatoes get in
an ap system and everything else you plant as well. good luck with your setup you've
got sum nice weather condition's for growing thing's in. it's 28 degree's and snowing
here right now for me. best wishes Big Al

[badflash]

Blues are banned in California and are listed as an invasive species.

I read in a few spots that blue tilapia are particularly well suited for AP- any idea on the legal status of these guys? I also read something about how legality depends on whether the fish are kept in a "closed system" or an "open system". I assume an AP system would be considered "closed" (isn't that the whole point?). I would like something that gets big enough to fillet...

[wolfracer]

Welcome to the forum Longshot!

[badflash]

I added a link for the california regulations here:
State Tilapia Regulations

As you find the regs for other states, add them to the thread.