Heating my water

[Cash-matters]

So what do you think I should grow in terms of fish ? I need something I could sell at a profit. Warm water is a prob but I think I could sort that with the system that I've gone for. Because of where I live my cold winters are going to be a prob which is why I like tilipia. They grow quick enough for me to get them in and out before the cold weather. As per my 1st post, I'm trying to sort something out on a commercial basis - don't crucify me for that by the way ! Just trying to make some money out of this which hopefully you won't think is a bad thing.

[rfeiller]

There are several on the forum trying to do the same thing, nothing wrong with that. Whether it's an outside business or the business of running a home cost ratios are always important.

[keith_r]

sorry if i came across as crucifying you.. just being realistic..
if you plan on doing this to provide an income, you need to investigate your market..(do markets sell imported tilapia cheap?)
trout like cool water, and have a fcr (feed conversion ratio) near 1, and grow fast, but they require lots of oxygen, and great water quality
you might be able to get a "season" of tilapia in, and a season of trout, without having to add heat. (maybe keep a small system for overwintering your tilapia brood stock indoors?)
i haven't seen a "commercial" system making money on it's fish (last info i saw on friendly ap in hi; they "break even"), not saying it can't be done, but i don't think it's something that is "easy" either

If you're serious about making money selling fish, you'd probably be better off selling koi, just from a perspective of being able to get more for the fish

that being said, I say go for it, over the first year or two, you'll learn what temps you have to work with, if you can manage to keep the water quite warm (mid 80's) through the year, you could get a couple harvests of tilapia a year, sell "fresh and live", can't really label it as organic unless your certified, but you can "pretty up" the marketing side of it to charge a premium..if tilapia isn't making you any money, you've at least got a start in the fish farming, and you'll have veggies to sell as well, where you really will be able to charge a premium for fresh produce

i'm not trying to discourage anyone, but at the same time, i think folks should go into any "business" venture with their eyes wide open

[rfeiller]

That's why a real business plan is so important. If a plan was done correctly most businesses would not happen. Selling food even at a farmers market require permits, tax #'s, reports etc. Aquaponics works great with tilapia with third world countries or for feeding family, by in CA I sure can't get it to pencil. Also I nixed KOI the high nitrates stunt the fish making them non-marketable so I use goldfish. I can see native hybreds possibly making moneyin some areas.

[Cash-matters]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate your wise words. What I'm getting from you is that I should plan carefully but go for it. Life is too short to fall at the 1st hurdle ! Thanks again

[#1Aquaponics]

Heating water by solar can be obtained in numerous ways. 1.heating the water itself 2.using a closed loop heat exchanger 3.heating the air inside the shedding 4.a combinational procedure.

1. traversing the filtered water through a solar heating device IE. black poly piping or vacuum glass rod and back to the tank. Slower the water higher the heat gain, glass works better in winter conditions and remember to use heat resistant materials on the top deck to avoid blowouts and also a gas release valve from pressure build up. ratio for poly is 4:1 pipe to tank surface.

2. closed loop systems are the same as above but require an exchanger of some sort in the tank or sump. Usually stainless steel.

3.solar heat exchanger heats the air in the building and retains heat within the tanks as water is convective to ambient temperature.

4. heat the water and the air and you have an awesome system. We heat 960,000 litres of water and 900 cubic metres of air space holding 27C with outside temps at 7C.

Tilapia with your your colder conditions will be slow but will still take on some weight. At least plants will still produce your income at these times.

Hope this helps some.

Andrew S. de Dezsery M.Sc
International Specialised Skills Institute Fellow
Certified Seafood Trainer and Assessor
www.1AQUAPONICS.com.au

[Cash-matters]

Andrew your advice like others is excellent. I'm confident that I can get the water warm enough for the tiliapia but there are options for other fish if it does not work. Also thinking about combining the growing environment with some highly profitable plants such as edible flowers. These sell for large amounts here at the mo but require good nutrients and good water supply. I'm sure that by linking this althogether I'll have a profitable system. Again I know this is not all about making money, far from it, but I have to consider work as I'll be out of a full time job this time next year !

[#1Aquaponics]

Flowers such as nasturtiums and okra flowers are profitable and the beauty of okra is the fruit can grow longer without going woody as they normally would if left in the ground too long.

You will find that your aquaponic system will make money regardless of what others may say and write. I say this because many talk the talk but don't walk the walk or are instant experts..sorry if that offends anyone but i have been in aquaculture for 22 yrs in almost every facet of the industry and contributed in its development. I also run with colleagues a commercial aquaponic pilot system in Australia which is used as a business model for the developing commercial sector we are developing and we are profitable ...period. We are expanding now into a commercial farm now that the Australian Government is, for the first time, funding such projects and this is the first commercial training which will be underway in may 2011.

Keep in mind NFT systems provide far greater growing productivity and we have even grown garlic and onions soiless.


Andrew S. de Dezsery M.Sc
International Specialised Skills Institute Fellow
Certified Seafood Trainer and Assessor
www.1AQUAPONICS.com.au

[urbanfarmer]

I am also supported by governmental agencies and educational institutions with regards to aquaponics, hydroponics, and aquaculture. Although I am currently working on my M.Sc. in Environmental Science (water and soil), I hope to bring a lot of what you describe to the public in the form of sound scientific research. As a member, volunteer, and faculty of only non-profit organizations, I hope to provide this information at no charge to the public. I am just starting out in these areas, and I could use all the support I can get! Would you be willing to share any information with me or the forum community? I promise to disseminate it accordingly or within the limitations you set. Thanks in advance Andrew!

[#1Aquaponics]

email me

manager@1aquaponics.com.au

Andrew