hmmm no chance of me doing that tbh. I'm not really in a rush, i was trying to work out my timings for a xmas crop. I want a good one in before with a resonable veg time and quickie one to come just before or on XMas. Everyone shoots for just before to pay for xmas and it's always rushed BS.
been looking at aquaponics, it looks so much fun. closed loop so no maintenance self cleaning tank producing food. the price of the kit is so stupid it's embarrasing. it's basically just hydro yet their purpose build 'family' kit is £600, they should wear masks the pirates...
I'd like to tinker about and make one but it seems most only grow salad in them. I doubt fish would like a 600 HPS blaring at them or 25-30C as a home so I think weed is out haha
I built one for $100. 30 gallon trashcan, 20 gallon tote (for sump pump), 390gpm pump, 21 gallon mortar mixed tub, a couple valves, dripline and some pvc. I have 19 Tilapia in this system. They're pretty small for now. Planning on a 275 gallon IBC in the next week or so. I have tomatoes, okra, several hot peppers, basil all growing very well. It's not just for lettuce. The tomato plants are twice as thick as the soil grown tomatoes that are about 3 weeks older. Also, several times more flowers. The system is still fairly new so we'll see how things go during fruiting. Things get better as the system matures.
As for the fish comment you made, the tank can be located in a more suitable spot. Tilapia can handle extremely hot temps so I have mine in full sun in Maui. This and the fact I could catch them in the local pond on a burrito shell made Tilapia my choice of fish.
When I first started researching aquaponics, I became completely fascinated by the concept. Seemed confusing at first and I probably stressed more than I needed to. But everything is going so well that I will be expanding the system.
My understanding is that AP can grow 6x the amount as the same footprint in soil. I use about one gallon of water per day with about 25 plants, 1/2 cup a week of Maxicrop with iron, pH adjusters (cheap pool chems) and fish food. Once the system is up, it pays for itself. Very little maintenance involved.
I'm growing Sour D because it can handle the higher temps. You mentioned your higher house temps so I thought I'd toss that out at ya. Haven't tried in AP though. That's what brought me to this thread.
Anyways, I linked a photo of my experimental setup. It can be done inexpensively.