Need some plant advice

[GreenPhoenix]

Hey there, I am a high school teacher in Texas who is working with students on an AP project... I was hoping to ask the gurus some questions about raising trout in AP.

I have the system set-up and cycled (we have had a bunch of goldfish in there for about 6 months now... It is just a basic Barrelponic setup that we have modified slightly.... I will take some good pictures next week as soon as we finish the new superstructure for the grow lights.

To make a long story endless, we were planning to raise Tilapia. But we found that the water temps for our system in the building we are in are not condusive. We have burned through heaters and still couldn't keep the water warm enough to get the tilapia to grow (Example -- my last batch of fingerlings added approx 2.5 cm of length in almost 4 months!) Now I realise that my water temps (65-69 degrees F) are in the upper ranges for trout, but they are a flashy species, and I need every help that I can get in order to try and show my administration how useful this program could be to our school....

I have now found a source for some trout, actually this company is going to donate me a number of 8 - 10 inch (1/2 lb) individuals -- FOR FREE!!!!!! Now I need to find some feed and I also need to ask some basic questions about plants to use in the beds... Do I need special "cold tolerant" plants since I am going to be raising trout?

I have been raising lettuce varieties, sweet and mediteranean basil, oregano, radishes and green beans so far... My growth rates have been slow, but pretty good otherwise. I am not sure if the slow growth is due to my lack of nutrients or the cool temps.

So please -- any help that anyone can offer would be greatly apprecieated. Not that I am asking per se, but if anyone has any equipment, seeds, designs, books, articles, or anything related to AP that they would like to donate to this program -- I would gladly accept anything and I could probably provide donation paperwork if you would like.

Green Phoenix
Adam

The water is not going to be any warmer/colder than it has been since we set it up, but my current levels of growth have been minimal to begin with... Not sure if it is my choice of plants or just the low levels of nutrients

[trout]

Now I realise that my water temps (65-69 degrees F) are in the upper ranges for trout, but they are a flashy species, and I need every help that I can get in order to try and show my administration how useful this program could be to our school....


65-69 F is 18 to 21 cel.

My trout are in 78 deg F at the moment.
If 69 is your upper limit the trout should be fine.




I have now found a source for some trout, actually this company is going to donate me a number of 8 - 10 inch (1/2 lb) individuals -- FOR FREE!!!!!! Now I need to find some feed and I also need to ask some basic questions about plants to use in the beds... Do I need special "cold tolerant" plants since I am going to be raising trout?


most plants should thrive in that temp range. If your system is indoors
do you have enough light?



I have been raising lettuce varieties, sweet and mediteranean basil, oregano, radishes and green beans so far... My growth rates have been slow, but pretty good otherwise. I am not sure if the slow growth is due to my lack of nutrients or the cool temps.


What is the growth rate of those same plants if planted outside in the
ground?

Are you using any other additives, ie seaweed tonic?

photos of the system would be helpful.
cheers Lou

[RupertofOZ]

65-69 F is 18 to 21 cel.

My trout are in 78 deg F at the moment.


Only for a couple of days....if you have mucho, mucho oxygenation... and don't feed....

[kellenw]

Hi Adam,

Watercress should do great in your system. It might be worth looking into. Also, if you aren't strictly focused on food production, some ornamental aquatic plants would be a good addition. They would probably raise a good bit of money as a fundraiser at the end of the year since they are quite popular with garden pond enthusiasts. The sales could help cover some of the costs of the system. One particular school system I helped with grew Irises in part of their system, and they sold them every year as a fundraiser. The sales proceeds completely covered their operational costs and fish stock purchases. They operated it like a mini business. The kids got a great lesson in basic accounting, budgeting and related business practices. Pretty cool!

Good luck Adam! I love that so many educators have been bringing aquaculture and aquaponics into the classroom lately. So many practical lessons in biology, math, chemistry and horticulture exist!