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This is something I am delving more and more into as time goes on because the return on energy input is so effective. I am working a great deal now with native fish species and I think this is truly the way forward for such things.
Sure you can break your neck trying to breed tilapia, once you get it right you have 6-7 months to grow them out and either they die in the cold or you have to provide heat to keep them alive.
When we look at using local species we can collect them for almost no cost, adapt them quickly to systems or small ponds and simply grow them out to harvest size. I am also not separating aquaponics from aquaculture today because in reality aquaponics is a form of aquaculture the two disciplines have some differences but in the end both can produce fish or shellfish for our consumption.
Join Me Today to Discuss…
Why grow fish in the first place
Why grow local fish over faster growing exotics like tilapia
Why tilapia still have their place
Why I feel wicking beds are the ultimate tool to combine with all forms of aquatics
Ebb and flow beds are useful in any system for filtration
Plants can be grown directly in ponds as well
Options when it comes to feed
Floating, sinking, dual
Why feeding “organic” can be almost impossible
Natural feeding – minnows – worms – snails – other options
Harvesting fish for your system (pros and cons)
Rod and reel
Netting (cast, seine, dip, etc)
Trapping
Species I highly recommend
Bullhead and Channel Catfish
Sunfish/Perch (bluegill, pumpkin seed, green sunfish, long ear sunfish)
Housing Options
In ground ponds
Stock tank systems
True aquaponics systems
Timber frame lined tanks
Some thoughts on automating system functions
Why this is a truly sustainable an even regenerative solution
Resources for today’s show…
Join the Members Brigade
The Year 5
Join Our Forum
Walking To Freedom
TSP Gear
PermaEthos.com
TspAz.com – Support TSP When You Shop Online
The Granddaddy’s Gun Club
Purina Aquamax Fingerling Starter Size 300 – What I use to train wild fish to pellet feed
Episode – 1976 on Aquaponics
Preventing Gut Hooked Bullheads
Ships that Don’t Come In – Joe Diffie
Sponsors of the Day
Harvest Eating
Bob Well Nursery
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