Insulating an outdoor aquaponics set-up or not?

[arnoldboer]

I'm planning to build an new aquaponics set-up. I live in the Netherlands which has a moderate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. I will be growing lettuce, paprika, tomatoes, basil etc. It will be under protection of plastic in the spring. It will be open in summertime. I am irrigating with an ebb and flow system. Should I insulate it so temperature would not vary to much during day/night? Is it important to keep root temperature stable? What temperature range should is be? Can I use the ebb/flow as a cooling method?


Arnold Boer

http://www.arhen.com

[ande]

Hi arnoldboer
I would insulate it, that is specialy the fish tank but preferably all.
You might find some alternatives/solutions here http://www.koivrienden.be/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=66
They also have some exelente diy threads, airlifts, filters, fish(koi) husbandry, etc. I strugle with reading dutch but I'w still found useful info there.
Welcome to the forum.

cheers

[Ravnis]

flood and drain/ ebb and flow beds act as heat exchangers. They give off heat way faster than they accept it due to some evaporation. Insulating the the tank will help but wont stop heat loss. If you design a moving bed biofilter into your system you can put the grow beds on a timer at night to minimize heat loss.

plant growth will continue with cold roots, but will slow down. This is actually beneficial with crops like basil and lettuce as it helps keep them from becoming bitter.