Hello from Palm Desert, California (THE DESERT!

[leonardm12]

Hello my name is Leonard and I am interested in starting my first Aquaponic system, I have been doing a tremendous amount of research and trying to find the best system for the desert. During the summers it can get to 120 Degrees while the winter nights can drop down into the 30's. I came accross some individuals selling IBC Totes and I was wondering if this would be the best system for myself out here in the blistering heat. If there are any members on here with an Aquaponic system in desert areas, I would love to hear your ideas or recommendations. Thank you!

[Todd61]

Welcome Leonard,

I live up in the central valley about 5 hours north of you. I think the IBC'c should be OK, but I don't use them myself. I'm sure some other members will chime in for you. Take a look at mine at the website below. I'll be glad to help you even if you don't buy one though!

Todd

[GaryD]

Hi Leonard,

Welcome to APHQ.

I don't use IBC's either......but there are plenty of other members who do. Your climatic extremes are characteristic of many of our members' locations. You'll need to address the extremes regardless of what components you use.

Gary

[leonardm12]

Gary,

Quick question? What type of system do you use? Do you have any pictures you could share with me. Thank you!

Hi Leonard,

Welcome to APHQ.

I don't use IBC's either......but there are plenty of other members who do. Your climatic extremes are characteristic of many of our members' locations. You'll need to address the extremes regardless of what components you use.

Gary

[leonardm12]

Todd,
Thank you I appreciate any help I can get. Your systems look very nice!

Welcome Leonard,

I live up in the central valley about 5 hours north of you. I think the IBC'c should be OK, but I don't use them myself. I'm sure some other members will chime in for you. Take a look at mine at the website below. I'll be glad to help you even if you don't buy one though!

Todd

[GaryD]

Hi Leonard,

How many systems would you like? I've built many over the past several years.

The Queenslander is my current system design. While I sold this system some time back, my current systems are variation on the Queenslander theme. If you read this thread (and visit the links to my blog) you'll get a pretty clear idea of how I go about aquaponics.....and why.

I can also link you to my more recent systems when you're ready.

Gary

[leonardm12]

GaryD,

Thanks for the quick reply. Yesterday I bought an IBC Tote from a guy on craigslist for $70. I figured I could start with that and work my way up from this IBC. My wife says that I am the "Jacks of all Trades and the Master of NONE!" So with that being said I want to start with one to get my feet wet, understand the system, grow some good fruits and veggies and show her how fun it could be. I tried growing veggies in the ground but that did not work, so I started looking to other alternatives. I went with the IBC based on the simple fact that you can get the DIY from You tube and given that I am a visual person, I figured this would be the easiest and most cost effective to try something I have never done before. I looked at your design "the queenslander" its amazing! I dont know if I am knowledgeable enough to set something like that up! LOL!

Hi Leonard,

How many systems would you like? I've built many over the past several years.

The Queenslander is my current system design. While I sold this system some time back, my current systems are variation on the Queenslander theme. If you read this thread (and visit the links to my blog) you'll get a pretty clear idea of how I go about aquaponics.....and why.

I can also link you to my more recent systems when you're ready.

Gary

[kellenw]

Hello Leonard,

Welcome to APHQ!

The Queenslander is a really good model to borrow from.

[ande]

Hi wellcome aboard.
extend your search with Israel is my 2cent on your location.
Israel is world leading on dessert type IAAc or AP IMO.
I'w seen a Israel bacyard ibc set up with pics. somewere (forum?)
Commercial dessert type wattereficent low energy aqua agri culture AAIC israel syle is "stat of the art" IMO
I have some links but struggle a bit to find them.
Israel export KOI, Barra, Veggetables, Fruits............ big time in a climate the souronding countrys struggle to feed the population at commpetable prices and quality.

cheers

[GaryD]

Hi Leonard,

I looked at your design "the queenslander" its amazing! I dont know if I am knowledgeable enough to set something like that up! LOL!

You'll get there quick enough.

If you are thinking of working with IBC's, you would do well to read the IBC of Aquaponics. It was prepared by the folks at BYAP and will allow you to see lots of IBC-based systems. It's a good piece of work.

That will get you going and allow you to learn by doing. As your knowledge and confidence grows, you can expand your system......or build new ones.

Gary