Aquaponics As a Food Source

[Irving]

The only thing I have against most of the modern hydroponic build out is the dependencies on large amounts of electricity. There are a few ways that utilize less pumps and are based on a gravity fed model to power small mini turbines that power 12v cells that then power the pumps to keep it going but has many many failure points.

Though as a way to grow things in a non-shtf scenario being able to control what is used on and for the growth of herbs and veggies is pretty awesome.

Seems like you only need one pump, which could probably be operated by a solar set up. If you do one based off a fish tank, you likely already have the pump, and those aren't all that big. Also, I'm under the impression that the biggest problem/cost with hydroponic gardens is actually the fertilizers for the plants.

What do you do with a large outdoor aquaponic system in the winter? Just keep feeding the fish and wait for spring to grow plants?

My neighbor has two ponds (one with duck weed). I'm going to ask him what he does in the winter. I know the biggest problem he has is with raccoons. He says they don't even eat the fish. They just pull them out, crush their heads, then leave their bodies in the yard. The neighbor that used to live next to my parents said his pond would attract snakes that would sit on the edge of the pond and poach fish and frogs. Then he would get big birds that would eat the fish, frogs, and snakes. He said if he didn't chase the birds away when he saw them, they'd stay until they cleared out the whole pond.