Fish water

[kimera]

I've got two greenhouses, each 10' x 30'. One has a translucent polycorbanate roof (about 60% sun filter) and in that greenhouse I grow orchids, tilapia (fish), and red claw crayfish. The other greenhouse has a clear polycorbonate roof (about 5% sun filter) and in that I grow tomatoes in two hydroponic units and a few kitchen herbs.

Anyway, to maintain the tilapia and crayfish I drain a little water from their tanks each day and replace it with fresh water. The fish water is about 80 degrees in temperature, and I use it to water all my plants.

You cannot believe the results you get from this fish water. The orchids are deep green and thriving, and the tomatoes seem to love it. I use the fish water to start tomato seedlings and I put it in the hydroponic unit. It is amazing.

Anybody who is inclined to try this should simply get an aquarium from Wal Mart (somewhere in the 30 to 60 gallon range), get a school of fish established in the aquarium, and use the water for your plants. In my little project, I get the added benefit of being able to eat the fish and crayfish. So, what with the tomatoes, it ends up being kind of a surf and turf operation.

[dcarch]

Welcome to Tomatoville!

Would love to see some pictures of your setup.

dcarch

[kimera]

I'll try to take some this weekend and post.

[gardengalrn]

Kimera, I also would love to see pictures. I've seen you post about this somewhere, haven't I? I go to the GW Vegetable and Farmlife forums a lot. I was intrigued then as I am now. I love tilapia, it's light tasting and economical to purchase for the family. Just today I made fish chowder and used tilapia, as I had quite a bit in the fridge. I usually like a firmer fish in chowder but it went over well anyway.

[Mantis]

I did similar last season and watered my tomatoes with water from our pond. I haven't done it this year because of water restrictions. I had wonderful tomatoes last season in the greenhouse, but this year not so good so there may be something in the fish water that helps for sure.

[Grub]

kimera,

You are living my dream. The complete system. The Permaculture thing. Only you need a few backyard chickens.

Welcome and thanks. And, yes, piccies pretty please. Especially holding a prized tilapia and crawdad.

BTW: There is a post on this forum about mini 30in tall cows that give enough milk for the week and to make ice cream. Just think about that

[bluelytes]

MANTIS,
Yes, there IS something in the water, I think its called, fish....errr....poo....ummm....cra....ahhhhh, fish manure, lol

[akgardengirl]

I tried my used betta's water for a fiddley fig tree in my office and I started growing mushrooms...strange mushrooms too. I quit doing that but maybe will try it again.
Sue B.

[Mantis]

EEEEk