Interesting Self sufficient garden.

[StinkerBell]

http://gardenpool.org/

[NM_Shooter]

What a great idea.

I have a garden pond that has goldfish... the pond is about 13' x 7' x 3' deep and full of flowering plants.  A couple of years ago, I put in three small catfish to assist in eating the algae.  Those catfish are now about 14" long 

I am thinking about removing all but a few of the larger goldfish, and putting in more catfish.  I don't think Tilapia would survive my winter season here.

[StinkerBell]

My concern is/was the chicken poop. I am still trying to get a handle on how it works in that eco system. I think the fish eat it? cause it would be to strong for the plants right away....... still not sure .

Yes, its a great idea. I would love to have this family here explaing it.

[glenn kangiser]

Very cool idea.  I think the chickens were penned in the back weren't they - I just watched one video.

[Homegrown Tomatoes]

Stink, I kind of took it that the chicken poop caused the duckweed to grow like crazy and then the fish ate the duckweed?  Ever since I first posted this on my fb page, Lyon has been all excited wanting to raise tilapia, lol. 

[StinkerBell]

Thanks HGT that makes sense. The video kinda threw me.

[muldoon]

Thats a neat setup.  If it was me, I would want to aeration in that water.  Not only does higher oxygen levels help the fish, but it keeps the cleanliness of the water much higher.  stagnant water is not that good. 

Just something to consider with tilapia, they are very temperature sensitive.  If the water temp goes under 60 degrees they will die.  Thats why you don't see them up north.  In a small pond or swimming pool - the small mass of the water will change temps quickly. 

An alternative to tilapia in a small pond would be bluegill.  a mix of bluegill/catfish is tough to beat in a small pond.  Ideally the catfish plays the role of predator keeping the bluegill numbers from getting too high for the water capacity.  Without them you'll end up with tons of 2" shunted bluegill, (they will overbreed their food supply) - but with them and natural balance you can have a nice range of both. 

[Homegrown Tomatoes]

ditto on the aeration, Muldoon... my husband designs pumps for a living, so that aspect wouldn't be too difficult.  He was thinking a solar heated system of some sort because he loves tilapia.   There are enough bluegill and catfish all around us here to catch them just about anywhere (we're just a few miles from lakes and rivers in every direction.)  But as fast as OKs weather can change, moderating temps with our fast changing weather would be the tricky part.