Thread: Newbie Questions: Aquaponics

I searched the forum and did not find anything having to do with aquaponics. I searched several others and did not find anything either, but I figured that this would be the best place to ask questions on this specific topic since this included lake/pong management. I am wanting to start an aquaponics system with crappie in it. I plan to start with a male and a few females 2-3. I have an 800 gallon tank and two 450 gallon tanks; because it is aquaponics a pump will filter the water through plants and rock which will clean the water before it cycles back in. Now I have several questions...

1. Does anyone else on here have an aquaponics system with crappie? and if so do you have any tips and ideas?

2. I know they reproduce rapidly, so would you suggest having a large mouth bass or two in the tank to help control population?

3. Do you think feeding minnows would be sufficient as a food source or should I also feed other types of food to them?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read through and answer my questions!

Thank you! I have very little info on the web about using them in Aquaponics. I found a lot about adding them to ponds but not much else. The information and tips are very helpful, I will have to try the platform! Yes it is an outdoor system. I looked at tilapia but since it is outside and I live in Nebraska I figured they wouldn't do well during the winter. Crappie sounded like a better option (and it is the only local fish we can get the picky eaters in the family to eat also). Thanks again!