US (IN): Aquaponics gaining attention as viable ag practice
Kenneth and Lucy Hochstedler of Middlebury, IN are members of this group as they have had an aquaponics operation for a little over two years. It is located in the north end of their greenhouse and is run by a solar power system with a backup generator. While they have grown a number of different plants with the aquaponics as the main nutrient provider, much of it has been appreciated by their family while they sell plants from their greenhouse.
At the Hochstedler’s greenhouse, tilapia is not the only fish working for them. They also employ a large number of mosquito fish who reside in the plant tank. These fish live on the algae within the roots of the plants and in the water along with any larvae from a variety of insects.
“They really help control the population of mosquitoes,” Lucy said. “The plant tank where they live is 4 foot by 16 foot and is about one foot high. The other fish live in a stock tank lined with food-grade plastic and insulated on the outside to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees.”
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