Aquaponics Greenhouse Build

Building my aquaponics system, start to finish---Greenhouse and attached utility and fish house building. Showing all the interior systems.
Greenhouse Covering here; amzn.to/2oLShtK
Clear tape here; amzn.to/2nKUilj
Solar Vent here; amzn.to/2p8Mmf2
Tubing clamp here; amzn.to/2ogkeJE
Sun Shade cloth here; amzn.to/2oQxJhd

[@rotiahikawai4612]

Lil steps. A good start. For all u DIYers. I was here to watch a backyard cupple of buckets type clip. But i massively enjoyed this. Best all year round garden bar EVER!! Kudos!!

[@brianallen2372]

I will look for more vids. I am happy for you, a doer, not just a talker, good job

[@BlueJon1975]

I am most envious! I hope it brings you joy and satisfaction for a long time to come. Thanks for posting

[@tamerastalik1404]

I have had a greenhouse for quite a few years, only 50 feet long. The other half is still leaning up against the fence...but now after getting some ideas from your video, I think we will be attempting to put it up after the snow clears! I have an oil furnace that heats mine, yes, very efficient as long as oil prices stay low. We have started to build a grow room for my plant starts, but I think I may just use it for the fish tanks now...thanks for the idea! I leave my plastic on the green house all year, and put shade cloth during the summer to cool it. I'm also going to double my plastic and get a fan to inflate it, I will cut down the costs even more! Thanks for the video!

[@donaldporta]

The double wall is amazing as an insulator--- good luck my friend---Don

[@ArniethePirate]

That...was...an amazing...presentation! The results were the same. Thank you for that. Every year I want to ramp up my gardening game here in Maine, and I think you've given me the boost I need. Take care.

[@logguybob]

Wow awesome you did what people dream about. One day

[@energyquicksand]

Well done system, Don. The only concern that I have is that you might have a double vapor barrier in the fish house. That could lead to rot problems. None the less, Aquaponics and hydroponics will become the norm in greenhouses and you have provided a shining example in that direction. Thanks for posting.

[@conniemorgan7974]

Haha I love this. And this guy.

[@joshoneal717]

absolutely amazing! my dream set up! can't wait for a follow up!

[@kbaj203]

This has to be one of the best aquaponic builds I've ever seen. Very well done! I hope you've had continued success since starting this project.

[@dcurious9470]

Wonderful set up! I really enjoyed watching the evolution of the build. I hope you’re doing well!

[@donaldporta]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dadscanplay2]

That is great setup, a lot of work but I'm sure it's very rewarding. Well done! I like it so much.

[@bluefalcon1952]

Sir, great build. You not only have 2 green thumbs, you have 8 green fingers also. I have a small aquaponics system as part of my fish pond. I plan to build a larger system with another pond I have.

[@donaldporta]

+Ronald Allen Sounds great, you should post some pictures. Would love to see your system my friend---Don

[@czar89031]

there are lots of work in the greenhouse combine with Aquaponics, lots of plumbing system, but everything pays off by itself when you are consistent to what you do, make it like a hobby, a money making & food in the table,.. i like your green house,...

[@marceloitacaramby]

Donald That is an absolutely amazing set up. Thank you for sharing., I live in Brazil

[@BN-fy8jy]

Simply impressive what you built and shared. We are living in Europe mainland and are eager to "copy" your project. Thank you for so much detail. Any news on your project is welcome! My wife is wowwwwwing on your production, specially the watermelons, fruits!

[@jeffreyhenry4615]

Don, You should be really proud of all your hard work and industrious nature. Plus it doesn't hurt to have a helpful son and sister nearby. I would be interested to hear how you monetize the greenhouse and if it is hard to make a profit in the winter with the gas costs associated with keeping the space warm.

[@donaldporta]

I am not one that can give a realistic cost evaluation of operating a greenhouse--- first off, I have a gas well on my farm and the gas is free for me to use, so no cost there, and I spend my winters in Florida, and let neighbors run the greenhouse and they have a free rain on what they want to do. My kids are grown and moved away --- no help there. the greenhouse was built for the fun of it and the costs are depreciated on my farming taxes, I grow blueberries and can tend them with only half year residency. the small size of the greenhouse would best be used for growing herbs to sell at the local restaurants. Sorry for not being more helpful. best of luck my friend---Don

[@EB7622]

Great vision , great results , well done !

[@DARKRESCURED]

Everything is so well made, its amazing.

[@fenikkusuuk6315]

where are you Donald? Just want to compare my winters with yours... Beautiful, amazing, inspiring! Thank you for sharing with us all!

[@donaldporta]

+Fenikkusuuk Northwest Pennsylvania, about 50 miles south of Lake Erie.Winter winds come from the Northwest and cross the Great Lakes--- Makes for a lot of snow, but not as bad as Buffalo NY.

[@fenikkusuuk6315]

+Donald Porta Alrighty then! Now I'm really excited!!! I'm in N.H. I'm going to subscribe and if I may I may direct my hubby your way with some questions. See its great watching all these vids on line and everything but truly many of these gardeners are in Florida and Texas and they just don't have similar challenges to mine! Now that I know you're in Penn... well you are nothing short of awe inspiring! Thank you so much!

[@roberthodgson4741]

Excellent Don. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@matthewevans963]

This is awesome, great job!

[@scottwallace3900]

Wonderful work my friend the best set up I've seen yet

[@Flower73223]

This is awesome!! Am beginning to like the aquaponics , I love the traditional farm, growing process STILL also . With this more like how the solar system is, you have the traditional energy system and which is there , but also it might go off due to nature or lot's of reasons , and having solar system will give back up system... and this one also the same thing, you can grow them anywhere, more like emergency growing. I wish they can teach everyone for indoor farming, scaling from small to large... depending your capability ...

[@alpenglowist]

That is some serious production!

[@GardensGuitars]

Donald, this looks straight pro. I am guessing you have a graduate degree in engineering or a related field? Im a green thumb, but I am also SO impressed with people who can design and build amazing greenhouses and gardens and whatnot. This is amazing. Did it take you a long time to develop all of the skills for carpentry, electrical, plumbing, construction, etc.? All I can do right now is carpentry and gardening, but I one day hope to be able to do everything you did in this video. Thanks and you are awesome!

[@GardensGuitars]

Do you farm/homestead full time? Because it looks like you will have more food than you know what to do with, this is a huge amazing system you have built. Are you going to sell your produce? I subbed and plan to watch more of your past videos when I get time

[@donaldporta]

Thank you for your positive support, Best to you my friend---Don

[@andrewdavis6917]

very impressive, i dont think it would stand up to Texas wind but i REALLY like it

[@donaldporta]

This is a low profile greenhouse, it might have a chance!

[@chippyjohn1]

Very nice montage Donald. I was quite impressed by the detail and workmanship, wish I had room to do the same. I will be attempting to incorporate this into a dwelling some how.One thing you did not show footage of was the fish!

[@donaldporta]

+chippyjohn1 Had trouble with fish in the beginning, I'm getting a handle on the fish and think I will be raising talapia only---Thanks for to comment my friend, Don

[@clearsoundjohn]

Thanks for sharing, Donald - Excellent work ! Impressive setup.

[@garrettgilbertson7968]

That was a very nicely done presentation of your awesome project. Looks great. Thanks for sharing!

[@swilusherrera8579]

Great job! Thank you for sharing! This has been very helpful. I dig your style.

[@sarunasliutkevicius5261]

Well done mate.

[@MichaelHoybook]

Fantastic accomplishment. I can appreciate the amount of time and work that went into this.

[@jacobrivera-grady7621]

Very thought out design sir. Very inspiring

[@devinandrews2346]

Very nice. Excellent work!

[@rajatdutta3309]

Donald your video brought me to tears. Because this is what I have always wanted to do: Farm while it snows !!! Thank you for your hard work and a million thanks for your selflessness in sharing it with the world at large. I wish may all your en devours be successful and may Lord Krishna Bless you !!! Thanks 🙏 🙏 !!!

[@brianallen2372]

I looked up krishna, you did your part, it never ceases to amaze me, at who people choose to worship, maybe you should re-consider, have a nice day, it may be your last

[@hunterchumbley4914]

This is amazing and beautiful, your hard work definitely paid off. I’ve been researching hydroponics for a few months now and this has been the most interesting video I’ve seen, I’ve specifically been looking for a video on the layout of this type of agriculture. I appreciate your time and dedication and you sound like one of the coolest dudes out there. Thank you again!!

[@donaldporta]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@azharalbazoon102]

great work man

[@JonoWongTeamE]

*sigh* one day...one day

[@pby1000]

Jono Wong Did you build it?

[@guyharris807]

Epic build! Well done!!!

[@Thatboytravels]

Fantastic build! Awesome video

[@jamesmainard7676]

You have such a wonderful setup, keep up the awesome work and keep posting videos!

[@donaldporta]

James Mainard Thanks

[@jimmcintyre4390]

That is amazing!

[@ablackwomanspointofviewl.l7007]

that was beautiful awesome job

[@jurorx]

Thank you for sharing. I'm in the process of planning mine (much smaller scale though).

[@MikhailKojoukhine]

Fantastic jo! Thank you for inspiration.

[@michaeldery2283]

Nice build Don! Well Done! *High Five*

[@gilbertolechugaenriquez7358]

I think it is a very nice project and you did it well but I also think the walls are a little short, maybe 3 feet taller would be enough

[@loZooDelloSchioppo]

Bellissimo lavoro. Bravo!

[@gregorsidler3962]

Awesome job Don. What makes it even nicer to hear your story is that everytime you took a picture the "workplace was nice in order" A lot of other videos show even after they are built and in operation a total mess and chaos. That itself shows your passion and knowing what you are doing! Keep posting the progress.

[@bobheath5372]

Don, You've constructed a beautiful system! Just a thought for you, instead of air stones, try using "soaker hose" from your local hardware. We use them in our (3) 4,000 gallon fish tanks, which feed our whole aquaponics system, and they work PERFECTLY and they're cheap and easily replaced. We ran them through some leftover bricks to hold them to the bottom. It's great fun, and fantastic food! It looks as if you've done a bang up job in construction. Good day to you. Bob

[@donaldporta]

Bob Heath The sokaer hose is a fabulous idea---I am going to try this right away. thank you for the great tip!

[@johnrogan9420]

Carboys

[@victoriabrownfrank4328]

Very nice setup

[@MrSpondulik]

Really nice video. Thank you.

[@lewisvnjr357]

Very Awesome video!! I just started looking into Aquaponics. I would love to make one like this.

[@dre9086]

same here

[@prestonreuther8171]

Wow what a set up it's truly beautiful and practical. So neat and uniform it truly is a work of art!

[@phungdang4597]

Great work!

[@peterkennedy4010]

Wonderful job. Curious if you had considered having geothermal to heat the greenhouse? You have the land needed. Extremely well thought out aquaponics systems. I hope you are able to give tours, you truly did a magnificent job.

[@cherylwillis6189]

Everybody's dream garden.

[@sharonslife6153]

Donald, I really enjoyed the tour. Not sure if you give details on barrel beds but I'll be searching through your up loads looking. I also want to use barrels due to cost. Thanks for sharing

[@ericmatt2368]

damn...that is an impressive build and video. thanks

[@joedegorostiza8305]

Very nice

[@cetinkavcioglu5327]

amazing!

[@frankrizzo3067]

Cool video! Great job hope it’s doing good

[@anastasiostsiatis5573]

GOOD JOB

[@jwbflyer]

Excellent job, thanks for sharing

[@donaldporta]

Thanks for watching!

[@JT-wj4nh]

Amazing, very informative, I hope to have something similar in the future, maybe not as quite as salubrious as yours. Well done Don

[@donaldporta]

+JT777 Hope you can learn from my mistakes and save you time and money--- Good luck my friend---Don

[@eliot198666]

you are a star !!!!

[@olmecone9568]

Very nice, Thank you sir for sharing...

[@DansKoiPond]

Great video thanks

[@raffig6626]

Dude!!!! bravo!!!!

[@TimNewton0829]

That is sweet. I'd love to have something like that. Things cost money

[@donaldporta]

Hind sight I would build a lot cheaper, by using hoop house for the fish house, and I would bend my own hoops and not buy the greenhouse kit. this would cut 2/3 of the cost out---Don

[@TimNewton0829]

Donald Porta It's very nice. I haven't started aquaponics yet or a greenhouse. In fact, I'm from the city so I know nothing about farming. I'm intrigued by the idea of living a self sustaining life so I'm doing a lot of research right now. I live in Oklahoma and the weather is very unpredictable therefore a greenhouse is a must so I can control temp and humidity a little better. I enjoyed the video. Thank you for posting.

[@donaldporta]

My mother grew up just outside Pittsburgh----Her parents (my grandparents) lived on the river bank in the flood plane. On a small lot, they planted a garden, raised chickens, ducks and raised one pig with a neighbor, My mother always said they had almost no money, but ate well. bottom line--- during the depression, my mother said they didn't know it was happening. My father on the other hand, worked in the steel mills, he said that the only time they had meet on the table was when someone shot or dug a groundhog. My Grandmother was what we would now call a prepper, but that was the norm at that time, and it will get you thru the hard times. I took it to heart, and believe in self-sustaining living--- a realistic dream, good luck to you my friend, and have a shinning life --- Don

[@killergriller]

Thanks for sharing your video! I only wish u touched more on the fish. I'm curious how u used the fertilized water from the fish and got it to the plants. In addition, what type of fish did u use and approximately how many? Thanks again!

[@Martyncuz]

Incredible!

[@trubblefoundit7056]

Looks real nice! Looking for a follow up now...

[@MrBuzyb77]

Real nice

[@stevengates4437]

That's wonderful.....

[@reynaldoamercado6584]

lovely

[@grasshopperrob7387]

very interesting... I would like to attempt this with 4 half barrels...

[@glennchildress4117]

Beautiful

[@perci2138]

awesome, thanks for sharing! :D

[@chriswood7165]

Amazing knowledge you have

[@donaldporta]

So nice of you

[@chriswood7165]

@@donaldporta I am thinking of trying to set up something in Colombia to try and help the rural community and educate them, , But it will take some studying to get to your level.

[@steventyler18]

Thank you for sharing your build process! This setup looks amazing. I am currently building my first small scale system and this is a great example of what I hope to one day accomplish. Cheers and happy growing!

[@evankenison588]

What type of fish do you raise? How many fish do you maintain to grow all that? Do you recommend a book that helped with with the designs? What is your growing zone?

[@furiajose]

just amazing ,one day I hope I have a place to do something like that .

[@alexmsb69]

Thanks for the step by step Donald. I love your passion for aquaponics and the variety of grow techniques you use in one system, very nice!

[@kirbyeakin]

You did a wonderful job. I'd like one about half that size....feed all my family and my neighbors too.

[@SimpleTek]

Fantastic video

[@lindleyrossfrancisco552]

sir, nice set up aquaponics greenhouse buid.

[@karlgbolo3948]

Can you share the designs with drawing please

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

Very nice. I'd like to know what the life expectancy is of the plastic roof material? I'm hoping it is UV stable, but I've seen plastic sheeting become brittle in sunlight, then the first good wind and.......shreds. Very nice job, well done!

[@donaldporta]

SpockMcoy Issmart You are very right --- you need uv proof covering--- dissimilar plastics can also cause the plastic to degrade and break down at point of contact, in situations where someone uses pvc pipe as the hoops for the structure frame. The plastic covering that I have is guaranteed for 5 years, and the farmer that is selling the kits is also using the same on his farm and said that he has some greenhouses that is going on 8 years with the same covering.

[@markroeder2491]

Donald Porta Where is the greenhouse located?

[@francishutchinson3246]

SpockMcoy Issmart DIY aquaponics is currently creating buzz alongside commercial aquaponics. The term aquaponics may sound like it is out of your league but in fact, it is actually a fun way for you to start growing plants in your garden more efficiently. Watch this video here as it's all explained. Go here ==> aquaponicsdiy-new.blogspot.com/

[@hapkijo9713]

This is my goal. Thank you for sharing.

[@Mark-nu3ej]

Thank you for sharing your build, Don. The detail and well thought out process shows your passion and it gives me something to strive for in the aquaponics world. This is one of the cleanest I've seen on youtube and I've looked at plenty! :)

[@donaldporta]

Mark Wynne Thank you very much, Mark, for such a kind comment!--- Good luck in your build---Don

[@chrisvardeman7047]

One of the most informative I have seen and done many years ago. Great build.

[@amphion_au]

Living the dream..

[@brendanmoore2143]

AWE INSPIRING! A ton of work, but I am sure it is worth it! What kind of fish are you raising?

[@donaldporta]

Brendan Moore Talipia seem to be the healthiest ones to raise, if you can keep the heat up and regulated--- when my fish got sick I increased the heat to the talipia to 86 degrees and they all made it--- I lost catfish and trout and perch. I'm not sure what they had but may have been ich and this parasite cannot live in elevated temperatures, thanks for asking my friend,---Don

[@markprescott2011]

Wow!! Thank you for sharing this video. It looks very productive. I learned a great deal in viewing this. Thank you again. Why did you go with a plastic hoop greenhouse rather than rigid triple layer polycarbonate panels?

[@donaldporta]

Mark Prescott The cost is very cheep with the hoop--- the covering is guaranteed for 5 years and may even get 8 out of it, to replace the cover is about 250 to 300 dollars. The next hoop house I will bend the hoops myself and save 2/3 the cost of the frame work. I will video the next build--- Thanks for the comment my friend---Don

[@markprescott2011]

Donald Porta Donald - I am on my 5th viewing of your video. It is fantastic. I am really inspired!! I had a few questions. How many 1/2 barrel grow beds in total in your green house? What is the width and length of the hoop house? I counted 4 IBC tanks? What variety of fish, Tilapia? Are you using the fish and produce grown as personal consumption for your family and friends, or are you supplying commercially? I see significant resources dedicated to the vertical grow towers. What is your production rate? Where are you located? I had planned on building using triple wall polycarbonate panels, but after viewing this, I believe I will utilized a high wall hoop house similar to yours.

[@donaldporta]

Mark Prescott Thank you for the great comments and viewing--- I do the same when I find a video that excites me. to get to your questions---- I have a total of 40 half barrels. My greenhouse is 20x40. The fish tanks I had a disaster, one tank had 100 catfish, one tank 50 talipa, one tank a dozen 19" trout, and the last tank was a collection of bluegill, perch and crapi. my problem started from allowing the neighbors fish in the ponds and placing the wild caught fish into the tanks without quarantining them for an extended time.all the fish got sick, I think with ick parasite. lost all the catfish in 4 days the other fish took longer to die. I treated all the fish except the talipa with salt solution(making sure this water didnot get into the system), the talipa I elevated the water temperature to 86 degrees, all the talipa survived. all the trout died. some of the other fish made it. I now have a mixed tank of pan fish, one of gold fish, and the 4th will be for the baby talipa that I am collecting from the talipa that are now mature. Most all of my produce is for friends and neighbors even though a local restaurant offered to buy all my produce and fish. My towers I only have about 1/4th of them in production. I still haven't decided what to plant since I don't need all the food, and don't know it real potential. I live in Northwest Pennsylvania--- 50 miles south of Lake Erie. Thanks for your note my friend---Don

[@markprescott2011]

Donald Porta Thank you for patiently answering all of my questions... and so rapidly also. I am planning to move to southern Virginia in 5-6 years, and have adapted my planning to utilize many of the concepts you demonstrated. Each species of fish has a specific range of environmental factors in which they will thrive, Water PH, temperature, dissolved O2, Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate ppm, etc. Trout need pristine water with high O2, and will not tolerate high levels of Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate levels. I prefer the taste of Trout, but I'll be using Tilapia since they are more tolerant of water quality. I have been doing nothing but reading about aquaponics, so I have a lot of book knowledge, but little experience. If there is anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for your note my friend-- Mark

[@jeffk464]

+Mark Prescott I wonder why nobody goes with peacock bass.

[@FensterfarmGreenhouse]

I am curious as to how long your bees lasted? Chuck

[@donaldporta]

+Fensterfarm Greenhouse I saw them thru the entire summer.

[@charleskiplinger9904]

Donald That is an absolutely amazing set up. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheCaywood3]

Thanks, very good video. whay size is the greenhouse.

[@hazardousheart6266]

I really enjoyed watching this :) thank you for your contribution!!!

[@GraceMercyPeace7]

Wow, absolutely wow. Impressive and Inspiring.