Very, very seriously considering building an outdoor, year-round, unplugged, aquaponics system in Missoula MT. Very audacious, I know, but I think there's a guy in Stevi doing it. I have so many ideas that I need to get validated but the question burning in my loins right now is this... is it OK (from a human and critter health standpoint) to feed tilapia and/or perch and/or trout straight up goat manure? Or must it compost first? Or must I take it from manure to compost to duckweed (for example) to fish food? And if it must compost first, that is OK, but if I am hoping to get some heat for the "greenhouse" (I use this term loosely) from the composting manure, should it be in one of those spinny barrel things or should it be out in the open so it can release the heat better? I am lazy, so I am not very into the idea of turning the manure by shovel, but if it will keep my "greenhouse" warm, I guess I can deal with that.

I know there is a lot of other things going on here, such as how do I keep the aqua from freezing, blah blah blah etc, but I have those are for another time and place. My question relates only to the matter of feeding manure or compost to various species of fish.

Does this question belong in composting? I figured since its about fish it would go in critters, but there's no fish forum. And since I'm talking about goats... well...

First post, new to the philosophy, please be nice! Thanks!

Logan, I've moved your post to this forum as there are lots of folk here who do aquaponics and they may well know the answer. And welcome aboard

Hi Logan,
Here is a resource that might be of use. I have the PDF... but it is no longer available and looks to be all online. It talks about the nutrients.
http://ibcofaquaponics.com/ibcs-an-introduction/

I'm planning an aqua ponics too and this has been one of the most useful.

Logan,

If you think of it more as feeding the stuff the fish eat (not just duckweed), it might make more sense. Take a look at my periphyton post for references.

Some ideas for keeping your pond from freezing: Put a thermal barrier under the pond liner; put a hoop house over it; float clear/translucent bubble insulation on the pond surface (you may need to use aerators to oxygenate the water); $olar collectors; if you are lucky, you can locate your pond at or near a hot spring or well.

Logan, I understand manure of warm blooded animals and birds may contain pathogens and bacteria that may be harmful to humans. Especially if used raw or for uncooked plants such as salads. I would grow plants the fish might eat with the manure. Maybe Mulberry or Moringa.