Backyard and open air (non-CEA) aquaponics remain a popular application of the technology. However, many parts of the world are experiencing the impacts of climate change, in this case elevated temperatures. For example, locations including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC and many others have recently suffered record temperatures and record number of high heat days. Successful outdoor agriculture is adapted to the environments that are best suitable for the plant and animals that are desired to be produced. Aquaponics is no different. However, there is a dearth of literature available on aquaponic food production strategies in increasingly high heat.
Applying aquaponics to the at times 118o F (47.8O C) + environment of Phoenix Arizona over the past 10 years has provided a number of valuable insights on strategies necessary for successful food production. This includes new construction materials, designs, crops, growing seasons, IPM, production economics and business models.