so, while trying to dig up specifics of surface area of hydroton, i stumbled on this thread again. heres an update:
taro took over the entire tank. i started with 3 and now have like 30. i culled the leaves to make a hawaiian dish called squid luau at least 3 times this year alone.
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ive cooked up some tilapia, it has no flavor and the flesh isnt as firm as i'd like, but i can grow it in my backyard
v2: steamed with beer and lupcheong (chinese sausage) and spices: