Hey Kyle,
Hope I'm not the only one replying to you here...
I also want to try my hand at raising Tilapia, and running an Aquaponics system. But I think that one needs to have more than a basic understanding of running a
hydroponic system before delving into Aquaponics. I also believe that one needs an advanced understanding of
nutrients, and the ability to accurately diagnose deficiencies quickly.
At this point in time I do not have either. I've been mixing my own individual nutrients and testing water column
nutrient for non-hydroponic systems for 3 years. hydro, only one year/season.
My recommendation is that you try your hand at hydroponics with a commercially available Organic or Non-Organic nutrient mix before trying to recreate it in an Aquaponics way.
That way you will have learned the basics of Hydro first. Once you become more comfortable, then you can branch out and experiment with other methods.
Just my 2 cent.
Todd