For $5000, what would YOUR ideal setup be?

[Brian Falther]

Hey everyone, my name is Brian Falther and I'm interested in learning about the hardware for an aquaponics setup. So I thought I'd pose this question for you experienced aquapons; what would your ideal equipment setup be if you had $5000 or $2500 to spend and why? What would you grow with it and what kind of fish would you use? Any information would be much appreciated, I'm completely new at this!

[George]

The fish I'd like to use aren't available in the U.S., barramundi and jade perch.  I'm making do with what I think is best suited to my situation, catfish and bluegill.  I like my system, although I may expand it at some point.

http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/topics/belvedere-farm

[Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair]

Save your money until you have built a small inexpensive system ($100-$500). It won't be until you have 6 months to a year of experience and have had time to study all the different methods and systems that are possible, will you really know what is right for you.

[Brian Falther]

Thanks for the replies guys; George I really like your setup - looks great.  I also didn't realize there was an off grid group, I'll have to check out more information there... 

[George]

Thanks.  I read a lot and thought about it for a couple of years.  Thus far, I don't have any big regrets.  Craftsmanship could have been better here and there.  There is a lot I can do to expand and I'm thinking the next thing will probably be a breeding tank.  Good luck to you. 

Brian Falther said:

Thanks for the replies guys; George I really like your setup - looks great.

[TCLynx]

The ideal system would depend a bit on the situation and goals of the system.

Do you want it to be a "backyard" garden sort of system that is easy and flexible with minimal maintenance or special requirements other than sprinkling seeds, harvesting plants, checking on and feeding the fish and doing occasional water tests.

Or will it be in a confined space but have an intensive tinkerer present to tend to it?

Or do you want a raft system that is somewhere in-between the other extremes?

I like my 300 gallon system with the 600 gallons of media beds as the "backyard" easy system once it's set up.

A combo system with a little of everything is appropriate for a tight space but intensive system.

And a low density style raft system will come in under budget and be somewhere between the others as far as ongoing efforts.

[Brian Falther]

TC, Thanks for the response - you posed some great frames of reference.  

What my main focus would be is efficiency and yield.  I wouldn't be opposed to something that would require excess tinkering of sorts.  What I would be most interested in is a scalable system having the ability to be expanded upon.

Is there anyone who's running an off-grid system?  ..I get a twinkle in my eye when it comes to sustainability...

[George]

Backyard Easy - You're not kidding.  

TCLynx said:

I like my 300 gallon system with the 600 gallons of media beds as the "backyard" easy system once it's set up.

[TCLynx]

Brian, there is a whole Off Grid Group on this site, go look in the groups and join up.