A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

friendly aquaponics style

Hey everyone, im new to aquaponics and just ordered the friendly aquaponis diy kit and wanted to know if anyone out there has the same type of system and would be willing to share whats happened to them so far while using.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by TCLynx on April 17, 2011 at 7:37pm

I recommend visiting Green Acre as they have one of the mini systems running at the farm as well as a large scale commercial system. They just hosted the first mainland Friendly Aquaponics Commercial training.

Permalink Reply by Peter on April 18, 2011 at 3:57pm

Steve did the same , check video https://www.facebook.com/AquaponicsFlorida

Green Acre has training class in May and is teaching the set up.

Permalink Reply by Green Acre Aquaponics on April 18, 2011 at 4:34pm

Hi Stevie, yep, we are part of the Friendly fan club! We attended their Hawaii course about a year ago and came home and built both a micro and a commercial sized system. We have since become the first mainland Friendly affiliate and now teach both micro system and commercial system trainings. Like Peter said, our next class is in May on the 15th. Being you already purchased the manual, we could discount your attendence if you wanted to get some hands on information and guidance. Check out our website for more info at www.greenacreorganics.biz or ask questions here. We try to answer as much as we can when we are not out tending the farm.

As far as what's happened with our systems, we have had incredible success with both. Friendly has really figured out how to do raft style AP incredibly well. The great part about AP systems, is once they are established, they pretty much maintain themselves. Our micro system is overflowing with Basil, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Watermellon, Strawberries and even some Leeks and Shallots. We neglect (shameful admittance here) our micro system and it does just fine with little to no input from us. Of course we have to feed the fish and pick fruit as it is ready, but that's about it. Now just starting out, its a little different and requires a bit more babysitting and plants that will have to be harvested more often, like lettuce and greens. However, once it is established and has a good nutrient base, it can easily grow fruiting plants.

As far as constructing the system, it is pretty simple to do. We probably had an advantage coming from a construction background, but even those not handy manage to build it with not too much trouble.

We have a tour coming up on Saturday May 7th if you want to come take a look. It is primarily for the commercial system, but we will be glad to show you the micro system too. Let me know if you would like to come or if you would like to sign up for the May 15th training. Welcome to AP!

Permalink Reply by Stevie Martens on April 19, 2011 at 10:48am

Wow that is awsome I would love some hands on info and guidance cause this is all so new to me.
Green Acre Organics said:

Hi Stevie, yep, we are part of the Friendly fan club! We attended their Hawaii course about a year ago and came home and built both a micro and a commercial sized system. We have since become the first mainland Friendly affiliate and now teach both micro system and commercial system trainings. Like Peter said, our next class is in May on the 15th. Being you already purchased the manual, we could discount your attendence if you wanted to get some hands on information and guidance. Check out our website for more info at www.greenacreorganics.biz or ask questions here. We try to answer as much as we can when we are not out tending the farm.

As far as what's happened with our systems, we have had incredible success with both. Friendly has really figured out how to do raft style AP incredibly well. The great part about AP systems, is once they are established, they pretty much maintain themselves. Our micro system is overflowing with Basil, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Watermellon, Strawberries and even some Leeks and Shallots. We neglect (shameful admittance here) our micro system and it does just fine with little to no input from us. Of course we have to feed the fish and pick fruit as it is ready, but that's about it. Now just starting out, its a little different and requires a bit more babysitting and plants that will have to be harvested more often, like lettuce and greens. However, once it is established and has a good nutrient base, it can easily grow fruiting plants.

As far as constructing the system, it is pretty simple to do. We probably had an advantage coming from a construction background, but even those not handy manage to build it with not too much trouble.

We have a tour coming up on Saturday May 7th if you want to come take a look. It is primarily for the commercial system, but we will be glad to show you the micro system too. Let me know if you would like to come or if you would like to sign up for the May 15th training. Welcome to AP!

Permalink Reply by Rick kolb on April 23, 2013 at 10:05pm

Welcome Stevie,

I'm using the Friendly system and love it. Read the manual 10 times and highlight key points. It is the little things that are important. Stick to their hints and suggestions and you will be very happy. I started in Nov. and my systems PH level has not changed in 6 months and I add water every two weeks.