Kate Mink

Female

Lihue, HI

United States

Profile Information:

How did you find us?: Search engine (Google)
If you found us through a search engine, what search words were you using?: vertical aquaponics
Are you an aquaponic gardener already?: Yes
If so, what type of system? (pick all that apply): I'm a science teacher running an experimental/educational system at a small private high school in Hawaii. I've been doing it for 2 years, constantly improving. Currently System 1 has a 1000 gallon fish tank feeding 9 4 x 8 styrofoam floats and some taro in milk crates, System 2 a 100-gallon stock tank feeding 2 4 x 8 floats. Our fish are tilapia, black or red, kept much more for fertilizer than for eating. Numbers have varied a lot; in our big system we had a fish disease last year and went to very low nutrient levels, which prompted a complete re-start. Small system has been stable with as few as 15 fish (only one float planted) and as many as 30. We've had good results with lettuce, basil, tomatoes, Thai winged beans, onions and taro; so-so with eggplant and peppers.
Please tell us something else about yourself.: I'm an engineer by temperment, a builder and biologist by inclination, a manager by history. I moved to Hawaii for a more relaxed lifestyle - ended up working harder than ever, poor in money, but loving most of what I do. I teach biology, marine science, green technology, math, and coach robotics; ever chance I get I snorkel or dive.