Latest checklist of preparations;



- Creating an IBC System with a minimum of 1" pipe from the pump.

  (Unclear on using a submersible or stand alone pump application ... still to be determined)



- Using a 1 1/4" stand pipe in my GB bell siphon.

- Using the flood and drain method 24/7. (Is that too much?)

- Planning on using pea gravel for the grow bed due to…

The weather finally warmed up enough, and I had a few extra oomph of energy, so we got things going again.



The critter (type unknown) has been ravaging the plants.  As soon as the broccoli gets the slightest growth he eats it.  It looks like someone attacked the poor plant with a weed wacker.  And the little *^$% is too wily to step into the rat trap.  But my dad is going to help us put up a "real" greenhouse, so that'll fix the problem.  When we finally get around to doing…

I'm sure you have heard that phrase before. but in Aquaponics? Sure, why not and here is why.

The place where I was going to get my IBC tote called on Friday and told me the marking on the totes he picked up said bio-hazard. I'll pass on those for sure so now what?

Found a new source locally for totes for a better price too. So don't get discouraged just keep moving forward on you project.

As I learn more about this adventure I begin to see that it is not only a source for food production and a green endeavor, but it is also a social network as well. Aquaponists have so much in common and are a great group of folks to chat with and learn from. They are an inspiration to newbies like us and maybe someday I can be a resource for other newbies once I have been a successful Aquaponist (is this even a word?)

Little by little I am…

My biggest issue is that I will be gone for vacation for 3 weeks and I can not trust that those left at home will take care of a garden or anything else for that matter.

So if I can set up somehting from the beginning that is mostly self contained and only may need to be checked on, I will be better off.

Anyone out there have a set up like this already?

I guess I will just begin.  This is the first time I am blogging, the first time I am attempting an aquaponics system, and the first time I am going to try to be (and stay) involved in social media.  I am 27 and have not really been part of the internet social media scene.  In fact, I have had a facebook account for over 8 years and probably used the account a total of 12 hours (hard to believe but it's true).  So I guess there is no better place to start than here, and no other time to…

Ran into a snag today ... determining the proper pumping system needed for our set up.

I really wanted to use solar power to run my system but have been advised not to, because there is not enough flow rate or head height.

My concern is when the power goes out? What then? With solar this is or no concern. So my search continues on this quest.

Recently I located the most of my needed Aquaponic supplies LOCALLY and I am so happy. I also saw an awesome video about making an inexpensive bell siphon for my flood and drain grow bed. The more I read the more I learn. This is very exciting and I can't wait to get started.

I have something new that has interested me, it's called aquaponics! I am doing my homework, like I always do before starting off on a new adventure.



I asked Marcia if she would be interested in a water feature that we could eat? She of course looked at me strange an wondered what I was talking about. I explained what I basically knew about aquaponics and she thought it might be "fun". So here I am with my first posting to this new adventure blog…

I saw this article this morning and thought it may be interesting for other members.  It seems to underpin the need for alternative agricultural methods such as aquaponics, as well as the need to educate consumers into moving towards a fish-based diet rather than a meat based one:

Aragon from Japan Aquaponics

Agriculture Consumes 92% of Freshwater Used Globally -…

After a short delay in the project to get some properly grounded outlets installed in the basement workshop, yesterday filled my new aquaponics system with water and turned on the pump!

The good news is the siphon action set up on the first try! However later I realized that the grow bed needed to be elevated slightly, otherwise the water level in the fish tank covered the siphon outlet pipe. oops.

Within minutes several more issues were identified and opportunities to…

Our FLL team, Lego Lightning, did a presentation on shelfponics at the Robopalooza tournament on January 7th, 2012.  The team had a blast building their system, which was based on the shelfponic system at GardenPool.org.  Many thanks to Dennis at GardenPool for allowing us to use their design.  We added wheels and will be adding grow lights to create a mobile design that can be used indoors as well as out. 

We will be taking our system to UCF…

Made major mistake last nite. Left new tank heater running since it appeared to be keeping temp stable at around 74F. This morning water was too hot. Didn't take time to measure but likely in the 120F range. Immediately started pouring cold tap water in tank. One fish died, others survived near cooler water inlet from NFT system. 

Two huge mistakes on my part. The heater is suspended in the top volume of water, about 5-8 inches below the surface. The temp probe was temporarily siting…

Wow- the Grow Bed is literally jumping into gear! About a week after adding fish.

Just had a spike in Ammonia- the extra Nitrogen inspired an overnight burst of plant growth!

Happy to report no deaths of fish or plants.