Our First AP Systems (a few questions)

[Sean-Michael Gettys]

We've been setting up our first AP System in our backyard this week. Here's some photots: http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/photo/albums/backyard-aquap... 

I blogged about the set up here: http://baresimplicity.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-first-aquaponics-syst... 

I was just going to share the links on my Facebook but then realized that it would be fun to hear about other people's first AP system.

I thought this might be a fun discussion, and maybe there's some throwback pics out there... but couldn't find one already started so here's some questions:

 

What was your first system?

Do you have photos or a blog about it somewhere?

Are you still using it?

Have you modified it and if so why?

How's it working for you? 

Approximately how much time did you tend to put into it per day/week/month during the first year?

Do you feel it's been worth your time? Why or why not and what would make it more worth your time?

[Stephanie Bader]

What was your first system?

A small 30 gallon aquarium with a couple of plastic planters attached to it.

Do you have photos or a blog about it somewhere?

Here's a forum topic i wrote about it over at back yard aquaponics: http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4275

Are you still using it?

Yes 

Have you modified it and if so why?

Yes, cause the original stand was made out of plastic that was meant to be in a garage, not outside. It's wood now.

How's it working for you? 

Pretty good.  

Approximately how much time did you tend to put into it per day/week/month during the first year?

 A whole lot when i first started it. Not nearly as much now, just feed the fish and the occasional water test.

Do you feel it's been worth your time? Why or why not and what would make it more worth your time?

 Most definitely. It was my proof of concept that I could maybe do a larger one, and I've learned alot about siphons and building things. I barely knew how to use a drill before I started this.

 

[Sheri Schmeckpeper]

What was your first system?

A cut 275 gal tote.

Do you have photos or a blog about it somewhere?

http://SupUrbanFarm.com

Very old...it will be updated soon!!

Are you still using it?

No

Have you modified it and if so why?

We build a larger CHOP2 system. We sold the tank part and are using the bed part as a raft bed in our new system now.

How's it working for you? 

Great!

Approximately how much time did you tend to put into it per day/week/month during the first year?

At first, quite a bit, especially if you count the education/research part. But once built, maintenance was no more than a normal garden.

Do you feel it's been worth your time? Why or why not and what would make it more worth your time?

Absolutely! It's opened my eyes a lot to the science of all nature - chemistry, biology, interrelationships between organisms, etc. The fish has been the best I've ever tasted, and veggies are great, too. You can't beat home grown!