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This is probably not the smartest thing I have ever done. I'd be willing to bet you I could spend my time and money a lot more wisely. Still, I'm going to do this thing.
I don't remember how I started thinking about aquaponics, but I started watching videos and reading books. I finally decided to build one of those systems that uses a 275 gallon IBC Tote, so I ordered one from the Lexington Container Company. I didn't order one from Ebay or any other of those self-selling places because I wanted to buy from a place that had a reputation to protect, and it is important to buy only a container that had food grade material in it.
I still had questions that just weren't answered by ANY of the books and articles I read, so I kept on looking. Then, I came across Friendly Aquaponics, out of Hawaii. I bought the plans for a 128 sq ft system for 99 bucks, and it was the best investment. More than just plans were given, but a lot of things they have learned along the way.
The Tote came in, but that's OK as I can use it for the fish container. The only thing I'm going to do differently is the grow beds. These have to be built. I have never built anything wooden, so this is a great learning opportunity for me. So far, I have learned that everything called a board is not necessarily a board, and just because it is listed as being eight feet long, don't bet on it. :lol: Still, I am having a lot of fun.
Oh, and there is a way to feed the fish without having to spend a lot of money on organic fish food. A buddy at work told me about black soldier fly harvesting. The soldier flies will make a whole lot of fish food, and their pheremones will keep regular old house flies at bay, Also, the black soldier flies are not nuisances!
Gotta go to work, now. Will add more as I do more.
I don't remember how I started thinking about aquaponics, but I started watching videos and reading books. I finally decided to build one of those systems that uses a 275 gallon IBC Tote, so I ordered one from the Lexington Container Company. I didn't order one from Ebay or any other of those self-selling places because I wanted to buy from a place that had a reputation to protect, and it is important to buy only a container that had food grade material in it.
I still had questions that just weren't answered by ANY of the books and articles I read, so I kept on looking. Then, I came across Friendly Aquaponics, out of Hawaii. I bought the plans for a 128 sq ft system for 99 bucks, and it was the best investment. More than just plans were given, but a lot of things they have learned along the way.
The Tote came in, but that's OK as I can use it for the fish container. The only thing I'm going to do differently is the grow beds. These have to be built. I have never built anything wooden, so this is a great learning opportunity for me. So far, I have learned that everything called a board is not necessarily a board, and just because it is listed as being eight feet long, don't bet on it. :lol: Still, I am having a lot of fun.
Oh, and there is a way to feed the fish without having to spend a lot of money on organic fish food. A buddy at work told me about black soldier fly harvesting. The soldier flies will make a whole lot of fish food, and their pheremones will keep regular old house flies at bay, Also, the black soldier flies are not nuisances!
Gotta go to work, now. Will add more as I do more.