Backyard Aquaponics
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Hello from Delaware
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=24223		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  phlydude [ Feb 5th, '15, 22:53 ]
Post subject:  Hello from Delaware
Delawhere?
Hi there everyone - was researching some backyard systems and stumbled onto this site - reading some threads on the systems users have set up (both personal and commercially) has been awe inspiring.

I am going to start small with some basic hydroponic systems this spring in my back yard and then see where that goes. The whole idea of setting up fish stocks to replace the nutrients in my system is a bit out of my scope right now (everything must be outdoors and I have a townhouse with not much yard) but I enjoy reading and seeing pictures of everyone's set-ups and it gives me something to aspire to work towards when the time comes to upgrade our housing to something with a bit more space, both in the basement area and yard area.

For the geographically challenged, Delaware is on of the 50 US state and located on the eastern seaboard in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania/Maryland area - where I live, we are approx 45 miles from Philadelphia (where I was born and raised hence the user name), 60 miles to Baltimore, 135 miles to New York City and 100 miles to Washington, DC.
Nice and convenient to get to any of the major cities on the east within a couple hours (barring traffic) but far enough away to feel like I am on the fringe of farmland (but not far enough, hence the townhouse and no big yard!)

I am on the NW part of the state in the Newark area (pronounced New-ark unlike the Jersey city of the same name that sounds like Newerk)

Here's a map for those that need a visual:
Image

Thanks!! :geek:
Author:  earthbound [ Feb 8th, '15, 21:00 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
Hey phlydude, don't be frightened of jumping into the fish side, SOoooo much better than hydroponics... :)
Author:  phlydude [ Feb 10th, '15, 00:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
BTW - forgot to say, my real name is Dennis :)

If you saw my backyard, the fish thing just isn't happening. What is left that is usable space in the yard is not lending to any type of aqua set-up at this point. Coupled with the wild temp swings we get in this area of the world, I am severely limited in my seasonality of the set-up and building a greenhouse is just not an option (no space and the wife would not appreciate me overtaking the deck for that purpose).
For example, this week, temps are going to -13C (8F). In the summer months, we can get 38C (100F) - that is a very wide range to tend to and make adjustments for. My basement space is finished aside from a laundry area and storage/workbench area (and my work bench is set up for reloading so that isn't going away).
Author:  Curious [ Feb 11th, '15, 12:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
@Dennis - Show us some pictures please. Space really is not a problem, there is such a wide range of variety of systems for reference here. I am sure the others won't mind pointing you in the correct direction.

If i remember correctly there are some really nice and neat kitchen setup as well.

Regards
Author:  phlydude [ Feb 11th, '15, 22:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
Image

And before you say that I have an abundance of space, let me clarify for you that, while not fenced, the property lines are from the side of the shed to the edge of the deck and the back of the deck to where I am standing to take the picture.
The chiminea on the deck is to be placed in front of the deck on a cement and block pad (to be built) approx 2m from the edge of the deck.

There is very limited space, I am not digging holes and I am not taking any space inside my limited house space to put in fish containers (my 3 dogs would have a field day with the fish). I don't eat any seafood whatsoever and while I get the nature and the benefits of AP, I am going to start with HP and see where it goes. If it doesn't work out, I can re-purpose any wood and sell off the plumbing fixtures to someone else that wants to give it a shot.
Author:  Curious [ Feb 11th, '15, 23:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
@Dennis - I see, don't mean to sound pushy, but there are members here that uses ornamental fish for the fish part.

I really have no idea on how hydroponics work but i am assuming that you still need to get your nutrients from somewhere? Is it cheaper compares to buying fish feed?

Anyway best of luck, and if you like to venture back into aquaponics give Jay's small indoor system a look.
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=24185&hilit=small+indoor

Regards
Author:  Gabe [ Feb 13th, '15, 19:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
Hi Phlydude


You live in a lovely part of the world. I spend some time in Wilmington a few years ago!


Deer use to be a problem - how will you keep them out of your back-yard?
Author:  phlydude [ Feb 13th, '15, 22:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
How long ago were you in Wilmington? Were you doing work with one of the banks?
That city has gone downhill in the last 5-7 years. Its a shame, it has so much going for it but not unlike other cities I have visited, when the business districts shut down, things get quiet real quick and all that is left are the folks in the lower income areas that have to deal with drug crime (theft, violence, open loitering, etc) and it makes it a rough place to live. Its a shame they can't get after hours business to stay and remain open past 5-6P in the area where all the tall buildings are located.

While deer will be a bit of a problem, I am more worried about feral cats, squirrels and, once I get the fruiting plants going, birds. We have a ton of bluejay, cardinal, crow, starling and sparrow in the woods living in the wild blackberry bramble that lines the wooded area.
I think my dogs do a good job of keeping alert for the deer and they poop in the woods to mark their turf which has kept the deer and fox at bay. I also take my hair clippings from when I buzz my head and beard and sprinkle them around my yard to help keep my scent in the air.
Deer usually don't get too close to the house but if there is some tasty greens, all bets are off.
I plan on using some netting once I get things going to shield the growth but I will have to devise a system for that.
I have grown strawberries in my yard and have on had cat and squirrel nibbles on pieces of near ripe berries (could see the teeth marks on the fruits) but they didn't go after it all the time.
Author:  phlydude [ Apr 13th, '15, 10:03 ]
Post subject:  Re: Hello from Delaware
Materials acquired!

I will begin assembling this week.
The Lowe's order was about $600 for all pipe, wood, fittings (not pictured) etc.

Probably have a couple hundred more in Amazon/Home Depot stuff in the wait as well (pump, rock wool, net pots, strainer bags, buckets, etc.)

More pics to come!!




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