Hi all,
I'm in Charleston, South Carolina.
Thanks to you fine people for congregating, and sharing your knowledge with each other, and allowing us newbies to glean information and ideas!!!
I've been interested in aquaponics for a while. I built my first system out of a couple 3 dollar plastic cartons from Target. It was completely awesome to watch a bell siphon I built from watching youtube videos start and stop again and again. Still get excited about it. I bought some goldfish, planted some basil, and was getting pretty excited about my new urban farming adventure.
AND THEN, i realized the pea gravel I chose as a medium was way too heavy, my cartons started to collapse from the weight, my pump sucked up like 6 of my goldfish before I noticed it (thought they'd be smart enough to stay away from the intake. Sorry little guys.), and general failings of all sorts. I didn't even own a water testing kit. But the bug had done its job. I was hooked.
My new system is quite different, and hopefully, more successful. I will start a system thread and tag it shortly, if anyone cares to look at it. I'm quite proud.
Anywho, thanks to all for you brains and the kindness to share them. I hope to be a longtime member and hopefully learn enough to share with others someday.
Jason
