Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello all,

I've been creeping on these forums for a while and figured it was high time I registered and made an introduction.

I graduated from LSU a few years back (GEAUX TIGERS!) and have since been on a country/state hopping adventure to find the sweeter things in life.

I'm currently stationed in Bahrain (small island off the coast of Saudi Arabia) but will be returning home (Louisiana) in a couple months. What comes then is anyone's guess, but my military career is ending so it'll be time to look for something new (a very welcomed change).

I've been well intrigued by aquaponics for some time and have been doing quite a bit of research on different methods. The people on this forum (namely you) have been a wealth of information and I just wanted to say Kudos to the creators and their community.

From what I can see, I would love to make a run at creating a viable business from aquaponics, but, as the lively and continued debate rages, very few seem to believe it can be done. I haven't made my mind up yet, but I have seen a plethora of companies claiming success and claiming even larger still that they can sell you that very same success. I'm smart enough to realize no one can sell you success, that part of any equation is earned, so pardon the pun, but most of these ventures smell fishy.

On the other hand, I've come to think the science behind this method is sound, and with the right size system, the properly researched market, and the proficiency of a well versed business background, someone could make a truly honest go at it. From what I can tell, the money is in the plants; healthy, good-looking, organic food plants. And not just lettuce; herbs, vegetables, and maybe even rare delicacies (truffles is a really interesting concept). The key is finding a way to minimize the amount of fish in a system, and a few people are introducing other species (mosquito fish, gammarus, etc.) into their ecosystems to do just that. But, what am I saying, you guys already know all of this, and I'm just getting ahead of myself.

Thanks once again for creating a civil and intelligent environment where people can share ideas and trials about something they love. I look forward to virtually meeting many of you and with you all the best in your current and future endeavors!

Peace,

Welcome to the forum .

There are probably a lot more commercial AP failures than successes but that doesn't mean it can't be done. A lot depends on where you are and what the market looks like.

Cheers