Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys,

I've been lurking on the site for a few days, after seeing an aquaponics setup posted on the front page of www.overclockers.com.au and becoming quite interested. I grew up on a farm and typically can take or leave most agriculture, but I have found aquaponics very intriguing.

I have a few reasons for being so interested. One, I find the organic and sustainable nature of aquaponics compelling and have always wanted to grow my own food. I don't eat fish but I'm sure I can think of something to do with them. My second reason is my father has cancer which he is undergoing chemotherapy for at the moment. He is very fit and active and has been working on the farm since he was 16, he is now 66. He is over-exerting himself a bit on the days after his treatments going around the farm, even though my brother manages it now, and I have spoken to him about aquaponics and he is very interested. We use best farming practices on our farms and are always interested in new things... and I reckon by helping him set up a medium size system at the homestead I can keep him busy for a while close to home and mum, and in a way where he is not overexerting himself.

Our farm is near the Cobram/Barooga area along the border between NSW and Victoria, and we have plenty of space in which to setup a system. We grew tomatoes for 30 years until recently(Heinz screws over Australian growers by insisting on paying us at the same rate as chinese tomato paste providers.. which are lower yield and lower quality), so we have TONS of irrigation gear, plumbing, and suitable tanks and barrels to use as beds etc, as well as the pumps needed. I'm thinking at this point the main costs will be building a structure for the setup to shelter under and fish stock... Anyway, this is an introduction post not a life story, I'll leave it at that.

Right now I'm trying to learn as much as I can about aquaponics

Doh, ignore that last line. >_<

hi Primax, good to have you with us. This should be an interesting journey for you and your family.

Hi Primax

When you have some thoughts about the setup just put it under members systems (even if its just planning). The usual is overload replies rather than anything else
AP should be good for your father if you have raised GB's and I'm sure if you have that much experience in growing tomatoes we can all learn something.
Re the shelter, not essential although if you can find somewhere to put the fish tank 'inside' helps.

welcome primax,

sorry to hear about your dads health issues.

If you're looking for a distraction for both him and you then you've found the right place! some people have forgotten they have children while browsing here

I think the best way to get you started is for you to tell us the vegetable yield you're after and we can work around that!

The hardest part right now is getting a system cycled (dont know what that means? make the "useful info" section your fist place to do reading) in the cold...............

Steve

It was me !

Welcome, and it is a very distracting hobby - back to work for ...

Welcome Primax!