Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello folks, I'm glad to be part of the community. I don't got much to say, except that I have some very important questions regarding certification and "food grade" materials

The main reason why I am attracted to this hobby is because I find it fun to plan, design, build, and perform analysis/maintenance on such a system that is "alive". The motive is further reinforced by the fact that a successful system may produce yield which, hopefully, will eventually lead to a profit -- regardless of how little it may be.

As I do my self-education, I have some very important questions:

1. Do I need some type of formal education and certification to become a hobbyist farmer, as I will be planning on eating the yields?

1a) If question #1 is a yes, is it just a stand-alone class room, i.e. like a Driver's Licensing class? Or would it be part of a post-secondary institution? A 1 or 2 year's associates? A 4-year bachelors!?

1b) If question #1 is a no, would the hatcheries let me buy their fingerlings?

2. As I did more reading, I apparently have to get "food grade" materials; like "HDPE plastic". Is it a complicated process to food-grade secure my system? I'm kinda getting intimidated by the number of components in the AP (pretty much everything!) that will have to be food-grade: fish tank, grow bed, water pumps, aerators, pipings or tubings, heck -- even the filters. Did I miss anything?

No need for a license ,, education through this site is better than any degree:) You pay for the education here by sharing what you learn ,, a good deal ehh?
A lot of the components you need for your system are inherently food grade. 99% of rain-water tanks are food grade plastic , cut the top part off and you have a fish tank or sump.
Pumps are nearly all ok , select from aquarium or pond pumps and they will not have any nasty oil in them.
Pipes and fittings "PEX "is considered food grade.

It's really not that hard ,, and you can always ask advice from here , ehh.

You will have no problems getting fingerling supplies.Check local aquaculture sites etc.

Nice and thanks, I've updated my journal.

1- as a hobbyist farmer, you need no special or formal education. (that would be like telling some one they have to go to college before they can place a seed in soil!?!?!?) If you were to decided to make a living by growing fish and plants, some agricultural education might be worth the investment but as a hobby just do lots of reading here. (special education and licensing/permitting become more of an issue if you intend to sell the fish for human consumption, then you need to look into your local laws.)

1a- do lots of reading here.

1b- If you buy the types of fish that are legal for say, farm ponds in your region, then the fish farms/hatcheries will likely have no problems selling to you. The only times I've seen difficulties buying fish are when you want to grow exotic species that your state/province requires special permitting and such to grow.

2- Take a deep breath. Think simple. Yes it is important to be mindful of food grade or potable water safe or drinking water safe materials with AP systems but most of us don't drive ourselves crazy with it. Drinking water plumbing is of course safe. Fish tank materials are generally safe but keep in mind some metals can corrode and some are toxic to fish (galvanized tanks should be lined or coated.) Re-cycled plastic containers, you want to know what was in them before you use them since some things are difficult to clean out and can be toxic to fish and people.

Welcome!!!!

Welcome, Confuzedd. My journal is kinda kept here along with a lot of good helpful advice and tongue in cheek humor from our fellow AP'ers!