Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All,
I've lurked for a while, but have been encouraged by some folks here in the States to introduce myself (namely you TCLynx). I've been doing aquaponics for a relatively short time compared to many of you on this site, only about 5 years now, but I've been learning a lot and although I don't have it all figured out, at least I'm not murdering my plants as often as I used to. . .
Anyway, my system is now a 100% vertical system (2000 gallons or so) using towers of my own design. (After many failed attempts. An aquaculturalist friend told me i'm not an aquaculturalist until i've killed my millionth fish- let's just say i'm not an aquaculturalist yet, but i' was getting clost there for a while.) I'm using a polyester matrix material media and square PVC to grow all of my plants vertically. (I'm doubling the best production I ever got with NFT right now.) I'm constantly circulating water and irrigating the towers using overhead piping. So far I've grown grasses, mustard greens, spring greens, mesclun mix, basil, kale, and various lettuces. My next project is a crop evaluation using photometer dataloggers to figure out what light is doing in the mass of towers. . .
Well, I figure Australia is about 20 years ahead of the US as far as aquaponics goes, but I'd love to see that gap narrow. Hopefully I get to meet and interact with some of you great aquaponics folks in Australia. . . I still have a lot to learn from you guys.

Welcome n8.

Got pics?? Sounds very interesting!

CB

Welcome. I'm a big fan of growing vertical and have had a lot of luck with my strawberry towers. I'd love to see some pics!

I have a number of pictures posted at http://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=12ke328q2tvl1. I'll get some posted here eventually, but I'll have to crop/reformat most of them to post here.

Very Impressive. With your output are you doing this for profit?

Thanks! I'm starting a company selling the towers- hopefully in the next couple weeks. Initially I'm focusing on aquaponics folks here in the States and large urban hydroponic operations. As far as going commercial with production- I'd like to, but I just can't right now. I'm working with our local Student Farm to try and get them growing greens for farmers's markets, but we'll see how that goes. I've designed them to be transported to market whole, so that consumers can pick thier own greens at market. . .

Welcome Nate!!!!!

Glad you stopped in here. I know many people find this forum Intimidating (shear size I guess) but it really is a great bunch of people who really want to help improve the world of aquaponics. I know many people here will be very interested in your tower design and when you have some time to get your pictures up here, I'm sure it will cause a good stir.

Thanks Aleece,
I figured people could look at the ning site until I get photos up. Maybe I should post them in one of the Systems forums. . . anyway, hopefully I won't be the only person with photos of these towers up on byap.

Yep Nate,
You will probably have to start your own Thread in Member Systems
I find that my member system thread on here is a handy log of my system and it's changes over time along with comments, suggestions and other banter with the pictures flowing right along with it.

You could probably link a few images from the ning site though it's probably best to upload direct here so it isn't using up bandwidth on both sites for people to see the images.

Rats...iPhone/safari don't like ning.com. Guess I have to wait until work tomorrow. I'm excited - sounds great!

Welcome Nate... good to see ya over here...

Great to see you here Nate.... Very impressive stuff.

For those having a little difficulties viewing the pics I'll post some up here..

!



is it ok for a 43 yo to say "way cool"?


-craig

I Want One TOO ....that system looks unbelievable

I just want a four poster basil bed

What happens when you harvest? can you reuse the media or is it best suited to strawberries or something? Thats quite a root cubiod in one of those pics

-craig