Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have been subscribed to this forum for ten months so I think I'm way overdue on my introduction.

But first I want to thank everyone that has shared their experiences, knowledge and opinions on this and the other AP forums. I have been reading lots in the last few months and think I have a pretty good idea of how to be succesful with a backyard aquaponic garden.

Now about me. My name is John. I'm a middle-aged guy (yikes! crisis!?!) born and raised in Florida, living in Orlando and working for "the mouse."

Being a father of two elementary school-aged youngsters, I'm looking for a more economical way of getting safe whole foods into their diet and figure that growing food with them will encourage my kids to have better eating habits.

I also want a living laboratory to show them the miracles of life and other cool things about nature.

I actually started my aquaponic endeavors at the beginning of this year and since then I have had a few challenges (who here hasn't?!?) which I'll describe in a new thread in the Member Systems section of the forum.

Thanks again for all your insight!

Welcome John! I know your kids will enjoy it.

Welcome, no better way to show the kids where their food comes from. Good luck cheers

Thanks CC! Honestly at this point I'm so tired of tinkering around and look forward to cycling the system in earnest.

It has been hard for my kids to date. They have watched me for several weekends digging instead if playing; cutting and measure pipe ( both pvc and galvanized fence rail) instead of going to the park and washing gravel instead of playing in the pool.

I told myself throughout this drudgery that it would all be worth it once it was up and running. I'm so close and hopeful now. I can't wait to eat my first salad greens from my system.

Starting to build my system now and know what you mean, frustration having to get help from other people when no one is around. I'm sure your kids will understand once it is all up and running, great talking point at school.

My son is coming up tomorrow to give me a hand and another AP addict from Beerwah. Need to drop the sump into position and build the tank stand.

Positive side is when it is done taking pride in what you have achieved. Keep at it many members here to offer support and encouragement. Cheers

Welcome John. Once you get the system running there shouldnt be anything to do but the fun stuff. Feeding fish and planting and harvesting plants

Thanks again cc! Its great to hear you have help on the way, I wish my son was more able to help. He has got the attention span of a six year old, which is only appropriate since he just turned six.

I'm sure once it comes time to feed the fish he will be more than willing to participate.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Mantis, I am so looking forward to that future state! Thanks for the positive vibes!