Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Is anybody there living from aquaponic culture ; that is having a commercial aquaponic systems from which he can derive a source of revenue and which is his/her main profession? I have read a lot about commercial aquaponic and many seems to be sceptical about it.

Possible yes, easy no.

The problem is scale, and producing enough to be competitive with the big boys. The farmers market type of place is a possibility, but won't be a steady income, and will depend on many factors, and you'd need to do a lot of research on what you're selling, prices, market, seasons, etc.

Have a look at the Chattersons Farm thread, he's profitable now, but Ryan has a wealth of information behind him, and years and years in the trade already, but even then, I'm pretty sure he's working very long days, 7 days a week, and doing the majority of it himself.

Then there is the UAI aquaponic farm (Paul has a good youtube channel on it), and that's the scale you'd need to be at to make some money off it, but the start up capital would be enormous.

As a stand alone, mass production type operation, the scale and capital outlay required, time frame to break even point, man hours required, overall ROI, and risk factors... are usually enough to scare most people off.

IMO it could be achieved with a relatively small operation, probably on scale a husband & wife team could manage, but only with niche products, niche market, value adding of products, and ancillary income from other aspects, such as farm tours, school groups, workshops etc.

I don't know of any stand alone Aquaponic farms without gov grants or outside support/assistance that are profitable or worth while ROI.

And which type of AP system may be more optimum(in terms of cost and efficiency) for a medium size commercial farm?

I would say none. Although it depends on what you mean by medium

People running smaller systems can make money but it is there niche marketing, sales skills and/or value adding that is subsidising the AP system. The AP system runs at a loss but the overall operation can make money due to other activities.

H2Oagrofarm- No expert here, but what they're telling you is exactly what my research mirrors. A smaller, niche marketing, high retail pricing, and lots of your time can provide a decent living. Look at the numbers from UVI and see how a long standing production AP system maintains profitability. A warm climate, zero heating costs, a ready market, at least part of the labor free(interns), and a foremost scientist setting things up. Is it possible to duplicate? My guess would be no, because most people don't have the luxury of free labor. As in most business venture, it's the labor costs and over runs that eat away at the bottom line. Like someone mentioned with Ryan, he has worked his ass off to get where he is, and most people don't have his work ethic, let alone his knowledge and connections. I may give it a go myself, but I'm sure not giving up my other business and going "all in". Good luck, sincerely wishing you all the best.

Actually i am starting AP as a hobby, I have a full time job that let me live decently but I want to figure out something on my owns. With the help of my dad i am setting up a small system of about 100 holes. I will start selling the produce in my dad's grocery . And if i want more I have to do my marketing , i have some contacts in the local market ,moreover here in mauritius the climate is say 20 to 26 degree during the whole year and i guess my main cost will be the equipment ,fish food and seedlings. I bet i have to make the thing just like for fun and to earn a little revenue, then i will be able to figure out the possibilities and hindrances if i want to go on large scale

Love your logo.

I have more than 100 holes, and I'd have a very sad farmers market showing. Unless I didn't eat any of the produce myself. I'd think bigger.

if i had to be on a larger scale , for the produce maybe i'll have to think about targeting the several hotels on the coastal region, Mauritius relies a lot on the tourism industry..But here they prefer sea fishes rather than fresh water fishes like tilapia and carps

Hi H2O



Here is one viewtopic.php?t=14272

cheers