Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Man, that does suck. I thought about telling my son to think about something like yours where he's at, but then thought it wouldn't work due to some drunk college kid pouring his drink in the fish tank or puking in the plants. He works at FSU in Tallahassee, and obviously, lots of college kids. But, I guess idiots are everywhere. It's a shame you can't have something nice without having to lock it up behind a fence.

Damn!

That really sucks....
Hopefully you find out how that happened. Detergent is kind of tricky to get in there "accidentally"....
...what - you want to wash the fish or lettuce??

Kids usually don't play with it either (...except for the soap bubble blow ring things)

I am not so sure about cities, but in rural areas, people normally are "normal",....not that many screw-heads as in big cities.... but you never know.
"Jealousy&Envy" are a mad couple - you never know what they do to individuals - some get inspired to do their own thing and compete, others can't stand your success and just want to stop you....

Being in the "Cafe"-business not much chance to get away from people!!

Also - it is kind of hard to make the system "people-proof" if you actually want them to get close and see/"feel" the attraction.
In any case they really shouldn't TOUCH unless specifically invited to do so!
[I hate that a lot, if people just grab/touch/test/feel if it is not their property or if they don't intend to buy.... ]

I guess it is time to get some cameras set up and few signs to urge the public to "not be stupid, please!!" - trash-cans are provided and this is Aquaponics NOT Aqualandia-Waterpark!!

[Could it be that someone introduced some pathogens?? IF someone had something on their hands and touched plants or growmendia or water? Poisons, chemicals?
What would happen if you got e.g. a mechanic touching something and he had some hydraulic fluid on his hands? I know - why would he, don't people wash their hands when getting out of the shop - but something like that could have happened.... - pretty much from any industry]

Maybe ask people to wash/rinse their hands before getting to the system - I would say people would follow through if you give them a reason.




Good Luck for the 2nd start-up!!

I think people will be back just to see what they missed this time!!


Cheers,

thjakits

I would just put in a fence around the GB's and then a lockable cover on the FT. Can't take the chance on someone doing it again or worse. Sad, the few idiots ruin it for the vast majority. You could have certain days that you "open it up". these days would have someone supervising the area..if manpower, logistics, and budget allow this option.
Either that or a sniper on the roof.

I think the fence will ruin the appeal sadly

Lets hope its a stupid kid, and not somebody pouring a bottle of roundup into the system.

I've got heaps of bulk loose lettuce seeds I've collected here. If you want some I can send them your way, they are good for doing the microgreen bed, and will look good in a matter of weeks again (plus plenty of lettuce to harvest).

Colum, you could be right...but you could be wrong. I don't think he can afford to take the chance. What if someone were to drop a few drops of cyanide, arsenic, or something really bad in there? You could have dead fish, but you could also maybe end up poisoning your customers. I agree the fence will hinder the aesthetics and concept, but not sure what other options there are. One of the main reasons I had for building my fish house and totally enclosing it was being able to lock it up and secure it. That way, no one can just drop in something nasty and kill everything. Much harder for the GB's though?? Also, I don't think Oz is nearly as bad as here, but if someone did get ill or heaven forbid, die from a result of a poisoning, lawyers would have a field day.

Australia isn't sue happy like the states. I remember being there and watching tv, during the day, every second ad was for a lawer, telling people to get what they deserve.

I'd think anything that can hurt humans will kill the plants off first.

If it's a jealous competitor, then they've probably had their fun and are done, if it's a stupid teenager who's dumping their beer into the bed, then hopefully it's a once off.

Can you set up a motion video camera that watches over the beds? Little wireless IP ones are pretty cheap, and you can get cheap HD's that'll record it all automatically.

Great idea on the video cameras. make sure you post signs in the AP area that state that they're on camera. I don't think that would negatively effect business either. A lot of places here have security cameras. We even have them at traffic lights. Big brother is watching. lol

....would a beer or 2 actually do any harm to the system??

Oz-beer is supposed to be pretty good (ingredient wise...)


thjakits

so true. I found the same issue with my biodiesel setup. Instead of people I hoped admiring my hard work moving toward sustainability I got harassed for not paying road tax and turned over to the EPA who btw gave my system the thumbs up.
Brian

haters gotta hate

Thanks Coach, yeah has been disappointing.



Thanks thjakits, yeah don't want to make it to stand offish, the amount of foam, and the fact that it happened between 10pm and 6am, means I believe it was malicious. I focus a lot on kids, and them being able to touch is part of the attraction (those beds they have access to aren't used in kitchen).



Cameras will have to be enough... part of experience is being able to experience it! Yes it is always one that wrecks it for the rest!



Thanks Colum, that is very much appreciated! I will PM you, super stoked. You are the man!



I have spoken to a lawyer and insurance. Because I am telling people and have a sign up, I am sorted, legally anyways. Plus the fish would let me know I reckon.



Yeah I have the same thought process as Colum on poisons. Yeah I have cameras on their way!



Already got signs as the place had cameras previously. So that's sorted.



Boss, yeah mate jealousy and envy are my thoughts on why it happened. But no use focusing on it as it's in past now, and I'd rather focus on rebuilding and patrons!



Touche

School holiday vandalism is my bet, really sorry to hear it.
And someone is going to beat me to a system run on a little bull shark! Oh no!
There are plenty of them about and no minimum size, so you should be able to get one if you do decide to go for it. (You should go for it. )
Bear in mind the bag limit of one fish (<1500mm), if one belongs to your Missus and one to you it should be legal to have two though. Mind you, 'should be' and 'is' aren't always synonymous when bureaucrats are involved.

Heartbroken for you. I'm in WA so I don't think I can send you any of my saved seeds, but if I can, please PM me. I'm new but I've LOVED reading this thread and learned lots from it.

I'm coming to visit!!!
Friday after work I'm on a plane in fact, and OH has been instructed that in my whirlwind visit for the long weekend we are to make the trip to Harrisville to check out Mackaways
And since taking seeds OUT of WA isn't an issue, I shall bring you an assortment
When I get home tonight I'll write out my catalogue for you and you can let me know what you'd like.
Will you be at the cafe every day over the weekend? I'll have to work out which day we'll come out. I'm guessing Saturday morning maybe?

Thanks for offer Velvet, I have no idea on that stuff.

Awesome Kat! Yeah I'll be here all weekend.... Except maybe Sunday morning as family is visiting.... But we'll be around so just let me know.... Can't have you come all this way and not say hi! Ahaha this is so cool. And yeah any seeds would be much appreciated!

This is cool!