Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Some of them, i will continue to read them thanks! and thanks for your previous reply too!

I second or third the start a hobby system first...if you can get it up and running ( past cycling and the first crop) and are still interested then revisit a business plan. My 2p worth.

Thanks lazyk,

I am thinking i will experiment with a few vegetables. My thoughts have just turned to Grape vines as well, one of my Cousins has also completed a degree in Wine Making and works in Wales, he is going to trial it as well and we will let you know how it gets on!

Jawssk,

If you are looking to trial a smaller system. With the idea of possibly scaling up. I suggest you read these 2 threads in their entirety. The first is Ryan's back porch thread, and the second is his commercial system. He also does great training workshops if you ever get the chance to go to one.

http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum ... 4670a08de1

http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum ... 9dfc5d8b66

Grapes would be the last thing I'd put in a AP system.

They thrive in my garden with all the neglect you can throw at them, don't require masses of water, and they take up a lot of room per plant, and if you invest in AP, you want a crop that'll maximise the money you're investing.

I was thinking of vines on a more productive scale, with poly tunnels,

Just running some thoughts at the moment and what will work. I am confused on how popular hydroponics are but aquaponics arnt? Can any please explain why?

Ps, sorry for any spelling mistakes! typing on a phone today!

The biggest problem I see with grapes is that when they go dormant over winter they wouldn't be uptaking nitrates from the system much, if at all.

Start small, run the numbers, and be prepared to spend 70 plus hours a week for the first several years. You CAN be profitable, you CAN make money, but you CAN also lose your shirt. Numbers don't lie. Find out what your target market wants and what makes you the most money per M2, regardless of if you like it or not. Since you have experience with a smaller system, I think you have at least some experience in growing a quality product. If you can grow a better product, and market it for a price that makes you money, you can make money. I've seen it at Chatterson Farms. Keeping in mind Ryan's background...he's not your average back yard AP guy. But, the information is available, if your willing to spend the time and effort planning and building, and marketing, you can be profitable. A business plan, with realistic numbers, and doing as much as you can yourself to keep startup costs low will help in your R.O.I. Just don't plan on having much of a life for the first few years...outside the farm. A supportive wife/family would be a HUGE asset. I could see that at Ryan's place. Like they say...behind every successful man.
I know in my case, my wife worked side by side with me for free for several years and then worked her bartending job till 2AM. This helped my landscape business be able to get going a lot sooner then if we'd had to cover that salary. Ploy every penny you can back into the business, and try to have some money stashed in case of emergencies. Good luck, I admire your spirit. Anyone can work a 9-5, it takes a special type to start a business.

^Plow every penny- sorry

Thank you for your response

Very helpful and sound advice! I agree that determination and being realistic is the key to a successful business and of course a bit of luck!

Luck never hurt. But the people who work harder seem to get luckier. I always told my players that, and to remember that "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." I'm a fountain of sport's cliches.

I like that idea, I will add it to my list of inspirational quotes!

Thinking I will set up a small system for experimental purposes in the coming week/weeks

Could anyone tell me the best cold water fish for a 200L barrel please? Or even crayfish?

Thanks

Perhaps you would like to check out this thread. viewtopic.php?t=14272#p357774 , one of my faves.
Appears to be profitable by value adding.

I'm not sure if I miss bioaqua or not... He did add a bit of spice to the forum but then again so did ol' Blizz.

Hi Mike
Second thoughts.
Check out WelshDragon’s thread if you have not already read it.
Lots of UK specific information.

Thank you,

I will take a look!

tomorrow I will try and start to plan and set up a test set up
silly questions to follow!