Reentering aquaponcis

Posted by Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. on March 21, 2011 at 3:39pm

Greetings. My name is George Brooks. My background is in integrated aridlands aquaculture/agriculture including aquaponics. Back in 1990 I filled the role of aquaculture extension specialist for the University of Arizona. The last work however, I did in this area was back in about 2001 (see link). Currently working in sustainability, times have changed and I am looking to return to the world of fish. I am seeking to learn more about local aquaponics community, where it is, who is growing, what is being produced and what are the limitations, needs. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

George B. Brooks, Jr.5020338680?profile=original

 

Link to my 2001 local work in tilapia and prawn culture: http://bit.ly/aDpeAY  (see page 2)

 

Link to the sustainability focused magazine I publish NxT Horizon, Feb 2011 edition: http://bit.ly/fDSbR7

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Replies

  • Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. May 30, 2011 at 10:07am
    Just put a new discussion post related to this one up in the Aquaponics group. It provides an update.
  • Sheri Schmeckpeper May 26, 2011 at 3:22pm

    Hi, George, et.al! 

    I'm new to the Permaculture community. My husband & I started an aquaponics system, inspired by GardenPool.org. We have a 200 gal IBC setup that's running with goldfish which have grown huge. Lots of water lettuce, and some struggling strawberries. We're learning about iron absorption...
    We also have a 27 gal tank has our eight soon-too-be-breeder fish. We have five females that are mature enough, but the other three are still relatively small and we're hoping to have a male among them. We have have about 50 "food fish" fingerlings in a 15 gal tank, waiting to go into a larger tank.

    We've sunk a 300 gal tank in the ground, and if all goes as planned we'll have a greenhouse over it by the end of this weekend, in time to turn on a cooler for the summer. Ultimately the 300 gal tank will be the food tank and the 200 gal will be the breeder tank. At least that's the plan right now...subject to change. :)

    • Donna Bruce > Sheri Schmeckpeper May 28, 2011 at 11:40am

      Sheri,

      My husband and I are interested in getting into aquaponics. It sounds like you are past the beginning stages. Do you allow for people to come and see what you are doing? 

    • Sheri Schmeckpeper > Donna Bruce May 29, 2011 at 1:01pm
      Sure, that would be great! We just got the greenhouse covered, so within the week I hope we have everything set up on there. Why don't we connect and set a time. Anyone who's interested can come and we'll share ideas. To be honest, I think we're of in the late-beginning stage, but not yet into intermediate.
  • Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. March 23, 2011 at 6:19am
    I added my profile photo. This is a bucket of Giant Freshwater Prawns I grew a few years ago in Sacaton Az. They tasted great!
  • Liz & Dan March 21, 2011 at 6:35pm
    Welcome!  It's great to have you as a part of the group.  I am still in the heavy research phase in preparation of setting up a system for our new house.  I'm hoping to have something going this year.  So far one of the more visible practitioners of aquaponics I know of is Dennis of Garden Pool (http://www.phoenixpermaculture.org/profile/GardenPool).  Definitely check out his place!
    • Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. > Liz & Dan March 21, 2011 at 10:44pm
      The page you suggested was great. As I work the daily drudge and expensive unsustainable task of keeping my pool clean so I can swim in it two months a year, I have often thought of doing something more "productive." This page provides some interesting suggestions. Thank you.
  • Rachel March 21, 2011 at 3:57pm
    Welcome Dr. Brooks! I am so happy to see you here. I unfortunately misplaced your contact info, it undoubtedly got mixed up with all of my seed exchange detritus. There are a few of us on the beginning stages of aquaponics trying to grow fish for family use in small (most of us have less than 500 gallons of fish tank) systems in the backyard. Limitations are space, temperature, and pH. Do you have some recommendations for acidifying the water to a happy medium between fish preference and plant preference?
    • Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. > Rachel March 21, 2011 at 10:37pm

      Greetings. I enjoyed our talk at the farmer's market some weeks ago. Before I give you a recommendation (suggestion) how to to change your pH, I need a bit more information. What can you tell me about what you are doing? 

       

      DrB

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