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Old 12-28-14, 02:10 PM   #7
jeff5may
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Daox, have you experimented around with hydroponic systems before?

If so, the aquaponic cycle will not require such a steep learning curve. The addition of the fish into the system actually brings a form of self-regulation into a purely hydro system. If you have had experience with growing with a hydro system, you already know what a huge resource the local grow store is, both in the collection of specific parts and materials available and the knowledge of the staff. Many of the better grow stores also deal with commercial hydro growers, who use the same type and size (larger than hobby scale) materials that even a modest sized aquaculture system demands. They may not carry the common plumbing fittings (that you can get at a big-box store or plumbing supply house for less), but those specialty items (fittings, manifolds, strainers, pumps, etc.) will be on a shelf or in their warehouse.

Since you have an expert near you, who serves the industry/hobby market, I would definitely schedule some kind of tour or meeting at his place. Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, actually being there is worth a thousand pictures. For your first aqua setup, I would drive there with an empty truck or van and a wad of cash. Figure out how big you want to start out, get what materials you need to assemble a starter system, and leave broke with a van full of awesome. Kind of like getting your first tattoo, finding a good artist and not getting something too big and elaborate will greatly increase your satisfaction.

If you have no prior experience with hydroculture, there is a whole whole lot to get your head around before you start. If you don't have time for a dirt garden, beware. Even if you go out and buy a somewhat prefab system, There is a considerable amount of assembly, commissioning, and maintenance involved. As with any working mechanical or organic system, there is a set of tools and test equipment you need to collect to ensure your success. Plumbing tools, water chemistry test equipment or kits, cycle/nutrient/troubleshooting charts and planning schedules exist that greatly simplify keeping your system going in the right direction.

Not to mention the capital investment in materials and living organisms. In these systems, error-proofing and overbuilding components to ensure durability is the norm. As a general rule, a corner cut to save some time or expense will nearly always come back to haunt you. For containers or tanks, I've learned to use items that are at least as durable as a rubbermaid or tupperware container. Even many of those don't do well when exposed to sunlight for a season or two.

Gremlins have a way of running rampant and ruining your day if not planned against. It is always a good idea to test-run a new system or addition for a few days with plain old tap water and no plants or fish in it to expose the gremlins and flush out all the dusty stuff and contaminants that can cause clogs and chemistry issues. For a first system, I would definitely just buy something smallish that has the bugs worked out of it. Save the grandiose DIY setup for sometime later, after you have some time under the hood. Once you experience the awesome potential these systems are capable of, you may find you don't need such a massive system to produce more than you expected.

Just like the first tattoo, you're going to pay more for the first one. Either you find an artist who does you right, or you end up going back to get what you really wanted in the first place. The value of standing on the shoulders of those before you in this realm is pretty much priceless at first. Forming an acquaintance with your local supplier is essential early on, as the rest of pretty much everyone will not understand the subject at all.
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