Alcon,



Attached is a drawing & several pics of the 12' x 24' greenhouse I'm in the
process of constructing.  I've
modified the plan slightly from what's shown in the sketch.



The latest design has only (2) 275 gallon fish tanks instead of 4; and has (18)
2' x 3' grow-beds.  The
aquaponics grow-beds will be along either side approx 54" above ground, with
sub-irrigated, self-watering,
conventional raised-beds directly below the aquaponics grow-beds.  I'm hoping
the bubble-wrap & polyethylene
glazing will sufficiently diffuse the sunlight for the lower raised-bed veggies
to thrive without the need
for artificial light.



I'm working to get the framework finished & glazing installed before mid to late
November in order to get
winter veggies started in the lower conventional raised-beds.  After that, I'll
work on the fish tanks &
upper grow-beds.  Hopefully, I'll get the aquaponics infrastructure completed &
water-filled in time to
monitor temps inside the greenhouse & tanks thru the coldest parts of winter. 
After determining how well
the system can maintain minimum temps thru winter with only passive solar, I'll
acquire fish & plant the
aquaponics grow-beds in the spring.



If anyone wants to stop by & chat, compare notes, give / receive advice, etc,
you're more than welcome.
I'll be unavailable Nov 9-15, but other than that, I'll be here most evenings &
weekends.  Best to call 1st:
(417) 886-0066.



There seems to be at least a few of us in the area interested in aquaponics. 
I've taken the liberty of
including below some of the correspondence in order to promote mutual
collaboration, etc.



Later,



Allen





From: notify@yahoogroups.com [mailto:notify@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
paradise4989@...
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 8:03 AM
To: abusiek@...
Subject: aquaponics in sw Missouri



Hello Allen,

we are seriously interested in aquaponics, would like to set up one next summer.
i have been seriously
studying aquaponics for 2 years and have done a lot of research. we live in SE
Springfield and would love to
meet with you.

Bob Morris





Comment by  <http://wellfedneighbor.ning.com/profile/DaleWayneJackson> Dale
Wayne Jackson on October 19,
2010 at 11:20am

Seems to be growing interest in this concept. Maybe it is time to think about a
village scale system. Link
provides information and resources. Also have number of aquaponics videos on my
page.

http://www.localphilosophy.com/articles/village-aquaponics.html





Comment by  <http://wellfedneighbor.ning.com/profile/ScottWelch> Scott Welch on
October 18, 2010 at 11:30pm

Im looking into hydroponic lettuce hopefully around the first of the year, and
selling to restaurants and
stores.

Scott





From: Fox Fire [mailto:foxfire7893@...]
Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 11:59 PM
To: Allen
Subject: RE: Homegrown Evolution: Farmers Markets: Buyer Beware



Yes, I believe there is someone in WFN that is doing Aquaponics locally. Not
sure who it is though. I think
Galen knows. He told me to talk to someone a while back about it. I do know that
you are limited with the
barrel depending on what type of fish you use.
Let me know what you come up with. I do know that you can heat the hoop house
with a pile of compost inside
or by using tubing and running it into the greenhouse.





From: jerry diamond [mailto:dmnds2001@...]
Sent: Friday, October 22, 2010 10:55 AM
To: Travis; mojoecz@...; Allen
Subject: Re: Aquaponics in SW Missouri ?



Travis,

Thank you for replying. I am sending this to the two other men who are planning
on doing Aquaponics. Joseph
Zitting has built a large Liquid Organic Foliar Plant. It has a large solarium /
greenhouse and in that is a
large in-ground pool for Tilapia. He is definitely interested in learning more,
and will get it up and
running one way or another, but advice and help would be most welcome. Allen
Busiek is the one who wrote on
group, but I do not know what stage he is at. I will find out, or he can write
you directly. While I
understand you have a special focus on barrelponics, I am sure you could help
with Josephs larger set-up.  I
will do what I can to keep the two projects on track to be ready for your
advice/help when you get back.  Do
you know any other systems up and running in Missouri we could visit? Also,
Joseph would be happy to come
down and visit you at your place to learn on site, if there is nothing closer. 
He bought and set up a full
blown spray foam rig for insulating a local school and gymnasium, and a few
community homes.

thanks,

Jerry

--- On Fri, 10/22/10, Travis <barrelponics@...> wrote:


From: Travis <barrelponics@...>
Subject: Re: Aquaponics in SW Missouri ?
To: "jerry diamond" <dmnds2001@...>
Date: Friday, October 22, 2010, 7:41 AM

Hey Jerry,
I am contacting you off-list.  What do you want to do?  Do you have any other
specifics?  I will be
traveling abroad during the month of Nov. but would be interested in possibly
doing something late
winter/early spring.

Trav.

--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, jerry diamond <dmnds2001@...>wrote:


Allen, Travis,

We have a greenhouse with a 6 foot by 5 foot by 15 foot in ground tank in Cedar
County. Maybe we could ask
if Travis could come and help us both set them up? Travis, do you travel as far
as Missouri? LOL It is a bit
closer than the Philippines, isn't it?



Seriously, what would it take to make that happen?


jerry



--- On Tue, 10/19/10, Travis barrelponics@... wrote:
From: Travis barrelponics@...
Subject: [barrelponics] Re: Aquaponics in SW Missouri ?
To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 11:57 AM

Not sure if he is still there but a fellow named Frank McNeely used to live
there and was doing aquaponics
years ago.  He was a total inspiration to me and in large part why I used
barrels and began the whole
Barrel-Ponics thang.  He was doing aquaponics in bath tubs back around 2000.

By the way a good part of my raising was in Seneca, MO.

Trav.







From: Tom Eldredge [mailto:rutexus@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 9:36 PM
To: abusiek@...
Subject: Aquaponics in SW Missouri ?



Hi Allen,



I live seven miles south of Rolla, MO.  I have a small operation going.  My
phone number is (573) 341 xxxx.



Tom Eldredge





From: Jay Caughron [mailto:jaycaughron@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 1:25 PM
To: abusiek@...
Subject: barrelponics




Hey Allen If you find someone would you let me know I would love to go see one
in operation. I was told by
Travis a long time ago that there was a system up and running around the
Springfield area but do to computer
crashes I have lost that info.

There is someone in Oklahoma, I think in the Ponca City area that had a system
up running in a commercial
mode.

Jay
Republic, Mo

  <http://www.aturnntime.com/> www.aturnntime.com





From: Dale Wayne Jackson [mailto:mail@...]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 11:03 AM
To: Allen Busiek
Subject: aquaponics



Dale Wayne Jackson has sent you a message on Well Fed Neighbor



Subject: aquaponics



------------

Hey Allen,



Am really interested in system and have done considerable research on the
subject, hoping to establish my
own system sometime in the future. Have posted a large number of videos on my
page about the subject. Would
love to talk. 417 763-xxxx.

Jackson





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'm missing the chats here.

Greg

I signed onto this list a long time ago. Have had no time for trying a
barrelponic project. Hope to someday.



On 11/9/10 7:23 PM, turtleislandmarket wrote:
>
> I'm missing the chats here.
>
> Greg
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Have a six bed aquaponics system, been going for about a year and a
bit, when I get 2 secs I'll put in a bit of a bio about it, and maybe
get some discussion going.

Cheers
John in West Aus

On 11/10/10, Kelley C Smith <smithkc@...> wrote:
> I signed onto this list a long time ago. Have had no time for trying a
> barrelponic project. Hope to someday.
>
>
>
> On 11/9/10 7:23 PM, turtleislandmarket wrote:
>>
>> I'm missing the chats here.
>>
>> Greg
>>
>>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

--
Sent from my mobile device

John Blake

Everybody is proably getting things ready for winter hybernation. 

--- On Tue, 11/9/10, turtleislandmarket <turtleislandmarket@...> wrote:


From: turtleislandmarket <turtleislandmarket@...>
Subject: [barrelponics] where is everybody?
To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 7:23 PM


 



I'm missing the chats here.

Greg











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'm in the process of setting up my first hybrid barrelponics setup
indoors with PVC rain gutters for grow beds and towers
<http://synaptoman.wordpress.com/2008/04/15/aquaponics-101-strawberry-to\
wers/>  for strawberries and root veggies. It has both constant flow and
ebb and flow components. Thus far I have been super busy fixing leaks in
the towers, but I have that fixed and added fish after cycling the
system leak-free for a week.  I have one quick question, I'm very
familiar with aquarium setups, and I know that during the first month or
so you should do 10% water changes per week after initially adding fish.
I'm currently doing my initial cycle with 50 guppies in 80 gallons of
water and about 12 gallons of grow media. Does this 10% water change
sound right? If not what should I be doing?
--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, Kelley C Smith <smithkc@...> wrote:
>
> I signed onto this list a long time ago. Have had no time for trying a
> barrelponic project. Hope to someday.
>
>
>
> On 11/9/10 7:23 PM, turtleislandmarket wrote:
> >
> > I'm missing the chats here.
> >
> > Greg
> >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

..  northeastern Pa. here, wishing l had the place and time to build a
aquaponics system, interested as hell, just biding my time for now, until the
chance arises.. kuto's to those who have the availability to have one, even
considered an indoor system which l seen on here once... great concept.. shows
one's limits is only beyond his reach.... tks



To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com
From: vk6jrb@...
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:17:58 +0800
Subject: Re: [barrelponics] where is everybody?






Have a six bed aquaponics system, been going for about a year and a
bit, when I get 2 secs I'll put in a bit of a bio about it, and maybe
get some discussion going.

Cheers
John in West Aus

On 11/10/10, Kelley C Smith <smithkc@...> wrote:
> I signed onto this list a long time ago. Have had no time for trying a
> barrelponic project. Hope to someday.
>
>
>
> On 11/9/10 7:23 PM, turtleislandmarket wrote:
>>
>> I'm missing the chats here.
>>
>> Greg
>>
>>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

--
Sent from my mobile device

John Blake




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Regaring changing water:
From my experience you don't change the water at all. What your aiming
for is a spike in ammonia levels, this should kick start the bacteria
growth. You should then see a rise in nitrite levels, then a rise in
nitrate levels. As one level comes up the proceeding will fall as the
bacteria do their work. By changing the water you will interfere with
this process. You should keep feeding to a minimum untill the system
settles. There is more to the details than this, this has been a very
brief  overview. My suggestion is to check out one of the many good
sites availiable. Try googling backyard aquaponics, they are here in
Aus and have some very  readable info.
Cheers
John

On 11/10/10, Bryan Gliem <Pennabry@...> wrote:
>
> ..  northeastern Pa. here, wishing l had the place and time to build a
> aquaponics system, interested as hell, just biding my time for now, until
> the chance arises.. kuto's to those who have the availability to have one,
> even considered an indoor system which l seen on here once... great
> concept.. shows one's limits is only beyond his reach.... tks
>
>
>
> To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com
> From: vk6jrb@...
> Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:17:58 +0800
> Subject: Re: [barrelponics] where is everybody?
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Have a six bed aquaponics system, been going for about a year and a
> bit, when I get 2 secs I'll put in a bit of a bio about it, and maybe
> get some discussion going.
>
> Cheers
> John in West Aus
>
> On 11/10/10, Kelley C Smith <smithkc@...> wrote:
>> I signed onto this list a long time ago. Have had no time for trying a
>> barrelponic project. Hope to someday.
>>
>>
>>
>> On 11/9/10 7:23 PM, turtleislandmarket wrote:
>>>
>>> I'm missing the chats here.
>>>
>>> Greg
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>
>>
>
> --
> Sent from my mobile device
>
> John Blake
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

--
Sent from my mobile device

John Blake

I am working on getting the stuff (containers) put up for winter and
starting on my "Window Farm".  I've gotten two 20 gallon tanks plus stand
from my son and will first set it up their way and then add the tanks into
the mix.  When that is working well I'll look at adding fish.  What I add
will depend on what's available.  They tell me I can get fingerling
Bluegills from the farm store at the right time of the year.  If not I'll
start with goldfish, however the price they said the Bluegills  were is less
than goldfish so we will see if it take the whole winter to build this
thing.  I'm instituting some changes for next year but think perhaps I'll
have to do the actual moving on the warmer winter days.



Pernkat



The government of the United States is not in any sense founded upon the
Christian religion. - John Addams 6th President (1767 - 1848)



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have a 5 hp pump and waterfall that I would like to convert to an aquaponics
system ...but have had other higher priority tasks so far.
Perhaps next year.
Roy (in Olympia WA)

--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, "turtleislandmarket"
<turtleislandmarket@...> wrote:
>
> I'm missing the chats here.
>
> Greg
>

We've got the 1st leg of ours started, with Green Texas Cichlid fry in a 200
gallon trough.  Kids cought Mom & Pop, out back, in the Colorado River.  Haven't
had money to throw at the grow-beds, but it'll happen.  Just a matter of time
and money.

Jeff F.
Cedar Creek, Tx.

--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, "turtleislandmarket"
<turtleislandmarket@...> wrote:
>
> I'm missing the chats here.
>
> Greg
>

It get's quiet this time of year and in the spring as folks are either
getting things planted or harvesting putting up stores and winterizing
systems.  I've been busy the past few days getting the fish indoors
before travel (I am writing from Amsterdam tight now) to Kenya and then
on to Lebanon (will be building the first aquaponics system in that
country).  We are shutting down all systems this year for the first time
as I need to do  serious snail eradication and since we don't heat the
greenhouse that much right now and production is low due to cool temps
it just isn't worth it to keep it going.  Other than that, we are
plugging along on th farm expanding the layer operation.  When that's
finished I will finish the mushroom production room and then get back to
my large barrel-ponics systems between building a system for a local
fellow as well.  There is for sure no lack of things to do!!

Trav.
--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, "turtleislandmarket"
<turtleislandmarket@...> wrote:
>
> I'm missing the chats here.
>
> Greg
>

Hi, I am Philippe, french, resident on the altiplano (12000 feet) Bolivia.
Barrelponics seams to me a good choice for a proof of concept, so here we go.

This project isn't really for backyard hobby but to try to find a sustainable
solution to the 40% desnutrition in the population.

Right now I am reading all I can grab to avoid silly questions...

So far I understood that the trout is dificult for aquaponics, but it's the only
fingerling available here. I'll have to generate my own fish food as it's very
expensive. And finally I expect to use Duckweed to feed cattles, porks and
poultry.

I have 2 basics problems : 1, it is very cold up here, all year round and 2,
there is nothing to build something a bit complicated, so I am used to adapt
whatever I find to whatever I need.

Obviously any advise and coment most welcome.

Cheers, Phil

I’m just finishing the setup of my first “big” system.  I’ve got about 75 small
(2”) tilapia in a 340 gallon tank, I’ve got 2 50-galloon rainbarrels plumbed
together at their base to make a 100-gallon sump tank (I just pressure tested
them last night (for the 5th time) and they didn’t leak! (for the 1st time)),
and this weekend I’ll replace the pond liner in the 100-gallon growbed/trough
that I finally got sturdy legs on last weekend.  At lunchtime today I’ll pick up
a timer, and after work I’ll drill some drainage holes into the stand pipe. 
Then all I need is to finish the overflow plumbing from tank to growbed, the
plumbing from drainage to sump, and the plumbing from sump pump to fishtank. 
Those are all simple.  Once the pond liner is replaced, I can silicone the
drainage into the bottom of the growbed and put the clay pellets in (already
standing by) and I’ll be up and running.  Oh, and I’ve got an electrician coming
out in the next couple of weeks so I can stop running the whole thing off an
extension cord through the garage window.  J  So I think I’m less than 2 weeks
from fully functioning!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That's pretty normal behavior from breeding tilapia from what I understand.  The
males will harrass the females unless they can hide.  Frequently the upper lip
of breeding males is removed just to keep him from harming her.  Putting a
hiding place in the tank for her is the recommended solution.  If he can't see
her, he won't attack her.

I've got a PDF somewhere on tilapia breeding.  I'll try to remember to link the
source tonight when I get home.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Actually, the sad conclusion is that this wasn't breeding behavior.   The
male was already separate from the female.  Rather, it was really  bad water
quality.  After I went with the hope that she was carrying eggs  in her
mouth but nothing happened, I broke down and got the full line of water  testing
supplies only to find that my nitrates were off the scale and pH was way
off.  Keep in mind this was with a 20gal tank with not one but two
commercially-available power filter systems going.  Yet those filters  couldn't
keep
up with the water quality.  Long story short, we lost the  female, started
working really hard to balance the water quality but then a  few weeks later
lost the male.

I'm working now to balance out the water quality with  a new media-based
ebb-flow filter system, basically starting the  aquarium from scratch (thought
about actually throwing away the filtration  systems that failed but I'll
hang onto them I suppose for parts down the  road).  I've already cycled
through the first two phases with ammonia  spike then nitrite spike.  As soon as
my nitrates settle down and  the seedlings get going, I'll re-introduce
some cheap goldfish and start  over.

Lesson?  Nice to think of happy endings, but never never never never  never
assume your water quality is OK (regardless of what filtration  you're
using) until water testing proves it's OK.  Expensive  lesson.
Kathryn Kerby
frogchorusfarm.com
Snohomish, WA


In a message dated 11/11/2010 8:40:54 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
frydaze1@... writes:





That's pretty normal behavior from breeding tilapia from what I
understand. The males will harrass the females unless they can hide.  Frequently
the
upper lip of breeding males is removed just to keep him from  harming her.
Putting a hiding place in the tank for her is the recommended  solution. If he
can't see her, he won't attack her.

I've got a PDF  somewhere on tilapia breeding. I'll try to remember to link
the source tonight  when I get home.

[Non-text portions of this message have been  removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello,
     I am glad things are going well for you. I am happy to hear of your
progress. Ive been sidelined by my health issues but I do enjoy reading all
the posts on here. Thank you
            Travis

On Thu, Nov 11, 2010 at 6:49 AM, Travis <barrelponics@...> wrote:

>
>
> It get's quiet this time of year and in the spring as folks are either
> getting things planted or harvesting putting up stores and winterizing
> systems. I've been busy the past few days getting the fish indoors
> before travel (I am writing from Amsterdam tight now) to Kenya and then
> on to Lebanon (will be building the first aquaponics system in that
> country). We are shutting down all systems this year for the first time
> as I need to do serious snail eradication and since we don't heat the
> greenhouse that much right now and production is low due to cool temps
> it just isn't worth it to keep it going. Other than that, we are
> plugging along on th farm expanding the layer operation. When that's
> finished I will finish the mushroom production room and then get back to
> my large barrel-ponics systems between building a system for a local
> fellow as well. There is for sure no lack of things to do!!
>
> Trav.
> --- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com <barrelponics%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "turtleislandmarket"
> <turtleislandmarket@...> wrote:
> >
> > I'm missing the chats here.
> >
> > Greg
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Phil........You have quite challenge for the climate. I'd like to hear
how the duckweed does for you at          your altitude and climate. 
 
Trout just need higher water quality and oxygen than most warm water fish ,
they should do great for your area,  I have successfully raised trout in 
Florida with a chiller attached to system.  
 
There should be some plants in the area that would work with a trout system,
lettuce might work with water temps above 50*. 
 
For trout food you might consider raising  feeder fish, insects, worms and
farm animal waste products.
 
Keep in touch, Like to hear how you  set up,
 
Tom Pate
 
 
 
--- On Thu, 11/11/10, philpauvert <philpauvert@...> wrote:


From: philpauvert <philpauvert@...>
Subject: [barrelponics] Hello from the Andes
To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 10:47 AM


 



Hi, I am Philippe, french, resident on the altiplano (12000 feet) Bolivia.
Barrelponics seams to me a good choice for a proof of concept, so here we go.

This project isn't really for backyard hobby but to try to find a sustainable
solution to the 40% desnutrition in the population.

Right now I am reading all I can grab to avoid silly questions...

So far I understood that the trout is dificult for aquaponics, but it's the only
fingerling available here. I'll have to generate my own fish food as it's very
expensive. And finally I expect to use Duckweed to feed cattles, porks and
poultry.

I have 2 basics problems : 1, it is very cold up here, all year round and 2,
there is nothing to build something a bit complicated, so I am used to adapt
whatever I find to whatever I need.

Obviously any advise and coment most welcome.

Cheers, Phil











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Travis, you deserve a medal or something. I can't get over all that you do. 
Where do you find the drive?


Neal



   Posted by: "Travis" barrelponics@... barrelponics
     Date: Thu Nov 11, 2010 3:49 am ((PST))

It get's quiet this time of year and in the spring as folks are either
getting things planted or harvesting putting up stores and winterizing
systems.  I've been busy the past few days getting the fish indoors
before travel (I am writing from Amsterdam tight now) to Kenya and then
on to Lebanon (will be building the first aquaponics system in that
country).  We are shutting down all systems this year for the first time
as I need to do  serious snail eradication and since we don't heat the
greenhouse that much right now and production is low due to cool temps
it just isn't worth it to keep it going.  Other than that, we are
plugging along on th farm expanding the layer operation.  When that's
finished I will finish the mushroom production room and then get back to
my large barrel-ponics systems between building a system for a local
fellow as well.  There is for sure no lack of things to do!!

Trav.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Here is a company producing complete aquaponics systems.  Includes the use
of worms, too. Looks like they use a continuous flow system instead of the
flood tank barrel-ponics uses.  The prices seem a little high to this old
blue barrel guy but they would look better in the living room.

Nice plug for Travis at the end of their FAQ section.  Check out:

http://www.fishyfarm.com/index.php/home

Hank in OR

the chemical that is used to get rid of Duck weed / weeds,in ponds will kill
every snail in the water, [it also makes plants sick so the plants would have to
be removed, and then returned after the system is flushed]  it does not harm
the fish, -- MichaelP

---
Posted by: "Travis" barrelponics@...</A> barrelponics
Date: Thu Nov 11, 2010 3:49 am ((PST))

It get's quiet this time of year and in the spring as folks are either
getting things planted or harvesting putting up stores and winterizing
systems. I've been busy the past few days getting the fish indoors
before travel (I am writing from Amsterdam tight now) to Kenya and then
on to Lebanon (will be building the first aquaponics system in that
country). We are shutting down all systems this year for the first time
as I need to do serious snail eradication and since we don't heat the
greenhouse that much right now and production is low due to cool temps
it just isn't worth it to keep it going. Other than that, we are
plugging along on th farm expanding the layer operation. When that's
finished I will finish the mushroom production room and then get back to
my large barrel-ponics systems between building a system for a local
fellow as well. There is for sure no lack of things to do!!

Trav.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]












[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Tom, yesterday I did some walking in La Paz streets and found lots of
goodies for my project, among them Carps and even a test kit, it's a
miracle. I also watched "Aquaponics Made Easy" and discovered some scaling
rules...1 fish for 10 liters...they will starve more than now.

I have to scale up the system. I also discovered "microponics", Gary
Donalson concepts and lots of ponics businesses...So I am a bit lost.

In second thinking, what we need is an extremely cheap and efficient way of
producing a maximum of proteins, both for humans and livestock.

Would you be so kind as to point me in the right direction.

Since I found all the plumbing bits and pieces, and that my mother in law is
ready to give me a sunny corner in her garden, construction should start
anytime. I think I'll build a "cold" and a "warm" system.

I a further post I'll tell you how we bear the cold up here, it's trivial.

Cheers, Phil

On Thu, Nov 11, 2010 at 6:07 PM, Tom <pate9628@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hello Phil........You have quite challenge for the climate. I'd like to
> hear how the duckweed does for you at          your altitude and climate.
>
> Trout just need higher water quality and oxygen than most warm water fish ,
> they should do great for your area,  I have successfully raised trout in
> Florida with a chiller attached to system.
>
> There should be some plants in the area that would work with a trout
> system, lettuce might work with water temps above 50*.
>
> For trout food you might consider raising  feeder fish, insects, worms and
> farm animal waste products.
>
> Keep in touch, Like to hear how you  set up,
>
> Tom Pate
>
>
>
> --- On Thu, 11/11/10, philpauvert
<philpauvert@...<philpauvert%40gmail.com>>
> wrote:
>
> From: philpauvert <philpauvert@... <philpauvert%40gmail.com>>
> Subject: [barrelponics] Hello from the Andes
> To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com <barrelponics%40yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 10:47 AM
>
>
>
>
> Hi, I am Philippe, french, resident on the altiplano (12000 feet) Bolivia.
> Barrelponics seams to me a good choice for a proof of concept, so here we
> go.
>
> This project isn't really for backyard hobby but to try to find a
> sustainable solution to the 40% desnutrition in the population.
>
> Right now I am reading all I can grab to avoid silly questions...
>
> So far I understood that the trout is dificult for aquaponics, but it's the
> only fingerling available here. I'll have to generate my own fish food as
> it's very expensive. And finally I expect to use Duckweed to feed cattles,
> porks and poultry.
>
> I have 2 basics problems : 1, it is very cold up here, all year round and
> 2, there is nothing to build something a bit complicated, so I am used to
> adapt whatever I find to whatever I need.
>
> Obviously any advise and coment most welcome.
>
> Cheers, Phil
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Phil......For a simple method  . Look at Travis Hugheys barrel ponics system,
and check out the,  groups files and photos, lots of info there like BSF for
fish feed.  This Video might be helpful 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHn_OnwzStQ
 
 
--- On Fri, 11/12/10, Philippe Pauvert <philpauvert@...> wrote:


From: Philippe Pauvert <philpauvert@...>
Subject: Re: [barrelponics] Hello from the Andes
To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, November 12, 2010, 10:38 AM


Hi Tom, yesterday I did some walking in La Paz streets and found lots of
goodies for my project, among them Carps and even a test kit, it's a
miracle. I also watched "Aquaponics Made Easy" and discovered some scaling
rules...1 fish for 10 liters...they will starve more than now.

I have to scale up the system. I also discovered "microponics", Gary
Donalson concepts and lots of ponics businesses...So I am a bit lost.

In second thinking, what we need is an extremely cheap and efficient way of
producing a maximum of proteins, both for humans and livestock.

Would you be so kind as to point me in the right direction.

Since I found all the plumbing bits and pieces, and that my mother in law is
ready to give me a sunny corner in her garden, construction should start
anytime. I think I'll build a "cold" and a "warm" system.

I a further post I'll tell you how we bear the cold up here, it's trivial.

Cheers, Phil

On Thu, Nov 11, 2010 at 6:07 PM, Tom <pate9628@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hello Phil........You have quite challenge for the climate. I'd like to
> hear how the duckweed does for you at          your altitude and climate.
>
> Trout just need higher water quality and oxygen than most warm water fish ,
> they should do great for your area,  I have successfully raised trout in
> Florida with a chiller attached to system.
>
> There should be some plants in the area that would work with a trout
> system, lettuce might work with water temps above 50*.
>
> For trout food you might consider raising  feeder fish, insects, worms and
> farm animal waste products.
>
> Keep in touch, Like to hear how you  set up,
>
> Tom Pate
>
>
>
> --- On Thu, 11/11/10, philpauvert
<philpauvert@...<philpauvert%40gmail.com>>
> wrote:
>
> From: philpauvert <philpauvert@... <philpauvert%40gmail.com>>
> Subject: [barrelponics] Hello from the Andes
> To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com <barrelponics%40yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 10:47 AM
>
>
>
>
> Hi, I am Philippe, french, resident on the altiplano (12000 feet) Bolivia.
> Barrelponics seams to me a good choice for a proof of concept, so here we
> go.
>
> This project isn't really for backyard hobby but to try to find a
> sustainable solution to the 40% desnutrition in the population.
>
> Right now I am reading all I can grab to avoid silly questions...
>
> So far I understood that the trout is dificult for aquaponics, but it's the
> only fingerling available here. I'll have to generate my own fish food as
> it's very expensive. And finally I expect to use Duckweed to feed cattles,
> porks and poultry.
>
> I have 2 basics problems : 1, it is very cold up here, all year round and
> 2, there is nothing to build something a bit complicated, so I am used to
> adapt whatever I find to whatever I need.
>
> Obviously any advise and coment most welcome.
>
> Cheers, Phil
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> 
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi --

I am building one of the barrelponics systems as part of my Eagle project. (I am
growing fresh vegetables for a group that feeds the homeless in Austin, TX.)

I am really excited about my project, but my dad and I are having some problems
with the flood valve barrel.  The toilet valve opens OK, but the whole tank
empties. From the Barrelponics manual, it sounds like some water should be the
barrel. The bottle needs to fill halfway to open the toilet valve and then empty
entirely before the toilet valve will close.  By the time the bottle empties,
the tank does too.  I have a bunch of washers on the valve but that does not
seem to help.  To us, it seems like the leader is moving freely.  Any hints on
adding or subtracting washers would be helpful.  Or should I drill the hole in
the bottle cap bigger so the bottle empties quicker?

We also had a problem bending the pex pipe, so my dad substituted a copper
pipe.  Then I read that copper pipe was not good in an aquaponics system but the
post did not say why.  I was wondering if such a small piece of pipe was really
a problem.  If copper is a problem would aluminium be OK?  If neither is good,
hints on bending the pex pipe would be great.  My mom's hairdryer does not cut
it.

Sean




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Sean,
Glad to hear you are getting this thing going.  I am up due to jet lag
here in Kenya so it's a good time to answer your question.
The Floodvalve tank should empty completely so you are fine on that one.
As far as the copper is concerned, it is toxic to the fish for sure so I
would get rid of it.  Aluminum should work but there is an alternative
mentioned in the "Options" section of the manual beginning on pg. 80.
The pex pipe and compression fitting can simply be replaced with a
1/2"pvc female adapter with a short piece of pipe with a 1/2"pvc ell
with a short piece of 1/2" pvc pipe slipped into it to make a downspout.
Reduce the pipe just like the growbed drains only with a long piece of
the 3/8"OD x1/4"ID pipe to go down in the bottle.  Keep us posted as to
your progress.

Travis


--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, Sean LaBaw <seanlabaw@...> wrote:
>
> Hi --
>
> I am building one of the barrelponics systems as part of my Eagle
project. (I am growing fresh vegetables for a group that feeds the
homeless in Austin, TX.)
>
> I am really excited about my project, but my dad and I are having some
problems with the flood valve barrel.  The toilet valve opens OK, but
the whole tank empties. From the Barrelponics manual, it sounds like
some water should be the barrel. The bottle needs to fill halfway to
open the toilet valve and then empty entirely before the toilet valve
will close.  By the time the bottle empties, the tank does too.  I have
a bunch of washers on the valve but that does not seem to help.  To us,
it seems like the leader is moving freely.  Any hints on adding or
subtracting washers would be helpful.  Or should I drill the hole in the
bottle cap bigger so the bottle empties quicker?
>
> We also had a problem bending the pex pipe, so my dad substituted a
copper pipe.  Then I read that copper pipe was not good in an aquaponics
system but the post did not say why.  I was wondering if such a small
piece of pipe was really a problem.  If copper is a problem would
aluminium be OK?  If neither is good, hints on bending the pex pipe
would be great.  My mom's hairdryer does not cut it.
>
> Sean
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Answers hacked in the message below.

> Hi --
>
> I am building one of the barrelponics systems as part of my Eagle project. (I
am growing fresh vegetables for a group that feeds the homeless in Austin, TX.)
>
> I am really excited about my project, but my dad and I are having some
problems with the flood valve barrel.  The toilet valve opens OK, but the whole
tank empties. From the Barrelponics manual, it sounds like some water should be
the barrel. The bottle needs to fill halfway to open the toilet valve and then
empty entirely before the toilet valve will close.  By the time the bottle
empties, the tank does too.  I have a bunch of washers on the valve but that
does not seem to help.  To us, it seems like the leader is moving freely.  Any
hints on adding or subtracting washers would be helpful.  Or should I-


Drill the hole in the bottle cap bigger so the bottle empties quicker?

Your answer is right.



> We also had a problem bending the pex pipe, so my dad substituted a copper
pipe.  Then I read that copper pipe was not good in an aquaponics system but the
post did not say why.  I was wondering if such a small piece of pipe was really
a problem.  If copper is a problem would aluminium be OK?  If neither is good,
hints on bending the pex pipe would be great.  My mom's hairdryer does not cut
it.
>

Metals will oxidize in water and air and contaminate the water.

Slowly heat the pipe over a stove eye or some thing with plenty of heat.  The
hair dryer will work but it will take time to get the pipe hot to bend it.

Nathren,

I would not drill the hole bigger if you drilled it the size stated in
the manual (5/32).   If it does need enlarging do it very sparingly.  A
little bit here goes a l-o-n-g way.  The way you get the bottle to empty
on time is by adjusting the placement of the end of the "dog leg" on the
small siphon inside the flood tank.  The higher you make the open end in
the water column the quicker in the cycle the siphon breaks and the
bottle begins draining out (see pgs. 43 & 67 of the manual for a
complete description of the theory of operation and how to adjust the
valve).  This is probably the most misunderstood aspect of the system
and I see them improperly adjusted all the time (and they still grow
stuff, by the way).  If you have it properly adjusted it will close at
just about the same time as the Flood Tank empties.  Once again DO NOT
drill out the hole unless absolutely needed as you can reduce the
adjustability of the system.

Travis


--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, "s1r9a9m9" <s1r9a9m9@...> wrote:
>
> Answers hacked in the message below.
>
> > Hi --
> >
> > I am building one of the barrelponics systems as part of my Eagle
project. (I am growing fresh vegetables for a group that feeds the
homeless in Austin, TX.)
> >
> > I am really excited about my project, but my dad and I are having
some problems with the flood valve barrel.  The toilet valve opens OK,
but the whole tank empties. From the Barrelponics manual, it sounds like
some water should be the barrel. The bottle needs to fill halfway to
open the toilet valve and then empty entirely before the toilet valve
will close.  By the time the bottle empties, the tank does too.  I have
a bunch of washers on the valve but that does not seem to help.  To us,
it seems like the leader is moving freely.  Any hints on adding or
subtracting washers would be helpful.  Or should I-
>
>
> Drill the hole in the bottle cap bigger so the bottle empties quicker?
>
> Your answer is right.
>
>
>
> > We also had a problem bending the pex pipe, so my dad substituted a
copper pipe.  Then I read that copper pipe was not good in an aquaponics
system but the post did not say why.  I was wondering if such a small
piece of pipe was really a problem.  If copper is a problem would
aluminium be OK?  If neither is good, hints on bending the pex pipe
would be great.  My mom's hairdryer does not cut it.
> >
>
> Metals will oxidize in water and air and contaminate the water.
>
> Slowly heat the pipe over a stove eye or some thing with plenty of
heat.  The hair dryer will work but it will take time to get the pipe
hot to bend it.
>
> Nathren,
>

"Wow"....What a schedule your keeping.  When you get time I would like to hear
more about the mushroom room.  What kind of substrate and type your growing
ect........
 
Have a safe trip
 
Tom Pate
 

--- On Thu, 11/11/10, Travis <barrelponics@...> wrote:


From: Travis <barrelponics@...>
Subject: [barrelponics] Re: where is everybody?
To: barrelponics@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010, 5:49 AM


 



It get's quiet this time of year and in the spring as folks are either
getting things planted or harvesting putting up stores and winterizing
systems. I've been busy the past few days getting the fish indoors
before travel (I am writing from Amsterdam tight now) to Kenya and then
on to Lebanon (will be building the first aquaponics system in that
country). We are shutting down all systems this year for the first time
as I need to do serious snail eradication and since we don't heat the
greenhouse that much right now and production is low due to cool temps
it just isn't worth it to keep it going. Other than that, we are
plugging along on th farm expanding the layer operation. When that's
finished I will finish the mushroom production room and then get back to
my large barrel-ponics systems between building a system for a local
fellow as well. There is for sure no lack of things to do!!

Trav.
--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, "turtleislandmarket"
<turtleislandmarket@...> wrote:
>
> I'm missing the chats here.
>
> Greg
>











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sean,

Cool Eagles project, wish I could have done something this fun for my Eagles
project.

I would not worry about the copper pipe,
The problem with metals, is when fish are grown in recirculating systems, that
don't grow plants, plants need copper to grow, and will die with out it, but
will also die with too much copper ions in the water, however the fish can
survive higher copper ion concentrations then can the plants, algae, or bacteria
in the filter system. also it would take a constant PH below 5.5 to leach copper
from the pipe into the water, the amount of copper that leaches into the water
is related too the surface area of the copper, such a small piece of copper is
not a problem, but is beneficial to the plants.

look at the ingredient's label of a good quality fish food, or for that matter
human vitamins,breakfast cereals, or plant fertilizer  you will find copper
sulfate or copper chealate added, because it is necessary in very small amounts
for cell division.

The act of growing plants in this system removes the metals and locks them into
the plant's cells, then the plants are removed from the system and so is the
metals that would otherwise build up and harm the fish.

In my system currently at 28 grow beds, and 2000 liters of water, I actually add
copper sulfate and other metals to keep the plants healthy, and the fish are
doing as good as any.

Keven
Phoenix AZ

--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, Sean LaBaw <seanlabaw@...> wrote:
>
> Hi --
>
> I am building one of the barrelponics systems as part of my Eagle project. (I
am growing fresh vegetables for a group that feeds the homeless in Austin, TX.)
>
> I am really excited about my project, but my dad and I are having some
problems with the flood valve barrel.  The toilet valve opens OK, but the whole
tank empties. From the Barrelponics manual, it sounds like some water should be
the barrel. The bottle needs to fill halfway to open the toilet valve and then
empty entirely before the toilet valve will close.  By the time the bottle
empties, the tank does too.  I have a bunch of washers on the valve but that
does not seem to help.  To us, it seems like the leader is moving freely.  Any
hints on adding or subtracting washers would be helpful.  Or should I drill the
hole in the bottle cap bigger so the bottle empties quicker?
>
> We also had a problem bending the pex pipe, so my dad substituted a copper
pipe.  Then I read that copper pipe was not good in an aquaponics system but the
post did not say why.  I was wondering if such a small piece of pipe was really
a problem.  If copper is a problem would aluminium be OK?  If neither is good,
hints on bending the pex pipe would be great.  My mom's hairdryer does not cut
it.
>
> Sean
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Correction: I really have 3000 liters of fish tank water not 2000.

sorry guys/gals.
Keven

--- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, "kevenwilstead" <wilstead1@...> wrote:
>
> Sean,
>
> Cool Eagles project, wish I could have done something this fun for my Eagles
project.
>
> I would not worry about the copper pipe,
> The problem with metals, is when fish are grown in recirculating systems, that
don't grow plants, plants need copper to grow, and will die with out it, but
will also die with too much copper ions in the water, however the fish can
survive higher copper ion concentrations then can the plants, algae, or bacteria
in the filter system. also it would take a constant PH below 5.5 to leach copper
from the pipe into the water, the amount of copper that leaches into the water
is related too the surface area of the copper, such a small piece of copper is
not a problem, but is beneficial to the plants.
>
> look at the ingredient's label of a good quality fish food, or for that matter
human vitamins,breakfast cereals, or plant fertilizer  you will find copper
sulfate or copper chealate added, because it is necessary in very small amounts
for cell division.
>
> The act of growing plants in this system removes the metals and locks them
into the plant's cells, then the plants are removed from the system and so is
the metals that would otherwise build up and harm the fish.
>
> In my system currently at 28 grow beds, and 2000 liters of water, I actually
add copper sulfate and other metals to keep the plants healthy, and the fish are
doing as good as any.
>
> Keven
> Phoenix AZ
>
> --- In barrelponics@yahoogroups.com, Sean LaBaw <seanlabaw@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi --
> >
> > I am building one of the barrelponics systems as part of my Eagle project.
(I am growing fresh vegetables for a group that feeds the homeless in Austin,
TX.)
> >
> > I am really excited about my project, but my dad and I are having some
problems with the flood valve barrel.  The toilet valve opens OK, but the whole
tank empties. From the Barrelponics manual, it sounds like some water should be
the barrel. The bottle needs to fill halfway to open the toilet valve and then
empty entirely before the toilet valve will close.  By the time the bottle
empties, the tank does too.  I have a bunch of washers on the valve but that
does not seem to help.  To us, it seems like the leader is moving freely.  Any
hints on adding or subtracting washers would be helpful.  Or should I drill the
hole in the bottle cap bigger so the bottle empties quicker?
> >
> > We also had a problem bending the pex pipe, so my dad substituted a copper
pipe.  Then I read that copper pipe was not good in an aquaponics system but the
post did not say why.  I was wondering if such a small piece of pipe was really
a problem.  If copper is a problem would aluminium be OK?  If neither is good,
hints on bending the pex pipe would be great.  My mom's hairdryer does not cut
it.
> >
> > Sean
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>