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JCO
11-03-2014, 02:30 PM
OK, for those of you who don't know or maybe have forgotten, years ago "badflash" and I talked about establishing an Aquaponics school here, stateside so an individual wouldn't have to go to the Virgin Islands to attend a school that could teach every aspect of Aquaponics.
Well it is in the beginning phase of being built by me here in Orange Park, Florida.

I thought I had retired...I had my money invested in solid stocks and bonds and was all set since 1995....then came "OBAMA" Bin Laden, our so called President. Slowly my nest egg started to shrink until finally I read the hand writing on the wall. I decided if I was going to lose it all, it would be by doing something I have wanted to do for years, so I cashed out and thus the beginning of DIY Aquaponics University. http://diyaquaponicsuniversity.com

1) There will be an online presence with courses offered to study Aquaponics online and receive a Certificate of Completion.

2) This course will not be a rinky-dink undertaking. It is going to be a complete and very serious nuts and bolts curriculum and by the time you have completed it, you will know more about Aquaponics than 99.999% of the people on the planet.

Now for the kicker! So far I have invested almost $60,000.00 of my own money to get this show on the road.

1) I own (me and the mortgage company) 1 ¼ acres in Orange Park, Florida. About ½ of that was (use to be pasture for horses) unused and the property was surrounded by Cedar trees on three sides (62 altogether) some of which were twice as big around as my waist which is getting too large. The back fence row was huge trash trees such as Wild Cherry tress so dense you could not see through them. There was also a huge Magnolia tree in my front yard, “ALL GONE NOW!”

2) My wife and I then constructed over 600’ of barricade privacy fence complete with a 16’ double gate. Fencing not completed yet for the rest.

3) I also purchased the large utility shed you will see in the foreground in the photos below as a sales office.

4) I have purchased 12,000 sq. ft. of gutter connected greenhouse and everything necessary to construct it. It will be placed on the cleared portion of my property. It is going to be built as a commercial operation with production of veggies in large numbers.

5) I am going to put up 3,000 sq. ft. this fall and have it ready to plant for spring of 2015 raising tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and anything else we can come up with that will sell to the public. Once the spring plantings are in, I will start on the second 3,000 sq. ft.

6) I also have approximately 100 3 year old Japanese KOI that I will be marketing here on my property along with Ryukin Goldfish and anything else I can come up with.

7) I will start Aquaponic Seminars in March of 2015 to be held on location here in the greenhouse so you will have a hands on, birds eye view of how I put it together and what results I am achieving.

8) I will also be teaching Aquaponics Classes here on location on a continuing bases starting in March for those who live close enough to attend.

9) OH yes, I almost forgot, I also bought a Ford 3000 tractor, box blade, disk and bush hogg to work up the land for the greenhouse to sit on...Oh and a lawn trailer load of railroad cross ties to mark off the parking area out by the street.

THAT’S THE INTRO

Below is a couple pictures of what it looks like today. I had pictures of the before but I can’t find them on my computer so I guess they are hiding the same place my lost socks go. I will be posting photos of the progress and do my best to keep those interested up to date.

http://www.diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic1.jpg

http://www.diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic2.jpg

davidstcldfl
11-03-2014, 03:28 PM
Very cool JCO.... :D

urbanfarmer
11-04-2014, 07:31 PM
You are my hero.

JCO
11-04-2014, 07:33 PM
urbanfarmer? And just where have you been?

And as for the others...as of now this thread shows 39 views, but no one seemed to have any thought or anything else...what gives? :mrgreen:

urbanfarmer
11-05-2014, 04:24 AM
urbanfarmer? And just where have you been?

watching proudly from afar :mrgreen:

JCO
11-05-2014, 07:47 AM
Well urbanfarmer, stop watching and get back into the swing of things and get involved. Your input is sorely needed. :mrgreen:

topz
11-05-2014, 08:21 AM
Good job! keep us posted. I wouldn't mind a reason to head to Florida. After all what better excuse then to attend a seminar.

davidstcldfl
11-05-2014, 01:02 PM
urbanfarmer? And just where have you been?

watching proudly from afar :mrgreen:

Dude !...... :o ... :D

urbanfarmer
11-05-2014, 02:47 PM
I am 100% in agreement with the spirit of your efforts JCO. This IS the future.




urbanfarmer? And just where have you been?

watching proudly from afar :mrgreen:

Dude !...... :o ... :D

Duuude. :lol: :mrgreen:

JCO
11-05-2014, 03:35 PM
Well, yesterday is in the basket and that's where I feel like I should be....OOOOooohhhhh my aching muscles (what few I still have at 71).

Anyway, here is the local progress report.

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic3.jpg
Cleaned up ready to go. Had to rent scoffling to get up high enough to work

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic4.jpg
and we begin

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic5.jpg
the roof ribs had to be assembled in the middle and bolted, ends drilled & sleeved

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic6.jpg http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic7.jpg
ground post fitted to sleeves, drilled and numbered corresponding to their specific end of a particular roof rib

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic8.jpg
and now the ground post have begun to be put into the ground, with great effort I might add.

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic9.jpg
and that's the end of the first days efforts. 16 ground post in the ground and tomorrow the other side good lord willin' and the creeks don't rise

Oh Yes, also please take not of the new well which will be just insite the left front corner of the greenhouse. Water readly available when needed and no worries about it freezing. :mrgreen:

JCO
11-05-2014, 03:40 PM
Well the creeks didn't rise today, but I was rained out early so I went to Apopka, Fl. and spent another $1,000.00 for wiggle wire channels for the sides. Still need some more things, but they will have to wait for now.

Hopefully I will be back on track and get the other ground posts put in the ground so I can put up the roof ribs on Thursday. Next report when I have something.

topz, your seminar will be happening and I'll make sure you are informed. :mrgreen:

tmcmaster
11-06-2014, 06:38 AM
This is an AMAZING project, JCO! I wish I was closer, I would be there lending a hand with almost every free moment I had. Keep up the good work!!!

mikiomcculloch
11-06-2014, 09:11 AM
questions-
1) costs for students?
2) online classes for us west-coasters?
3) example of curriculum?

JCO
11-06-2014, 02:42 PM
mikiomcculloch
questions-
1) costs for students?
2) online classes for us west-coasters?
3) example of curriculum?

I truly appreciate your interest, however right now I am just trying to get the greenhouse up and ready for spring crops to be put in in January. I have a tremendous amount of work to do between now and then getting everything in position for that.

I won't have an answer for any of your questions until about Feb. 2015 but I will tell you this, the cost of all courses online or here on location will be far less expensive and more complete in content than any course/s offered by anyone.....ANYWHERE.

The same goes for the seminars....I haven't decided yet but I might also offer webinars. This all remains to be seen but good lord willin' and the creeks don't rise (and I don't croak from the effort) "IT WILL HAPPEN")

Thanks agin for your interest and stay with me on this so you know if I croaked or not.. :shock: :o :mrgreen:

JCO
11-06-2014, 02:59 PM
OK, another day in the bucket and the ground post for the other side of the greenhouse are in place. Tomorrow we start putting up the ribs providing I still have sufficient help to be able to handle it.

If you will notice, the scoffling has been raised another 5' up to 15' to be able to handle the center of the ribs. The ground post are 8' tall and from fenter of their top to the highest point of the rib is anouther 9'....so I guess you could say that tomorrow I will be moving up in the world. :mrgreen:

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic10.jpg

Anyone within driving distance, I will be starting at 9 AM tomorrow, Friday....11/07/2014 and I could sure use the help. (I'll buy lunch "Hamburger and soda" :lol: )

Ya'll come now....ya hear? :mrgreen:

jvision
11-06-2014, 06:22 PM
I am following with great interest. If you're able to provide online courses, I'd be interested, too!

JCO
11-06-2014, 07:23 PM
"BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME"...or something like that. :geek:

The course/s that I will offer will contain more indepth content than anything available anywhere on the net. I have been personally involved in Aquaponics since I was introduced to it in 1967 by a good friend now deceased. There isn't anything that I haven't tried to accomplish in Aquaponics at least once. I'm not Thomas Edison but at times I feel similar in that "I DO KNOW WHAT DOESN'T WORK"

So, "ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH RODE THE 500".....or just come along for the ride :mrgreen:

urbanfarmer
11-07-2014, 03:16 AM
This is amazing! Also, the online courses sound excellent. I can't wait! :mrgreen:

topz
11-07-2014, 07:19 AM
I hope someone heard your call in time and came over to help.

JCO
11-07-2014, 03:52 PM
I hope someone heard your call in time and came over to help.

Nope Topz, but I really didn't expect anyone to show so I wasn't disappointed but it would have been nice.

Anyway sports fans, here's todays results of our labors. Got the bows (rib or whatever) up and tomorrow....well we'll just see what we'll see.

If you will look close, you will notice that you don't see any tracks out there made by me....that's because the seat of my breeches is dragin' them out :lol: :mrgreen:

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic11.jpg

francois
11-08-2014, 12:37 AM
I hope someone heard your call in time and came over to help.

Nope Topz, but I really didn't expect anyone to show so I wasn't disappointed but it would have been nice.

Anyway sports fans, here's todays results of our labors. Got the bows (rib or whatever) up and tomorrow....well we'll just see what we'll see.

If you will look close, you will notice that you don't see any tracks out there made by me....that's because the seat of my breeches is dragin' them out :lol: :mrgreen:

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic11.jpg


Very Nice JCO.... :D :D :D :D :D

JoshW
11-08-2014, 06:35 AM
Great timing for me. I have just purchased some acreage and I intend to build a small system for personal use this spring. I look forward to more of your progress.

Josh

JCO
11-08-2014, 03:40 PM
JoshW, thanks for joining the forum...you have hit it at a very opportune time. Pull up an easy chair, sit back and enjoy the ride.

As for today's update, I am really dragging this evening. We have been attaching purlins to the ribs of the greenhouse all day as you can see if you look closely at the photo. There are 3 of them and each time we did the attachment for them accross, we had to move the scoffling to get to the next. As you can see, we didn't get them all completed today. Still have 3 more to put up and that will be our Sunday.

It clouded up on us and the breeze picked up and it got a little cool up on the scoffling so by 5 PM I was quite ready to call it a day. Tune in again tomorrow, same time, same station for the continuing saga of the "WORK THAT'S NEVER DONE" :mrgreen:

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic12.jpg http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic13.jpg

badflash
11-08-2014, 04:07 PM
Looking really good! These things can be real money pits. You building your own tanks? I found a super cheap source of pond liners up to 17 mill. Got a quote for a 50' X 10' roll for $50. This is used billboard material. One side is black, the other side is white with printing. If you want I will post a link.

JCO
11-08-2014, 04:09 PM
Can always take a look, I usually did my ponds into the ground and line it with 6 mil black plastic so put up the link, if I can't use it, maybe someone else can. :mrgreen:

Roger L.
11-09-2014, 09:29 AM
It will just be a little more work, but a 30 amp hookup and a sewer drain would help when I drove the RV down to attend some classes. :D

JCO
11-09-2014, 03:45 PM
I have no power and no sewer drain anywhere around even for myself. I basically live in the outback subburbs....ya kn ow...well and septic tank kinda' outback. But you can park temporarily on the side of my property if need be.

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic14.jpg http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic15.jpg http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic16.jpg
As for today's accomplishmets, finished the rest of the purlins and got the side rails and wiggle wire channels drilled and ready for installation starting tomorrow.

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic17.jpg
Also got the scoffling taken down and ready to return to Home Depot tomorrow morning and then it's off to the electric hand drill and the side rails. :mrgreen:

JCO
11-10-2014, 03:55 PM
OK, another day in the bag. I didn't get as much done today as I would have liked to but my helper had to go back to work and that left just me and my wife and she's not able to do any kind of lifting especially above her head. I did get the side rails partially completed when my son was able to come over late this evening and help me.

Hopefully I will be able to complete them tomorrow. :mrgreen:

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic18.jpg

tangomaniac
11-10-2014, 07:58 PM
hope its easy...really looking for a kit like this TowerGarden i bought Dec 2012!

as per forum rules, no links...edited by admin..also the kit you speak of is way overpriced especially for something you can build yourself :mrgreen:

Grows yr round and got tons of great vegies...Tons of cherry tomatoes!! But still would like aquaponics !

JoshW
11-11-2014, 08:37 AM
I used this product recently on a Koi pond on one of my build projects. It turned out great. I used masonry due to the design but they use it it on plywood boxes with great success. It is not "cheap" but it does offer some great flexibility http://www.rubberizeit.com

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MakoMeCrazy1/080_Tugendhats_RGP.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/MakoMeCrazy1/media/080_Tugendhats_RGP.jpg.html)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MakoMeCrazy1/082_Tugendhats_RGP.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/MakoMeCrazy1/media/082_Tugendhats_RGP.jpg.html)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MakoMeCrazy1/083_Tugendhats_RGP.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/MakoMeCrazy1/media/083_Tugendhats_RGP.jpg.html)

JoshW
11-11-2014, 08:40 AM
BTW- I am not affiliated with them at all. I am a home builder who specializes in sustainable homes. The project shown is zero-energy and LEED Platinum certified. I have been reading about aquaponics for 10 years. I finally have the time and space to make my own system. I joined to share my own efforts/results/failures/successes and to shorten my learning curve.

JCO
11-11-2014, 02:24 PM
JoshW,

Welcome to the forum, pull up an easy chair, lean back and enjoy the ride. By the way, Aquaponics is an addiction for which there is no known cure....even asprins don't help. I would ask that you read over the forum rules and abide by them. Other than that we do expect regular updates on you efforts complete with photos and explanations of why you did what you did. :mrgreen:

JCO
11-12-2014, 07:38 PM
Well, I didn't get to post a photo of progress yesterday, however we did get the hatbox channels braces in place and the wiggle wire channels fastened to them yesterday and today.

Slow but sure and I'm running out of time as fast as I'm running out of what money I have left.

I think I have more time than money at least I'm hoping so. :mrgreen:

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic19.jpg

JCO
11-13-2014, 04:45 PM
OK, no photos today. Mixed and poured concrete in the 32 post holes and that was enough for me. Hopefully more tomorrow then it's back to work and on the road again Saturday evening. :mrgreen:

urbanfarmer
11-14-2014, 05:17 PM
:mrgreen:

JCO
11-15-2014, 11:24 AM
Here is the update for yesterday and this morning....have to go back on the road this eveing so now maybe I can get some rest :lol:

Got the corrogated galvanized sheetmetal installed around the bottom, next comes the wiggle wire channel at the top of that. That's for next week on day off. :mrgreen:

http://diyaquaponics.com/MyImages/pic20.jpg

davidstcldfl
11-15-2014, 12:54 PM
Stand by...and play Willie Nelson's 'On the road again' truck driving song till later in the week ... ;)

topz
11-16-2014, 09:38 AM
For having such a short amount of "free time". You have gotten a fair amount done for one person.

JCO
11-17-2014, 11:20 AM
Well, I can't take credit for all of it. My wife was at my side during the whold operation although after two traffic accidents being hit from behind while sitting still in traffic (first one they took out 2 disk from her neck, #2 they took out another one for a total of 3) and her back is still messed up waiting to see what the Dr.s are going to do there.

Also, a fellow trucker came by on his days off and helped. My son also came by on his days off and assisted but it was still an ordeal to contend with. I did all the post hole digging and high up scoffling work, drilling, bolting, screwing everywhere, etc.

You can drop by when you have a spare moment and I will put you to work. :shock: :lol:

It will get done, it's just going to be slow going for now. :mrgreen:

urbanfarmer
11-17-2014, 03:42 PM
Lookin' real good JCO!! :mrgreen:

Stand by...and play Willie Nelson's 'On the road again' truck driving song till later in the week ... ;)
HAHA, same song started playing in my head too :lol: :lol: :lol:

JCO
11-17-2014, 04:09 PM
Got in early this morning, so am a little on the tired side but I did get the wiggle wire single channel installed on one side of the bottom before the storm came rolling in with tornado warnings right ahead of it.

No photos today, basically looks the same except WET :mrgreen:

urbanfarmer
11-18-2014, 04:04 AM
Glad to hear you and it are in one piece! :mrgreen:

JCO
11-21-2014, 04:26 PM
Got in late Thurs. morning and a little under the weather (cold weather...21 deg F that is). Didn't feel like getting out and maybe catching a cold and not able to work so I laid off, however I did get the single wiggle wire channel put in place on the other side of the greenhouse today.

Not much else other than going to the feed store and picking up 2 bags of KOI food which should last quite some time as they eat very little to nothing at all during cold weather. :mrgreen:

Prometheus7504
11-21-2014, 08:20 PM
I am new here working on a design for my first aquaponics system wish you were closer I would gladly lend a hand. Might I suggest a kickstarter or project funding site of some sort? There are so many people it seems interested in this field and I cant imagine a state side school would go amiss. Maybe offer discounts on training or seminars etc etc to backers. Just a thought it gives people who would like to help an outlet to do so. Thank you and I love this site I have learned so much. BTW Badflash did you post that link to the 17mm liner you spoke of?

JCO
11-21-2014, 08:58 PM
[quote]I am new here working on a design for my first aquaponics system wish you were closer I would gladly lend a hand. Might I suggest a kickstarter or project funding site of some sort? There are so many people it seems interested in this field and I can't imagine a state side school would go amiss. Maybe offer discounts on training or seminars etc etc to backers. Just a thought it gives people who would like to help an outlet to do so. Thank you and I love this site I have learned so much. BTW Badflash did you post that link to the 17mm liner you spoke of?[quote]

Thank you very much for your glowing review. It is greatly appreciated.

I have thought about external funding for the project but I am only one person and my time is spread so thin between the working to make ends meet and the project that I am unable to put much effort in that direction at this time.

Of course, now is when I need it but isn't that the way it always goes?

Perhaps you could put together some ideas as to how I might structure a program or anything to accomplish such a feat.

Just as the ole saying (and the song) goes:-

"You don't miss the water 'til the well runs dry"

and that's what my retirement bank account has finally done.

Now I'm down to waiting on each payday to see how much is left to put toward this project after all else (bills etc.) is said and done.

Again, thank you for your praise and interest in seeing the project come to life. :mrgreen:

JCO
11-24-2014, 08:42 PM
Nothing new to report today, just did "Honey Do's" around the yard to protect plants from the cold weather that has/is coming :mrgreen:

JCO
12-08-2014, 12:30 PM
It's a little off subject, however here is DIY Aquaponics' facebook page https://www.facebook.com/woaat?pnref=lhc. Please visit, follow and like my page so I can get it out there a little more. I would appreciate it. :mrgreen:

Aloha Don
12-08-2014, 03:47 PM
Wow!! What a start. You continue to set the standard for us and motivate us to continue growing in our AP addiction. I agree with other ...wish I was there to help but since I am so far away...I wish I had a way to support your effort financially. Keep us posted....

urbanfarmer
02-08-2015, 11:08 PM
Education is the most important aspect of aquaponics as a community and as an industry. You have such a great idea!! :mrgreen:

topz
02-11-2015, 02:13 AM
Finally a spare moment. Looking good jc keep it going. Can't wait to see the finished build. If you were a bit closer I'd swing by with a few guys to donate some labor.