First post to this forum, but I think I'm getting close to having read almost every post on this board. I'm just starting out with this aquaponics thing but I have been gardening for a few years. I continued some of my gardening indoors this fall (lettuce, spinach, herbs) and when I was researching for that I stumbled onto the concept of AP. Looks like an awesome concept to me and I'm looking forward to the challenges, and the rewards.

My goals at this point are to raise some green edibles during our cold winters, get plants started for the outdoor garden, and maybe raise some tasty fishies. I'd like to do this with fish native to our area. Initially I was thinking of setting up a system in the family room based on a 55-100 gallon fish aquarium. Now I'm kind of leaning towards a 100 gallon stock tank system in the basement or an IBC system out in my shop. The basement would be a consistent environment year around but I have less space there and I'd have to keep it "nicer" to keep SWMBO happy

My shop is a crowded 3150 sq-ft and it would be nice to have it out there but I only heat it to 45-50 degrees in the winter, except when I'm out there. It also gets hot during the summer (no A/C). Maybe I could make it work with proper fish and plant selection though.

I've been studying all I can and am registered for an AP class at the local college this weekend. Hopefully I'll decide on a direction and get started soon. This looks like a great place to hang out and I look forward to sharing what I'm doing and looking for advice from those who have been there, done that.