Want to visit an Aquaponic farm in NJ...

[VictoryGarden]

Hello all!

Just finished reading 2 books on Aquaponics...

Want to really see if this is for me...

Does anyone know of a working commercial farm in NJ that I may visit?

Am thinking of setting up a small operation to provide fresh herbs as well as veggies in NW/ NJ...

Thanks! Larry

[Aloha Don]

Larry,
Just a word of warning...Aquaponics is very addicting!
Now that you have been warned, WELCOME to the forum.
What type of system and fish are you thinking about for your system?
Looking forward to hearing about your ideas and plans.

[VictoryGarden]

Scott: Thank you:

A small one to start... Maybe no larger than a 20 gal tank...for the fish.

Reason. I ultimately envision operating a business where I am able to bring fresh herbs and vegs. to market at reasonable prices where it will be profitable for my family as well as the community to shop there. Assuming I am able to bring this to fruition, it is my hope that I am able to inspire others who are more mechanically inclined than I to become entrepreneurs and provide for their families. I am an adjunct finance professor at a local university, I would like to lead by example and demonstrate to my students that they do not have to look outside for a job, but within for a path toward financial independence.

[JCO]

Welcome to the forum. As to your question, I don't know of any commercial AP operations in NJ so why not be the first and lead the way as you say?

[VictoryGarden]

Went to a farm in PA today... Ryan is doing a great job! Custom designs with VERY high grade inert materials.

Sells systems on Ebay...

As soon as I walked into Green House...A "breath of fresh O2" was apparent! Nice and Lush!

It smelled wonderful! Grows herbs, veggies... Etc. Various fish...

Nice Guy! VERY PATIENT!!!!

Bought a system... Goes under ...

Zed-Master...

Check him out...

[JCO]

I Googled Zed-Master, nothing came up about Aquaponics

Question....why would you buy a system instead of building your own That's the whole purpose of DIY Aquaponics...

DO IT YOURSELF AQUAPONICS...

Do It Yourself...

This forum's only reason for existence is to teach people how to build and maintain their own Aquaponics System.

[VictoryGarden]

Reason... it is indoors... and it was suggested that I get a system to use as a template... that is why... I also took this to mean... Grow them yourself... Thanks!

Go to eBay and look up Zed-master...

[Roger L.]

Victory, I have basically built the same set up Zed Master shows on his eBay store. Half the fun is procuring and assembling your own setup. For the price he is charging you can build a much nicer one. If you've already bought, show in detail and pictures what you have and the folks on here can let you know if it is good or maybe there is a better way to do some things that might help you be more successful. Don't take offense but the guys on here really have great ideas along with years of experience. I have very little experience and I learn new stuff on here everyday. Good luck with the build.

[VictoryGarden]

I absolutely understand... I just felt it was better this way... I am curious as to the best kind of lighting indoors to use... Are LEDs the best over the long run? Suggestions please... the crowned foot print is about 3,5 foot square...

[Roger L.]

My unit is in my basement. I have learned that it takes about 50 watts per square foot for an 8 hour period. My first setup attempt was severely inept. T8 light fixtures, not T5's like I had. I now have 6 light units instead of the 3 that I had. Lastly I am going to mount a spotlight on each side of the grow bed to use for spot lighting when needed. I will not be lacking for light now. I would definitely say overkill on lights is a good investment.