New to the Forum

[RedLegA1]

Hello this is The RedLegA1, I am new to this forum. I live in Central Virginia, zone 7a. last year I asked the question, "what am I really eating and am I killing myself with bad food". Short answer, "not eating good stuff and yes you are killing yourself with processed food and sugar". Through my reading and research I found Permaculture and I have recently completed the Geoff Lawton, "Permaculture Design Certificate Course". Aquaculture was included as a chapter in the course. Aquaculture/Aquaponics is a subject much broader than what can be covered in a course like the PDC so I am continuing to try to learn. Before I found Permaculture I spent some time trying to figure out how to get to the Virgin Islands deal but was stymied by the cost as well. I did much research on Aquaponics and Aquaculture and kept coming up with the same process, "give me your money and then I will give you some information". So, after a year of much clicking and viewing videos and reading little snippets of information here and there, I came across DIY-Aquaponics. Thank You JCO... I just purchased the DIY PDF and have begun to read it. So far I like your approach and will continue to stay connected with this forum and blog based on first glance I think I can do my part to help get the word out and help a bit with donations.

Two things on my mind:
A - quick overview of my planned, designed system. I will have two systems
INDOOR GREENHOUSE
-400 square feet glass and plastic
-2-250 gallon IBC tanks
-3: 55 gallon plastic barrels split in 1/2 for grow beds with gravel
-not sure on fish species

OUTDOOR POND
-1700 gallons
-multiple barrel grow beds with gravel. Beds embedded in raised soil with wooden enclosures for freeze protection
-during winter months possibly station hoops covers over grow beds, but I understand that the fish will slow down and not eat
-not sure on fish species

B - what suggestions does the brain-trust offer in my start-up phase
-fish species
-filtering & pumping
-sump basins
-additional biology to the growbeds
-etc...

[Roger L.]

Welcome to the forum Redleg. You will find a wealth of knowledge here to help you with every phase of your project. As a newcomer to the addiction too, I will leave the advice to those better suited to answer your questions. Besides the DIY book I suggest reading Oliver's Aquaponics 101. Good luck.

[JCO]

Welcome to the forum.

I suggest reading Oliver's Aquaponics 101

As Roger said, After you finish the DIY Aquaponics Guide book, read carefully I Oliver's Aquaponics 101. After that come at the forum with questions that you may still have.

Also, go to your profile and put in where you live, there may be other forum members close by you can collaborate with.

[tmcmaster]

I suggest reading Oliver's Aquaponics 101.

And then RE-Reading it. It is GOLD!

And welcome! I am still rather green myself, and learn new stuff daily here!!

[Aloha Don]

Welcome to the addiction.
looking forward to seeing more of your plans as they become reality..
One thing about us addicts on here is ....we like pics!

[eddiemigue]

Welcome Red.

[Aloha Don]

Happy Birthday!
And many more AP years !!

[JCO]

Happy Birthday RedLegA1