AP supplies in the U.S.?

Dave Donley

Here's one that used bunk feeders, from back in the day, was a nice setup:
viewtopic.php?t=1403

libertymtn

Dave Donley wrote:

You can get test kits at any pet store, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals is the one I have been using. Use the drip-style kits and not the ones that use paper strips, which are not as reliable.>>>>>>>>>>

Got it. Drip style it is. We do not have any pet stores close to us at all so that's going to have to be something thru the mail. That's why I was asking about long term storage.

Also a good thing to read is the IBCs of AP, has a section about the basics in there:
http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/aquap ... onics.html>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Yes, I printed that off last Aug. when I first found this forum but now I don't know where I put it. Last night I was looking at it again on the website and I'm going to print it off again. Maybe there is new info in there since last Aug.

That should keep you busy for awhile!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Yes indeed! :lol:

Quality costs more money, I have never been able to justify $250 water pumps for example when I can get $40 ones over and over again, LOL. Also you might consider being cheap on the first few systems, because you will want to rearrange things over the first and second designs, and spending too much on say an overlarge water pump is wasteful and may just kill your hobby. Once you learn and things become settled then you may buy for quality rather than price. IMO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Excellent advice and that's what we were already looking at - smaller/cheaper stuff to begin with for learning, then the good stuff...

Also, don't think you have to have a huge system to have any fun - a couple hundred gallons can be a decent system to learn on. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HTH

Point taken - but the 1,000 tank is something we already have and don't have to buy it (we also don't have to fill it up completely, either) *and* we have a son with five children and one on the way so we are trying to help his family with food as much as possible so it's not just us two. This will be a great learning tool for the kids (all homeschooled). Another thing regarding getting stuff that will last longer - we live a mile and a half from our closest neighbors and going to town is not something we do every day because it's just too much expensive fuel to do that (and time). It's normal for me to not go for groceries but every three or four months. So, we need our *tools* to be quality that will last as long as possible so we aren't having to go to town all the time to replace what is already worn out. Getting stuff thru the mail can be cheaper than driving even tho the postage is getting so bad. If we are getting a bunch of stuff at once, then it's cheaper to drive - or things like the feed bunks that are big and heavy and you can't have them shipped to you.

So, we *are* going to do the smaller IBC tank thing first which we know will require a much smaller pump than the 1,000 gal. tank will, and play with the IBC first and try to get the hang of it while we build for the bigger tank. I really want this going by this fall but it really depends on how my hubby is doing with other projects that are going on right now. The IBC can be started fairly soon - that's another good point for it. And I'm checking out that link on the feed bunk setup, too. Thank you.

Keep the ideas coming - I'm eating it up and writing it all down. :wave:

Dave Donley

If you don't want to wait until Fall you can also have fun with aquarium-based setups too. Small systems are also good for trying out different ideas before committing money and work.

Sounds like a plan and it sounds like you are heading into it with the right mindset, maybe you could start a Member's thread to reiterate your plans and get more feedback. Good luck!

libertymtn

Dave Donley wrote:

If you don't want to wait until Fall you can also have fun with aquarium-based setups too. Small systems are also good for trying out different ideas before committing money and work. >>>>>>>>>>>>>

Well, we already have the IBC's and we've watched the video. My hubby is gifted with his hands (carpenter, welder, mechanic, heavy equip. operator, arch. draftsman, etc. - pretty much what I ask him to build, he's done it) and he saw the IBC as being pretty simple and straight forward. The learning about the chemical processes (nitrites/trates/etc.) and getting them balanced, etc. is what we both need to do with the smaller setup. We also have ponds on the place and I'm wondering if we can get some water from them to help *start* the process in the AP.

Sounds like a plan and it sounds like you are heading into it with the right mindset, maybe you could start a Member's thread to reiterate your plans and get more feedback. Good luck!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I did start a Member's thread a few weeks ago and got a couple of replies that were also helpful. But I really am to the point where we should be starting to gather in materials and where to get them was what is holding me up on that. Thus, this thread. I'll move to my Member's thread now...thanks, Dave!

ccBear

If you start the IBC system and you will succeed, you will then have the water and gravel sludge to seed the bigger system when you start it. Good luck and post lots of photos.

libertymtn

ccBear wrote:

If you start the IBC system and you will succeed, you will then have the water and gravel sludge to seed the bigger system when you start it. Good luck and post lots of photos.

Thank you for reminding me of doing that - I knew to do that, it just wasn't registering for some reason. :lol:

ccBear

Your welcome friend. :flower:

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