What is the most concise source of info for a beginner?

[fozzy]

Hi Everyone,

I saw the Aquaponics story on Gardening Australia last year and have thought since then that I wouldn't mind setting up a small system to try it out. I've been reading bits and pieces on this and other forums but I am suffering from information overload. I was going to buy Joel's book but now realised that there are a few books on the subject so I'm wondering if someone could recommend the best book for a beginner. Hopefully the book would enable me to understand aquaponics and give me enough information to enable me to build my first system.

[Murray]

Hi Fossy,

I know what it feels like when you first start out, so much to take in.
It is all very simple really, once you get a handle on it all.
You have come to then right place.
Forums are a good way to gather info.
We endeavour to keep the info in our forum as concise as possible, so you won't have to scroll through dozens of pages looking for the good stuff.
There are members here that have loads of experience, so ask questions.

I purchased Joel Malcolm's book not long after I first started. It is fine.

Gary Donaldson's book is very good giving more information re different fish types, and it has a lot of good colour photos and illustrations. Photos of simple systems and easy to follow explanations of how it all works.
I feel it is very good. Info about it can be seen here (http://www.urbanaquaponics.com.au/)or here (http://www.aquaponics.net.au/category3_1.htm)

Also, we have a magazine "Practical Aquaponics for Everyone" that is free by e-deliver and it can be ordered here (http://http://www.aquaponics.net.au/category3_1.htm) and it will be emailed to you when each edition comes out, or you can download it from this Forum.

I hope that helps .

Welcome.

Regards Murray

[fozzy]

Thanks very much for the reply Murray.

I have downloaded the magazines, they look very good. I think they will be a good place for me to start until I order the book.

[Martin A1]

Hi Fozzy,

Here is another reference that you might find very good reading. It's from the other aquaponics site run out of WA.

http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/magazine/BYAP_Magazine_Issue1.pdf

I personally reckon' that there is no substitute for hands on experience. Just make a start and have a go mate!

If money is no object and I had my time again, I would recommend 3 or 4 large fiberglass grow beds from Murray and a 1,000ltr poly aquaculture tank with stand from Duraplas in Taree NSW as a great combo. (http://www.duraplas.com.au)

Scan the forum for new system pics and just steal ideas from other peoples systems to create your own.

Enjoy the journey and be sure to post us some photos and experiences in return as you progress.

[fozzy]

Thanks Martin,

That magazine looks pretty good. I've downloaded all the magazines now, so I've got something to read over the weekend.

[fishfood]

Thanks Martin,

That magazine looks pretty good. I've downloaded all the magazines now, so I've got something to read over the weekend.
Hi Fozzy from sunbury i am from sunbury i have a large system runnimg 18 months now if you would like to see it email me also theres a get together on sunday in ballarat 22 members all talking ap should be fun

[Martin A1]

Hey FishFood, If I am not mistaken you feature on page 32 of the backyardaquaponics mag. Is that you? Lookin' good mate!!

[fishfood]

Hey FishFood, If I am not mistaken you feature on page 32 of the backyardaquaponics mag. Is that you? Lookin' good mate!!
Yes sir thats me

[fozzy]

Hi FishFood,

Thanks for inviting me around to look at your setup the other day. It was very helpful to see a real system and it has given me some ideas.

I still have a fair bit of reading to do, but I have an idea of the system that I want to setup as my first attempt. I will post the details of what I am thinking later and get some feedback from the people here.

[echidna]

I'm going to give a vote for Jamie Brown's "Home Aquaponics Manual" http://www.greenoz.info/aquaponics.php?ref=1356 for a good concise source for the beginner. It's a US$5.00 pdf download.

One thing that I've found handy is to read enough to decide on the basics, then clip and paste the relevant material into one document and to then edit it to suit my own situation. Then whenever I see something useful I copy it into the appropriate section of "My Own Manual". That way, extraneous information concerning other system types doesn't end up confusing me and I've a resource document to help when known problems strike. An example being fish. I've got the general introduction then the specific information on the fish that I intend to keep. No need for information on fish that are illegal or unsuitable for me to keep. Same for fish disease treatment. Narrow the information so it's just aquaponics suitable.

[Jonathan Dyer]

Echidna I’m taking this system is flood & drain?

What plant do you think is the top one on the far right? I can pick most plants but that one I’m stumped it looks like a cucurbit family which is sort of my forte.

Adding on to what Echidna said do lots of research on both aquaculture & horticulture especially in the Ag Dep. and fisheries dep. WA Ag dep. is the best for horticulture and WA fisheries have good stuff as well. Understanding both systems separately aquaponics is just the combination of them both.

[echidna]

Yes, flood and drain.

Zoomed in and they're zucchinis.

Google is your friend. A good example being the "organic" pesticide/fungicide sprays recommended on hydroponic site. Are they fish-safe? Because even though they are foliar sprays, some will end up in the water eventually. Looking up the toxicity of detergent and oil on fish shows that small doses have no major effect so I've added some recipes to my notes for future use.