IBC Tote!

A few weeks ago, I saw a post on reddit.com/r/aquaponics where someone was offering to sell an aquaponics-ready IBC tote.  I had to drive down to Alexandria, VA, but it was worth it.  I was able to get this awesome 330 gallon tote, already cut in half, including plumbing and a pallet, for only $180.  Im going to set it up at my parents house in Wilmington, DE in the Spring.  Its pretty much ready to be set up, and just needs a pump.  This will be my biggest aquaponic system to date, and Im excited to see how it turns out.  I have a few months to plan the system, but Im thinking about building more grow beds to link into the large fish reservoir that well have.  I might even set up some strawberry towers.  Super exciting!

This is what it looks like now.

 

This is what it will look like in a few months, hopefully.

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Ordering another Water Test Kit and an Aquafarm Review to come!

Ive been waiting to receive a replacement color chart for measuring pH, Ammonia, Nitrate, and Nitrite levels.  I sent API $2 for a replacement, but its taking forever.  So, I ordered a new test kit from amazon.  Theyre marked down to ~$16 dollars from ~$20.  I can use this at home, since my other test kit is at Pogos apartment with his 105 gallon system.

Also, I just received my pre-ordered AquaFarm from BacktotheRoots.com.  This is the most hyped aquaponic kit that was on Kickstarter recently.  Im excited to get a Betta fish tonight and get it set up.  Ill have an unboxing video, and a review of the system in the coming weeks.

I also recently read an article about Aqua Vita farms in upstate New York.  Theyre one of the only commercial Aquaponic farms on the east coast.  Theyre looking for a buyer or investor, otherwise theyll have to close up shop in about a week.  Its a shame to see that they couldnt see profitable margins in their venture.  The owner, Mark Doherty, claimed that they had to redesign their system to make it more efficient and profitable.  However, they ran out of capital because of the redesign, and now they dont have enough money to stay afloat.  I hope them all the best, and I hope that I can someday meet Mark and learn from their experiences.  Heres a link to the article:  http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/06/aqua_vita_farms_owner_we_need.html.

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