Q: Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.

A: I am from Barbados, West Indies. I keep fish n grow herbs as a hobby. Aquaponics gives me the opportunity to marry the two. It will free up some time for other interest.

Q: How did you get interested in aquaponics?

A: I started through researching better ways to take care of plants and was introduced to aquaponics videos on YouTube

Q: How are you currently working with aquaponics? Home setup, community greenhouse, etc.

A: I have a home setup

Q: Tell us about your system. Geek out a bit and tell us all the specs.

A: I currently use an ibc with one grow bed. I use broken clay tile in the bottom of the bed to trap the solids but use floating raft and net pots. I also use a flood and drain system. I’m trying with okra, parsley, chives, bokchoy, basil, spinach, garlic, mint, cherry tomatoes.

Q: What plants and fish have you had the best luck with? And the worst?

A: My system is just 3 weeks old so too early to claim success. I have had some problems with leaves yellowing but this is now reversing since adding almond leaves to the fish tank.

Q: What do you like most about aquaponics? Least?

A: the challenge of balancing the system. No negatives yet to report.

Q: What do you think the biggest misconception about aquaponics is?

A: That you can just put fish and plants in the system and walk away. It takes time and some effort to get the balance right.

Q: What are your future aquaponics goals?

A: My goal is to grow much more of what I eat. I am working on two new systems, another flood and drain system with a broken clay tile growbed and a continuously flooded system with PVC pipes

Q: What do your friends say when you show them your system for the first time?

A: They are impressed

Q: What’s next for your system?

A: I’m looking to purchase two more ibc’s and another pump and timer soon.

Want to tell the community about your Aquaponic setup?  Click here!