Check out Part 3 of this interview with OU812 Aquaponics' Carlos Villamar. Never a dull moment with Carlos as he simply has a knack for unique experimentation. We talk about fish and prawn breeding accidents, behaviors, and habitat needs, along with catfish motels, and black soldier fly hotels! He has practically documented everything and taken an enormous amount of pictures and videos that cover every single thing he's done with aquaponics in the last 2 years. Tomatoes, peppers, kale, squash, corn, beans, zucchini, corn, BSF larvae, worms, mushrooms, catfish, tilapia, and prawn are all part of this delicious and fascinating journey! Listen in as Carlos and I talk about breeding tilapia, pregnant corn, sensors like Seneye and Osmobot for greenhouse monitoring, $20 underwater cameras, and building portable passive solar Chinese greenhouses. Finally, we discuss the many benefits of growing BSF larva (some will surprise you!), how you can turn BSF larva into biodiesel, and tilapia mating patterns. Also learn about some patent issues and protecting yourself from large companies! Subscribe to Carlos' YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPcXGmO_1xthxQO3OXbL5Ug

Listen to Part 4 of my talk with Kieran Foran, co-founder of Fresh Farm Aquaponics in South Glastonbury, Connecticut, whose goal is to teach communities how to feed themselves. Kieran and I talk about expenses for greenhouse design, minimal viable steps to improve and grow better, budgeting and system limitations you need to consider, portable designs, and aquaponics systems as part of your income stream, agricultural zoning and other restrictions. 

Listen up as we discuss things like growing fish, turtles, ducks, and other creatures, how aquaponics existed thousands of years ago, as well as topics like wicking beds, expanded shale, biochar materials, manipulating oregano growth for culinary and medicinal purposes, essential oils, building mini-systems that expand from there, and future smart houses! 

For more info on Fresh Farm Aquaponics, check out http://freshfarmct.org  

This is Part 2 of Carlos Villamar's journey into backyard aquaponics, which he started 2 years ago. Stay tuned as we talk about Carlos' replication of the radio flow separator design plus cone bottoms, stilling wells, geyser pumps, mechanical filters, biological filters, swirl filters, and other awesome aquaponic components! He also shares about growing duckweed, rye grass, and omega-3 fatty acids. We talk about greenhouse design using Thermashields, triple-glazed polycarbonate, PVC, and recycled structures. Discover how Carlos dealt with some overfeeding issues (this you've got to listen to!) as well as RFF going anaerobic, how the duckweed turned out as an incredible polishing filter, and how he makes sure that the babies are not being eaten by the adult fish. Thanks to the mushrooms for the micro-filtration! This is a super fun conversation filled with fun experimentations, freshwater crawfish, mixed martial arts, and automatic fish feeders. Find out why he came up with the name OU812 Aquaponics, how his entire aquaponics ecosystem is evolving and finally, meet Buddy the Goldfish! You can find his albums at OU812 Aquaponics here: https://www.facebook.com/Ou812Aquaponics or here: https://www.facebook.com/IAMJackal/media_set?set=a.10151910874281832.698581831&type=3'

Part 3 of my talk with Kieran Foran, co-founder of Fresh Farm Aquaponics in South Glastonbury, Connecticut, whose goal is to teach communities how to feed themselves. Listen as we talk about solids removal, media bed as biofilter, creating a third income stream, and biochar aquaponics and inoculation. We also discuss the business side of aquaponics touching on finding the right business partners, collaborating in business together, how they sell to restaurants, creating contracts and determining deliverables, and moving to a more wholesale model. Discover the importance of joining a business incubation program like the reSET and finding resources you can use for your business. Kieran explains the concept behind minimal viable product (MVP) and identifying an MVP for your aquaponics system. We also talk about how critical customer discovery is as well as building a test system before stepping up your scale. Listen up for more about aquaponically growing niche foods, flowers, and medicinal crops, the challenges of growing edible fish and ornamental fish, and more! For more info on Fresh Farm Aquaponics, check out http://freshfarmct.org

In this Part 3 of the interview series, we talk about choosing the right kind of fish to save energy during winter, energy-efficient greenhouse design for summer and wintertime, what crop to design your system around, Asian greens for commercial growing, and optimal temperatures for bacteria and certain plants. Discover interesting things about rainbow trouts, river chubs, and more! Find out which fish are more susceptible to diseases based on their scales, taking special care when moving fish, creating current in your system, what kinds of food should you feed your fish to boost the omega-3's, and more on the fish food industry and supplemental feeds. We also discuss about general ratios for your system, metabolic rates, and food conversion rates. Adam describes how easy aquaponics is yet how much artistry, detail, and practice should be involved in producing maximized results! Other topics include legal issues on fish growing, different states' white list and black list, licenses and permits. Discover what challenges Adam encountered in his system, how he dealt with it, educating and training classes, writing business plans, and how they still continue to flow along with the current of the aquaponics movement!

Part 2 of my talk with Rob Torcellini of Bigelow Brook Farm. We talk about cut and come again perennials, strawberry towers, wicking trays for seeding, and the massive die-off that happened in Rob's greenhouse that we can learn from. Hear about the rocket mass heater failure, growing banana trees aquaponically, using solids from mineralization tanks for fruit tree fertility, grafting, and the biggest barrier to mainstreaming aquaponics. Listen as we also discuss "Aquasheisters," aquaponics for drought and water conservation, Food Safety Issues and Organic Certification, as well as building customer relationships in your local community.

Adam Cohen is the founder of Green Phoenix Farms, an aquaponics business in Dallas, TX that offers aquaponics trainings to the public, YouTube videos, custom systems design and installation, and support for local non-profits and schools using aquaponics as a tool for both income-generation and education. This is Part 2, where we talk about crops and system design. Adam discusses growing for variety rather than volume, and how root crops don't grow well in heavy media beds. We talk about native fish and how tilapia are not going to save the world. "As long as you adjust what you're doing to match your conditions, your fish will always be fine." Other topics: greenhouse design, rainbow trout, river chub, and wicking bed experimentation for root crops. How to decide what to grow in what kinds of systems: media, raft, NFT, and vertical. Strawberries!!!! Best crops to grow commercially--what the local market wants! We also talk about market research and developing relationships with local restaurants. Food processing and value-added require permits. Energy efficiency, dissolved oxygen, and aeration. Learn why Adam doesn't use bell siphons anymore!

Carlos Villamar started his backyard aquaponics system 2 years ago and has a lot to share about his journey! An electrical engineer and patent attorney by trade, he had never been a gardener in his life before aquaponics. Listen as we discuss geyser pumps, designing for redundancy, external bell siphons, black soldier fly larvae composters, and how he got his system up and running from idea to plants in less than 6 months. We talk about his choice to make his system modular, his mistakes with overstocking the system with fish before it had cycled, problems with algae and how he solved them, and even sensor apps to collect data like pH, ammonia, and water temperature to your phone. He also discusses the lessons learned about building a greenhouse AFTER building his system, and how he converted a carport into a Chinese solar-styled greenhouse using Thermashield and triple-paned polycarbonate. Find out what tool he used to determine where to put his greenhouse to maximize Southern exposure for the best sunlight year-round. Finally, listen about how he grew pink oyster mushrooms in his aquaponic system! This is part 1 of his journey into backyard aquaponics. You can find his albums at OU812 Aquaponics here: https://www.facebook.com/Ou812Aquaponics

or here: 

https://www.facebook.com/IAMJackal/media_set?set=a.10151910874281832.698581831&type=3'

A well-known pioneering aquaponics innovator, hobbyist, and Youtube contributer, Rob Torcellini is the founder of Bigelow Brook Farm. Listen as we discuss Rob's journey, trials, inventions, and experimentations: why he chose a geodesic dome for his greenhouse, or why a rocket mass heater, and topics including his modified bell siphon, greenhouse heating, and the different kinds of wood stoves he uses. We discuss his video series on YouTube, his experience with solar energy, and what the biggest barrier is from being a pioneering hobbyist to becoming a  commercial producer, such as licensing, planning your greenhouse systems, and running your numbers. He talks about why you should diversify your business, the benefits of Grow Grips and why Rob invented these and other innovations, and his use of expanded shale for media beds. We discuss why he chose to grow Koi fish, the winter nitrogen cycle, and what crops grow best in his systems, including various types of tomatoes, culinary herbs such as thyme, oregano, sage, and parsley, as well as vegetables like green beans, celery and cucumbers. Discover which plant grows surprisingly well in an aquaponic system! Understand Rob's motto: "Slow and steady." Finally, learn what kind of beneficial bacteria he uses to deal with caterpillars, why he chose to grow June-bearing strawberries instead of ever-bearing strawberries... and which type of system is most ideal for growing strawberries! This is part 1 of a series with Rob. Keep your ears flexed for more! Check out his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/web4deb/videos

Part 2 of my talk with Kieran Foran, co-founder of Fresh Farm Aquaponics in South Glastonbury, Connecticut, whose goal is to teach communities how to feed themselves. Listen as we talk about the customer discovery process, vertical farming and hybrid systems, and finding specialty crops that make you stand out as a small producer in your local marketplace! We also talk about how to train crops growing out of your system onto the ground or on trellises like squash or beans, and what kinds of culinary herbs are most demanded by chefs in their local market research. We also discuss jacuzzi heaters, plumbing, and the quality of aquaponics produce. Bonus: Listen to discover which epoxy works for wood, plastic, and PVC!!! For more info on Fresh Farm Aquaponics, check out http://freshfarmct.org 

Kieran Foran is the co-founder of Fresh Farm Aquaponics in South Glastonbury, Connecticut, whose goal is to teach communities how to feed themselves. Although both Kieran and Spencer had zero experience in farming or business 5 years ago, as fresh college graduates, they were inspired to make some personal life changes that then transformed into a successful aquaponics business. Listen as we discuss the lean startup approach to business, the "customer discovery" process, minimal viable products, and more! We talk about how to get into farmer's markets, what questions to ask your local market if you're getting into business to sell your aquaponics produce, state laws and zoning to research in your area, and designing systems for school curricula! Kieran is a fantastic resource, and this is just part ONE of a four-part series with him! For more info on Fresh Farm Aquaponics, check out http://freshfarmct.org 

This interview is packed with hydraulic sex appeal! Eco-Machines are integrated ecosystems engineered to treat wastewater effluent, purify polluted waters, and harvest nutrients through a series of biodiverse aquaponic matrices. John Todd of John Todd Ecological Design is the son of Dr. John Todd, co-author of the book, From Eco-Cities to Living Machines: Principles of Ecological Design... an amazing book that sparked my journey through sustainable water systems years ago, before I ever knew what "aquaponics" was. In this interview, we talk about the evolution of Solar Aquatics and Living Machines (now called Eco-Machines) from the development of aquaponics to an integration of multiple systems using floating island Restorers, mycelial networks for mycofiltration, and value-added Nutrient Harvesting systems.  This interview also touches on some case studies the John Todd Ecological Design company has worked on to restore contaminated rivers, ponds, and watersheds using their integrated biomimicry engineering. Eco-Machines removed 97% of the petroleum hydrocarbons in the Fisherville Canal in Grafton, MA... and 19 out of 20 pharmaceuticals, personal care products, antibiotics, and other contaminants from the waste-water at the Omega Institute! We talk about the importance of wetlands as hurricane buffers and natural aquaponic systems, our "planetary kidneys." And lastly, we discuss the power of polycultures, the multiple functions of algae, wastewater treatment on Sir Richard Branson's island, value-added nutrient harvesting, fertigation, and low-impact development strategies for dealing with drought in California. Packed with content on water filtration, absorption in the landscape, biodiversity, and watershed management!

From Age 6, Jean Paul "Beans" Nageri was already growing beans; thus, the nickname. Today, he is an Agripreneur in Uganda integrating different forms of sustainable agriculture, from dairy farming to agroforestry and growing organic foods, fodder and fruit trees. We speak about his current transition from aquaculture to aquaponics in a unique way that combines drip irrigation to plants grown in the ground, much like the ancient Egyptians used to send fish water to plants in ditches. We talk about creating value-added products, doing market research, the industries of cut flowers, smoked fish, and fruit spreads, and even how to make yogurt! This young agripreneur is thinking BIG in Uganda!!!

In a world where massive drought emergencies and soil degradation are striking communities at a rapid pace, aquaponics holds the keys to some amazing life-generating solutions. Listen to Esteban Garcia, Founder of Aquatech Food Support Systems. Wow. We talk about how aquaponics can jumpstart ecosystems, communities, and economies by creating more jobs, generating clean food, fish, and water, (using WAY LESS water than conventional agriculture) and even producing ENERGY! Vortex lighting systems, waterwheels, biofiltration, oxygen creation, underground aquaponics, survival, and the Prepper movement all fall into this amazing conversation! 

In this episode, Liz and I continue our conversation on topics such as seaweed or kelp extract, duckweed, snails, prawn, malabar spinach, and the rooting hormone in willow trees for easy propagation of diverse plants. Liz also goes into some depth about the differences among fish types like tilapia, catfish, rainbow trout, mosquito fish, goldfish, and koi. We also discuss easy plants to grow in aquaponics that are "cut and regrow" types such as green onions, watercress, celery, radish, strawberries, and others! Listen for more wisdom from the co-founder of Genesis Clock Farm!

Victoria Kelley is the Editor-in-Chief, Founder, and Publisher of the Aquaponic Survival Communities magazine, an online magazine sharing the stories of other backyard and commercial aquaponics growers, scientists, and permaculturists. This interview discusses the health benefits of aquaponics and gardening for kids with disabilities such as autism and other health issues. We also talk about some cultural and legal issues surrounding sustainable agriculture and localized farming. A powerful conversation!

Mike Oehler is the author of The Earth-Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book: How to Build an Energy Free Year-Round Greenhouse. In this fantastic interview, we discuss how to design and build the perfect greenhouse dirt-cheap by using gravity to warm your winter plants, effectively capturing and storing the sun’s heat, and cutting greenhouse heating bills 75% to 100%. We also talk about underground houses, designing to increase access to sunlight in tandem with greenhouses and uphill patios, and how to keep water out. Mike is THE earth-sheltered greenhouse guru!

In this continuing discussion with Liz Kim, we talk about all kinds of things related to permaculture and aquaponics: Frugal ways to start building your greenhouse, the integration of aquaponics with your backyard crops, black soldier fly larvae, the importance of pollinators, how chemical pesticides disrupt biodiversity and ecosystem health, as well as human health, and so much more. Other topics include sustainable greenhouse design, creating wind resistance for plant health, oxygenation via gravity, ventilation, greenhouse management, system diseases, and kelp emulsion. Liz Kim is the co-founder of Genesis Clock Farm in California, soon moving to Oregon.

In this episode, Paul and I talk about marketing strategies, differentiating your Aquaponics brand, value-added industries, educating the consumer, and using cooperatives as leverage in the business of Aquaponics. Paul Van der Werf is an Integrated Aquaculture Designer whose focus is on sustainable food production systems. His mission is to inspire, engage and encourage everyone with a strong interest in fresh, high quality food to embrace their desire to learn and enrich lives. He has over 15 years experience in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture design, project development, delivery and management.

Learn about organic pest management, working with fish densities,and how to integrate aquaculture and aquaponics into the larger scope of organic farming. We talk about connecting the dots in the industry, from energy generation to field crops and “run to use.” Jesse and Molly of Imagine Aquaponics continue to share open-minded innovation and bright ideas for the integration of aquaponics and hydro-organics in the movement for food freedom and organic agriculture.

Listen up as we talk about commercial aquaponics, design and marketing,  and the effects of aquaponic environments on health in Australia. Paul Van der Werf is an Integrated Aquaculture Designer whose focus is on sustainable food production systems. His mission is to inspire, engage and encourage everyone with a strong interest in fresh, high quality food to embrace their desire to learn and enrich lives. He has over 15 years experience in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture design, project development, delivery and management.

Listen as we discuss backyard aquaponics in drought-plagued California with Liz Kim of Genesis Clock Farm. We talk about the lazy farmer's way of growing food, black soldier fly larvae, wicking beds, chickens, vermiculture, wheatgrass biofilters, and selling produce in CSAs. Liz Kim is the co-founder of Genesis Clock Farm, where she teaches sustainability and aquaponics, with the goal of spreading food and water security for all.

Listen as we discuss a different application for aquaponics using organic hydroponics with high-density aquaculture, decoupling, and permaculture design for field crops. Jesse Hull and Molly Stanek, of Imagine Aquaponics are designers, experimenters, and consultants in the aquaponics, organic hydroponics, and integrated aquaculture fields. Imagine Aquaponics consults both nationally and internationally.

This is Part 3 of my chat with Tim. Here we talk about systems thinking, nutritional content and freshness of aquaponic produce, soil remediating services, permaculture applications, effective microorganisms, and tomatoes! Tim Mann is the co-founder of Friendly Aquaponics, in Honokaa, Hawaii. Friendly Aquaponics is one of the leading pioneers in the Aquaponics movement and the development of commercial, Deep Water Culture aquaponics. As the technical writer, builder, and developer of the Friendly Aquaponics farm, website, manuals, and greenhouse trainings, Tim is a wealth of information in commercial aquaponics, passive solar greenhouse design, tilapia breeding, and appropriate technologies that are energy-efficient and highly productive.