Sylvia Bernstein runs the U.S. Chapter of The Aquaponics Association:
I spoke with her regarding the availability of aquaponics information: literature, product samples, spatial/structural/lighting requirements for the implementation of aquaponics equipment and systems in a built space/environment.
http://theaquaponicsource.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Speaker-tab.pdf
http://theaquaponicsource.com/blog/
Introduced myself as a college student enrolled in an architecture class focused on materials and sustainability with the potential to be involved in an aquaponics project in Lexington, KY.
Sylvia asked if the project would be strictly commercial farming (for profit), or farming with a social component similar to a community garden (private, shared use, not for profit). Not being entirely certain I answered that it would likely involve aspects of both.
Sylvia explained that a commercial farming facility looking to maximize profit would need to focus on implementing more of a deep water culture mono-cropping setup - more information on this as I acquire it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics
A deep water system is very efficient and easy to harvest provided your labor is optimized.
Sylvia recently completed a book on aquaponics geared toward the private homeowner interested in starting their own aquaponic garden:
http://theaquaponicsource.com/2011/05/26/the-aquaponic-gardening-book-is-available-for-pre-order/
Regarding aquaponic compatable plants (plants benefiting from fish waste water), leafy greens are best, fruiting plants do not work as well.
Aquaponics, in its contemporary, engineered form, is a relatively new phenomenon, showing up in the last ten years.
Sylvia advised that, like any industry, there are many resources available that are willing to share knowledge and information as well as businesses that operate either through paid consultation, consultation and equipment sales, or through a combination of equipment sales, consultation, and installation. I have begun to encounter both.
Here are some of Sylvia's recommendations for information:
http://www.greenacreorganics.biz/
Green Acre Organics is run by two women who used to run a construction company. They are organized and good at what they're doing, according to Sylvia, due in no small part to the fact that Sylvia herself has been consulting them!
They used to be affiliated with Friendly Aquaponics but left on less than good terms to start their own shop. Apparently Friendly Aquaponics may not be so friendly?
http://www.friendlyaquaponics.com/
Here is another recommended source in Milwaukee, WI. They started with Growing Power, (whom I mentioned in a previous post - http://www.growingpower.org/.) Apparently, according to Sylvia, Growing Power's wheelhouse covers many aspects of vertical farming, but they are not necessarily the best example to follow in terms of aquaponics - more of my own investigation into this to follow:
http://sweetwater-organic.com/
This link is to an online aquaponics forum (which I just remembered I need to join, hopefully to connect with people practicing aquaponics in the state of Kentucky).
http://aquaponicscommunity.com/
Aquaponics equipment supplier - will contact this week Re: any information/samples they may be able to offer:
https://aquaponics.com/
Murray Hallam has years of experience with aquaponics:
http://www.aquaponics.net.au/
This was a very informative conversation and it appears that Sylvia will be a great guide as I continue to search for information on aquaponics.
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