The Aquaponic Farmer: A Complete Guide to Building and Operating a Commercial Aquaponic System

by Adrian Southern, Whelm King

“The essential guide for people serious about setting up a commercial, cold-water aquaponic system.” —Dr. Daniel Baker, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Vancouver Island University Profitable cold-water fish and vegetable production. Join the aquaponic farming revolution! Built around a proven 120’ greenhouse system operable by one person, The Aquaponic Farmer is the game changer that distills vast experience and complete step-by-step guidance for starting and running a cold-water aquaponic farming business—raising fish and vegetables together commercially. Coverage A primer on cold-water aquaponics Pros and cons of different systems Complete design and construction of a Deep Water Culture system Recommended and optional equipment and tools System management, standard operating procedures, and maintenance checklists Maximizing fish and veg production Strategies for successful sales and marketing of fish and plants. As the only comprehensive commercial cold-water resource, The Aquaponic Farmer is essential for farmers contemplating the aquaponics market, aquaponic gardeners looking to go commercial, and anyone focused on high quality food production. Aquaponic farming is the most promising innovation for a sustainable, profitable, localized food system. Until now, systems have largely focused on warm-water fish such as tilapia. A lack of reliable information for raising fish and vegetables in the cool climates of North America and Europe has been a major stumbling block. The Aquaponic Farmer is the toolkit you need. “Provides almost a step by step cookbook on all pertinent aspects of aquaponics and is based upon the authors’ experiences from their own successful farm.” —Michael B. Timmons, PhD & PE, Professor Biological & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University

Genres: Agriculture, Nonfiction, Science

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2017

Reviews

[Timothy L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it left few things unknown to someone new to the topic. It is methodic and real, citing how their approach was going to be quantified in certain terms and specifics, and then abbreviations are used throughout the book to help keep the reader oriented in the material.

Aquaponics is still in its infancy. The concept is well developed. While it is still burgeoning, there are all sorts of people talking about it, writing about it, and online about it; who refer to details in unclear and unspecified terms. Such is confusing. It makes it tough to grasp what you can do in your own practitioning. I like this book because it is so specified, not only in concept but in the recommendation of products and why they come recommended.

I want to raise trout. Yet, in online discussion groups, I have been cautioned more than encouraged about trout. This book takes all the questions surrounding trout particularly and illustrates that trout can be successfully raised in an aquaponic construct. The book is well written. It gives you the science and mathematics behind set up and design of aquaponic systems.

It does not discuss all the versions of aquaponics practice, such as Media-filled bed
Nutrient Film Technique, or Dutch Bucket; but that is fine. It touches on Vertical Drip in concept but does not round out the particulars. This book is about commercial operation of Deep Water Culture and Cold season produce (particularly Lettuce) as it relates to Trout production.

I would highly recommend this book as being practical and usable to application in your own situation for aquaponics.

[Vongani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise easy to read step by step to aquaponic farming. It has all the knowledge and knowhow needed to start a farm. Just lacked detail in terms of construction specifically plumbing but i take it every farm will be different.

[Nathan Pitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book. I will return to it often

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for experience and those new to Aquaponics, well written, practical and understandable - I highly recommend this book for all those interested in Aquaponics