Lately I’ve been working on a project that can make anyone self-sustained. The project is called “Backyard Liberty” and it introduces a new concept called Aquaponics (actually the concept is new to mainstream media but there are tens of thousands of people already using this concept because it’s so easy to use and the return of investment is huge).
I decided to share with you a couple of paragraphs from “Backyard Liberty” and if you want to know more please use the following URL:
Aquaponics is a combination of two different food cultivation methods.
- Hydroponics: A sustainable method of growing plants in water without soil. Instead, it utilizes mineral nutrient solutions and water.
- Aquaculture: This is essentially aqua farming. It is the practice of cultivating animals that live in water such as fish and mollusks under your control.
In a nutshell, aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture into one symbiotic system consisting of plants and aquatic organisms. There is definitely some science involved in the process, but at its most basic elements, aquaponics farming is simple and the benefits are unmatched.
Just like with a typical barnyard farm, there are several different methods involved with aquaponics and different types of systems that people apply. The flexibility of creating your own farm is part of what makes this method so popular. Systems can range from small backyard setups to vast commercial systems that fill up entire rooms. You can use fresh water or salt water. You can choose different types of fish and plant life as well. The world of aquaponics leaves you with so many options that you can completely customize your system to your preference and have it be completely different from every other aquaponic farm out there. No matter what the size is, they all utilize similar methods and tools.
Another great thing about aquaponics is that it has encouraged different farmers all around the country to form large groups and associations including the Aquaponics Association. There are several internet forums for aquaponic farmers to trade ideas, and get tips. So by getting into aquaponics you’ll be joining a large community of likeminded people who want to eat organic and aim to help the environment at the same time.
Got questions? Send me an e-mail at: support@backyardliberty.com and I’ll try to answer.
Alec Deacon
With very restricted space in our retirement community backyard how much minimum square feet would we need to get something worthwhile for the two of us. I assume it won't work in the basement.
Hi Fred,you can build this in about 20-30 square feet. You'll need a barrel, or two, or an IBC and one or two growbeds.
I just finished my first update and you'll find info on how to build the system indoor.
Where do you get these fish for your aquaponics? is there a commercial supplier, or do you have to find a local supplier? local pet shops?
Sources of fish vary widely from state to state, and there are serious restrictions on where you can buy fish, what fish you can buy and where they can be shipped.
Offering a list of places where fish can be purchased by State would not be relevant to readers outside of that state, and would be fairly exhaustive. Also, because of the rate at which policies on what fish are legal where, it would be difficult to keep such a list up to date.
That's why we recommend anyone interested simply contact their local Game and Fish Department to inquire about legal species and recommended hatcheries.
So my husband and I were interested in the backyard liberty program but when we went to purchase the system it said that delivery would be electronic. So there are no hard copies to keep on hand for when electricity and internet go down? Aren't we supposed to be prepared for 'end of times'....those don't include electricity, internet or cellphones.
Hi Kate,
Initially I wanted to offer Backyard Liberty as a printed book but I knew that more information is required in order to make this aquaponics system easy to build. So I updated it 5 times since the launch in December and added one instructional video…out of a series of 3 videos (building, adding fish and adding plants to the AP system). All these updates and videos can only be done electronically.
The idea of my survival aquaponics guide is that you build it before the SHTF and use it as a food source (both veggies and fish), supplementing your diet and cutting costs. And when the SHTF you’ll be glad to have it up and running and you’ll already be an expert in growing your own food through aquaponics systems.
In case SHTF you’ll need solar panels, windmills or watermills. This is what it means to be prepared: to be completely off the grid (make your own electricity, grow your own food, have your own water supply and defend yourself and your loved ones from aggressors). Saying you’re a prepper doesn’t actually make you prepared and having a book about aquaponics in the library won’t make you an expert…building it will.
Two weeks ago I ordered the hydroponics info with plans to Build a Fish Pond to feed it. I emailed your company and you responded go to website and download.I visited the website and found aquaponics or hydroponics only. there were no plans for the fish tank tied to the garden. please advise. If this info is unavailable I will need a refund of $37.00.
Hi John,
Please watch the video where Nate Storey builds the fish tank and attaches the growbed to it (It's on the download page you received). The video transcript is in the Backyard Liberty book (starting with page 86)
You'll also see a few videos on planting seeds and plugs (new addition on the download page).
Hello Alec,
In your system, are the fish actually supposed to reproduce? Does your program address differences in climate? It gets pretty cold where I live.
Hi Steve,
Finding fish that will breed in your system can be tricky, unless you're working with fish like tilapia, which breed prolifically. Some will need to be provided with a substrate to spawn and certain periods of light and dark. If a stable population is the goal, I would stick with fish like tilapia, which need little help breeding. Other fish, like common carp, goldfish, etc., can be used but may need some help with substrate (ex. Koi and carp need tree branches and vegetation to attach their eggs to).
In colder areas AP Systems can be overwintered if the tanks are in- ground, clean, covered and aerated through the winter- preferably with a tank heater in them (you can get these at any farm or ranch store). You won't get much growth over the winter (from your fish) but you can restart the system in the spring. Other options are moving the system inside, putting a greenhouse or high-tunnel over the system.
For colder regions, look into fish like koi initially. Once you've had some experience with koi and know that your biofiltration is adequate (and that your summer temp.s won't be too high), you can try trout or other cold-tolerant species. If you live in a cold area, then an in-ground trout tank or run would work nicely for keeping your water temperatures in the right range.
Hello Alec-
I was wondering would this work in Wisconsin? OR is it to cold in the winter months? If so is there a way we can do it inside or a green house of some sort? I think this is just what our family has been looking for! Cheap but if you work it will work!!! Thanks so much for sharing it!! So many people just don't chose to see what is coming and they are going to be so sorry!
Hi Ali,
The key to success in a cooler climates is to build a structure that can keep your temperature over 40 degree F.
I think that a greenhouse like you suggested is the perfect fit for you.
About the fish you have to be careful. You have to chose a fish that can take a cold environment.
Even if you make a greenhouse you don't want to lose a lot of money on heating.
One of the ideas that i have for you is this:
Silver Perch: The silver perch is a very reliable type of fish that is easy to maintain which makes them great for people just getting into aquaponics. A great benefit of silver perch is that they can thrive in almost any temperature so they are seen as a very versatile fish.
I hope that this answer will help you build the aquaponics system you need.
Best regards
Alec
so if you do a indoor system, what kind of light source must be used? 1000 watt hps? i was asking because its not cheap to run a grow light with no profit. i guess the only real way to keep costs down would be using solar and watermills. but how much does that cost? im very intrested but sounds costly to keep it uncostly if you know what i mean. the reason i ask is for people with no backyard such as mobile homes and no roof access.