Soliciting Contributions

[Andy F]

Aquaponics AU http://www.aquaponics.com.au/

Aquaponics is a combination of Aquaculture & Hydroponics. This means that fish and plants are grown in an integrated system, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two.
An Aquaponic system uses the water from the fish tank to circulate through a grow bed where the plants are grown.

Free Downloadable Video Page http://www.aquaponics.com.au/aquaponics_videos.htm

I originally found this group on Youtube a couple years ago, then shared with family.
There are a large number of valid DIY Aquaponics videos on Youtube, small to very large systems.
The kid's are now highly engaged in Aquaponics & Permaculture where both work well.

I have a large PDF printable guide, I'll try to find it.

[CreoleGenius]

https://biochar-journal.org/en/ct/88-Fo ... bon-Cycle-

[Gekko]

I have an Aquaponics system that is up and running using Mirror Carp. The problem will be getting through the UK winter (first winter)
The setup is in a huge Poly Tunnel but the fish are outside in a separate shed because the Poly was way too hot this summer.
Will insulate the shed soon and see how we go through the winter, will be a good test.

Aiming to build a sunken geothermal greenhouse next year and set up a new aquaponics system there.
Like the one the Nebraska gentleman built
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD_3_gsgsnk

Also making some potash soap, will write it up when it actually works. looks like a mess right now.

[SunUp]

Just want to recommend the book "Cold Times Preparing For The Mini Ice Age" by Anita Bailey, Phd. This book covers everything needed for whats coming. Apologies if someone else posted this and I missed it. Thanks to Diamond at Oppenheimer Ranch for the information about the book.

[Andy F]

DIY Berkey Style 4 gallon Water filter system. Size up or down as needed. Cost? Around $188.00

Compared to a Berkey brand 4 Gal 4B & 4F filters Berkey is $442.00 https://tinyurl.com/ycva3zxy


PARTS LIST:

(2) 16 Qt Stainless Steel stock pots (2 - Walmart Mainstays SS (2) @ $11.94 each) Before buying pots, make sure the top pot fits just inside the bottom pot. https://tinyurl.com/ydxmmous

(2) Black Berkey filters, they have seals $107.00 https://tinyurl.com/y7rrerpc

(2) White Berkey Fluoride filters (no seals needed) $50.00 https://tinyurl.com/yac4k2gb

Water Spigot (HD-PLASTIC) $12.00 https://tinyurl.com/ya8v5j2w
OR a spigot with water level indicator @ $40.00 https://tinyurl.com/y6v636cb


Tools & drill bits
7/16” Drill Bit for filters
5/8” Drill Bit for water spigot
Metal fine file, or knife

Drilling Directions:
1) Mark where the 7/16”where the black filters are to go. Rule of thumb is 4.5” apart. Drill holes carefully. Carefully clean sharp edges with a metal file on both sides of holes. A Stanley blade can be used in a pinch, but will ruin the blade.

2) Mark spot where the spigot is to go. Drill carefully with 5/8” drill. Clean edges as in step 1. Install spigot and fill with enough water to check for leakage around seal, tighten nut gently until leak stops. You can use plumber's putty on outer seal between seal and side of the pot.

3) Follow directions that come with filters to flush and prime filters, both Fluoride and Black filters require this step. Install filters into top pot.
a) Be careful with the filters, don’t bend the threaded ends of the tubes.
b) The white Fluoride filters screws into the threads below top pot.

4) Put top tank on top of bottom tank. Place in an area where the spigot is over the edge of a table or counter top.
5) Fill top tank to upper edge, cover with lid. Bottom tank won't overflow when full if there is still water in upper fill tank.

Big Berkey Notes via Walmart

The Big Berkey is our most popular and versatile model. It is ideal for home use and large families from 4 to 16 people or during emergencies.All of our water filter systems are designed to provide purified drinking water for a certain amount of people. The Big Berkey water filter, in particular, was designed to fit the needs of the average size family.The Big Berkey is suited to produce enough water for between four and sixteen people. Large enough to provide ample water and still compact enough to fit in areas that bigger units would not. Ideally suited for home use and families or small groups. This adaptable filter comes complete including instructions and everything you need to start purifying your drinking water within minutes of assembly. Big Berkey Water Purifier with 4 Black, 2PF2, Wirestand & Spigot Accessories

Glass Water Level Water Spigot details via Walmart online:
Allows instant reading of the water level in the lower chamber of your stainless steel Berkey? System
Available in three sizes based on the system you own. (size depends on how tall pots are - measure before buying)
7.5" - For Travel Berkey? System and Big Berkey System
10" - For Royal Berkey? System and Imperial Berkey System
13" - For Crown Berkey? System (includes sight glass brace)
The glass tube of the spigot can be easily cleaned with soap and water as needed
Includes two washers and a wing nut


IMPORTANT NOTES:
I give Walmart links to each part needed, except for Plumbers Putty & tools.
ALWAYS double check my measurements before drilling your pots
Using 4 filters is not absolutely necessary, it would filter slower with only 2 but 2 will work.
The filters are not cheap, but will last seemingly forever & are money savers in the long run.
The filters will filter muddy river water, but will shorten the life of filters. Remove filters & scrub/rinse after using river water.
Do pre-filter river water using fine cloth if you can. Nut Milk bags work well.
About every 3 months, remove black filters carefully and scrub with a stiff nail brush under running water to remove scale and make filters last much longer. Follow mfg directions for when to replace Fluoride filters, those don’t last as long as the black filters.

HAVE YOUR DIY FUN & THEN, ENJOY DRINKING YOUR CLEAN & CLEAR WATER.

[Andy F]

All credit goes to Travis Hughey's Aquaponics - his main page http://www.myaquafarm.com/basics/
Travis Hughey's Facebook page Give a Like if you have FB & see what Travis is up to lately.

This page has been set up for those wishing to read more about the basics of aquaponics that we have put together free of charge. We hope that the below information will help in your efforts to establish a sustainable aquaculture solution.

Download PDF Files
My Aqua Farm Basics – PDF Download http://www.myaquafarm.com/basic/My_AquaFarm_Basics.pdf
Grow Bed Media Types – PDF Download http://www.myaquafarm.com/basic/My_AquaFarm_Basics.pdf
Fish To Plant Ratio – PDF Download http://www.myaquafarm.com/basic/Fish_To_Plant_Ratio.pdf
The Barrel-Ponics® Manual – PDF Download http://www.fastonline.org/images/manual ... manual.pdf
Aquaponics and Food Safety – PDF Download http://www.fastonline.org/images/manual ... Safety.pdf
Daily Tasks for Aquaponics – PDF Download http://www.fastonline.org/images/manual ... ponics.pdf


More information files on Aquaculture to download
More information on aquaculture – Various file downloads http://www.fastonline.org/images/manuals/Aquaculture/

More information files for beginners! -- Various file downloads http://www.fastonline.org/images/manual ... shkeeping/

[Andy F]

Pioneering KNOTS & Lashings Free PDF Download here... https://ia800204.us.archive.org/8/items ... shings.pdf

I get all Knotted up & then Lash out over free PDF eBooks

[Andy F]

Modern Farmer, Bees, Worms, Insects & DIY Plans More main website is https://modernfarmer.com/

Cultivating Worms via Modern Farmer website https://modernfarmer.com/2013/05/how-to ... worm-farm/

How to Farm Insects https://modernfarmer.com/2013/06/small- ... t-farming/

[Elew]

Easy DIY Toothpaste

This is what my grandparents always used

2 T baking soda
5 - 10 drops of Peppermint oil, or Anise oil (but you can add whatever essential oils you like or need)

Put it in a container with an airtight lid, shake it well, then to use it you just wet your brush, dip it in the powder and brush well.

[Andy F]

Basic Electricity via US Navy - 1945 Free PDF download here...https://ia802701.us.archive.org/8/items ... 2-1945.pdf

Yes. A class book from 1945 is nearly ancient, but, it is all correct basic Electrical Theory for Beginners in general electrical and it is easy to learn.
It was a class book for new Navy "Recruits aka Ship Mates" who worked on ships within engine room or other jobs that require electrical maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs.
It also teaches like I would, teaching practical common sense when working with or around Electricity which can be dangerous or even deadly.

What has changed in Electricity since 1945?
Smaller to very tiny components such as capacitors, batteries, heck, smaller everything. However the concept of general electricity remains the same.
After 1945 around early 1960's came the discoveries of Micro-Semiconductors, doped polarized transistors, glass diodes and too many to list. Like high speed switching TTL and Semiconductor Logic Gates, OpAmps, JFET's or MOSFET's which are all high speed Micro Transistor technology of today.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to learn beyond basic Electrical, I would send you to Basic Electronics Tutorials Site Map here - https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/sitemap

Deep Cycle Batteries: How to Keep Them Alive for Years and Years https://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-in ... ayproperly
This site, is one of my favorites to help others figure out the DIY parts of designing, setting up or maintaining Solar Systems.

Above all, have fun! Ta-Dah