How hard could it be? (Mind you - I have never had an aquarium or fish in my life , and my only experience of growing vegetables was at primary school many years ago).
I was able to procure a glass aquarium 60cm long x 30cm wide x 30cm deep and a store purchased "self watering" planter, an aquarium filter pump and some PVC hose. A trip to the local Hydroponics store - and I had a 15 litre bag of "expanded clay media" and appropriate plumbing fittings. 24 hours later my proof of concept system was pumping water – recirculating through the media and back to the aquarium – continuous flow. (Later on this system was converted to auto syphon and the glass aquarium was replaced with a ½ wine barrel – still operating).

The local pet store had some large Yabbies; bought 6 at $3 each; BigW store had Pak Choi seeds , bought 1 pack.... Should be simple.

I set-up and tested the 12v battery powered 'back-up' system – had to do it before adding fish!!! Battery from recycling centre and a new Ctek Charger - hooked up to supplied '240v fail switch' and 12v Bilge Pump supplied with Kit). Worked perfectly!!!

Silver Perch were my choice of fish for our AP System in our Victorian location – they tolerate a wide variety of conditions (water quality and temperature) – as do Yabbies – I expect a 2 season grow-out due to cold winter and small size of fingerlings.

On 20th May, 2009, I purchased 50 Silver Perch Fingerlings - plus 2 Eel Tailed Catfish from Glenwaters Native Fish. (25 Silver Perch and 2 Catfish Fingerlings were about 25mm in length and 25 Silver Perch Fingerlings were about 35mm). A friend gave me 12 mature Yabbies (leftover bait from a fishing expedition) – added to the 6 already in the Fingerling Tank made a total of 18 Yabbies.

We have harvested some Pak Choi, Watercress, Snow Peas, Beetroot, Zucchinis, Celery, Potatoes, Lettuce,Tomatoes, Basil, Parsley,Garlic, Tang O and Vietnamese Coriander and Goji leaves. We have experimented with growing some other vegies - and fruits - but did not get to harvest for various reasons. It is great growing the vegies at waist height - without digging into dirt, without bending and without heavy lifting. And did I mention that our own home grown vegies taste great!!!

Not everything has been perfect – but I believe that I have diligently maintained an appropriate level of water quality - employing a regular water testing regime (the 'basic disciplines' mentioned earlier).
I have maintained the equipment (water pump and air pump, battery and bilge pump, cleaning the syphons and tanks), and I have fed the fish according to instructions from the supplier. (Don't get me wrong. maintenance is not hard work or time consuming. in fact it is quite easy and gives me time to enjoy my AP's experience).
I have joined the various Aquaponics Forums' and by doing this I have access to the most knowledgeable and experienced Aquaponics people in Australia – and the world??? – to whom I am most thankful.
And despite some recently published 'Mythconceptions' –our experience with Aquaponics – using an 'off the shelf kit' - has been. and continues to be - a most rewarding and enjoyable learning experience. We are producing our very own - home grown - chemical free - fresh vegetables/fruit – and soon - fresh Fish and Yabbies for our plates.!

If we can do this – then anyone can do it....!
I am the first to admit that I am not the 'sharpest tool in the shed. – I am not mechanically minded and good with tools (and plumbing) –; but by starting our AP journey with a quality 'off the shelf kit' - I believe we have received great value for money, and have given ourselves a very good start.

Just wish I had discovered AP when my kids were small (and would not eat there vegies), would have been a great educational and 'hands on' experience for them. And they may have even liked eating their own home grown produce that they had a hand in growing themselves.

When Murray first saw photos of our set-up - he said there is only one thing wrong with that Aqauponics setup!!! – you have left no room for expansion !!!

Yes, you are right Murray. Only trouble is - I will have to buy another house with a bigger yard and then I can get a Maximus Kit, and a Homestead Kit, and maybe even attempt a DIY version!!!

Best wishes to all AP'ers – and encouragement to 'give it a go' , if you are not into AP already

ColinW - Mitcham Victoria Australia