Small – Scale Aquaponics Workshop
Two Days of Hands – On Learning
Dates: August 9 and 10, from 9am to 4pm each day
Location: Green Phoenix Farms
(2214 FM 1187 #9-104, Mansfield, TX 76063)
So do you want to build your own aquaponic system, but you don’t think that you know where to start?
If so, then this two-day workshop is perfect for you! In this seminar, any person who wants to will be able to learn the key principles of aquaponics, and also learn about specific components needed to grow fish and plants together in a recirculating soil-less system. We have designed this course to be as useful to individuals who have never seen an Aquaponic system before to those who want to expand their knowledge of this farming method.
We have planned a diverse mix of both practical classroom style lectures (more fun though!) and hands-on activities that involved the construction and start-up of a “backyard” scale home Aquaponic system. Each participant will receive complete parts lists and construction guide for the system built in this class. Additionally, participants will receive access to a library of Aquaponic resources.
Daily Schedule:
Day One:
7:30-9:00am: Registration
9:00-9:30am: Introduction and Overview
9:30-12:00pm: Aquaponics 101
12:00-1:00pm: Lunch (on your own)
1:00-4:00pm: Building the Home IBC Tote System or Two-barrel System
Day Two:
9:00-10:00am: Animals in Aquaponics
10:00-11:30am: Plants in Aquaponics
11:30-12:30pm: Lunch (on your own)
12:30-2:00pm: System Start-up and Daily Maintenance
2:00-3:30pm: “Where Can I Go From Here?” – Advanced Aquaponics
3:30-4:00pm: Closing Remarks and Present Certificates of Completion
Description of Sessions:
Aquaponics 101: This is the basic introduction or primer to Aquaponic systems. Presented in this sessions is a clear and concise description of exactly how Aquaponics works, the specific components used in systems and the pros and cons of different system designs. Additionally, we will cover basic biology, water chemistry and planting densities.
Building a small-scale Aquaponic System (IBC or Two-barrel System): 
For this session, participants will move out of the classroom and into the “workshop”. Meaning, this is a hands-on build of a simple Aquaponic system. For this system construction each participant will get to see the system take shape from start to finish, and everyone will have the opportunity to “get their hands dirty” and jump right into the project.
Animals in Aquaponics: This session explains in great detail several species of fish and invertebrates that can be raised successfully in Aquaponics. 
For a few species, we will also cover elementary breeding techniques and fry rearing. A short tutorial will be provided to help in the construction of a fry rearing structures and egg hatching equipment.
Plants in Aquaponics: This session focuses on the plants that can be grown in your Aquaponic system. We will explain in detail some of the varieties of plants that can be grown in Aquaponics, and will also cover tips and tricks that can be used to make your plants are as productive possible and that your space is utilized efficiently. We will also cover the basics of identifying nutrient deficiencies and the basics of pest management. Additional topics covered will be where to buy heirloom seeds, common methods for sprouting seeds, propagation through cuttings and cloning.
