My Aquaponics Adventure: A Spokane Story
You know how some people take up knitting or hiking during the pandemic? Well, I decided to build an aquaponics system in my backyard in Spokane—a little bit of farming magic where fish and plants coexist in this system, giving each other what they need to thrive. Sounds easy, right? Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.
That summer was something else—my kids were glued to their screens, and I was looking for a project to sink my teeth into. So, I scoured the internet, watched a couple of YouTube videos, and scrounged a few old books from the library. I had visions of lush spinach and vibrant tilapia dancing in my head. Little did I know those fish would become my biggest headache.
First Steps
After a trip to my local hardware store (well, more like an expedition!), I came back with a motley assortment of PVC pipes, a plastic storage tub, and a submersible pump—the kind that sounded better suited for a fish tank than an actual ecosystem. I rummaged through the shed, too, and found some scrap wood, an old aquarium heater, and a rusty shovel that my father used back in the day. It all felt like fate.
I spent the first few days constructing the system. I set aside a corner of the yard, one that got a good amount of sunlight but also had some shelter from harsh winds. My partner rolled her eyes and joked that I was one failed experiment away from fishing through the local Walmart’s freezer section. But I couldn’t let that happen. I had a vision!
The Smell of Failure
So, with the pump running, I filled the reservoir with water, added some fish—goldfish for starters because, let’s be honest, I wanted something that could survive my rookie mistakes. The plan was to cycle this under a few leafy greens. It felt like magic until I realized I hadn’t quite "cycled" the water properly.
The first sign that things weren’t going well came about a week in. I noticed the water turning a shade of green that can only be described as “pea soup.” I almost hollered. My dreams of a bountiful aquaponics farm were slipping through my fingers like those slippery fish!
I turned to Google, which, let me tell you, is like opening Pandora’s box. I tried everything—additional filters, reducing the light, splashing a bit of vinegar (don’t ask). I also learned that fish are extremely sensitive to their environment—who knew a little water temperature change could throw everything off? So, there I was, crouched in my yard with a not-so-mildly smelly mess, staring at my sad goldfish and wondering if they could sense my utter defeat.
Persistence, A Distraction
After a good ol’ Spokane thunderstorm, I took a break to reevaluate the situation. I figured I could write it off as a weekend spent digging white-knuckled, head-in-hands, on my knees in the mud. Maybe some things just weren’t meant to be.
But then something wild happened. One sunny afternoon, my kids wandered out with their kiddie pool. “Can we help?” They asked, enthusiasm pouring from them like the leaves after the rain. It was as if they sensed the desperation and wanted to inject some joy into my glowing disaster.
We painted my makeshift system, used the kiddie pool as a catchment, and even managed to salvage a few herbs from an old pot sitting in my garage. It actually became a family affair—dirt and laughter filled the air as we worked together. My soon-to-be-farm was turning into a bit of a backyard adventure.
A Sigh of Relief
Looking back, that was the moment everything turned around. I finally added some nutrient balance (I think I got lucky with some organic fertilizers I found). I even adopted a few little red wigglers—worms who got the job done better than I ever could.
Then one day, to my utter surprise, I spotted a bright green sprout pushing its way through the mix of gravel and water. I practically squealed with joy! I had managed to turn my fishy fiasco into a thriving little garden, and those goldfish were living their best life in what was once my backyard clutter.
Lessons Learned
Did I have fish die? Yes. Were my first herbs a little…let’s say unappetizing? Absolutely. But every setback taught me something valuable. I learned patience—waiting for those first sprouts was like waiting for the sun to rise on a cold Spokane morning—long and sometimes painful. I figured out that everything doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be beautiful.
Time to Dive In
If you’ve ever thought about setting up an aquaponics system—go for it! You won’t just grow veggies; you’ll probably grow some of life’s lessons along the way. And trust me, if you’re like me and maybe a bit clumsy with projects, don’t sweat it. Just start. You’ll figure it out as you go. You’ll ruin a few fish dinners, but who knows? You might end up creating a colorful little garden sanctuary, too.
Feeling inspired? Join the next session and explore aquaponics with others who are just as curious and enthusiastic as you! Reserve your seat here. Let’s build some backyard magic together!
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