A Splash of Green: My Aquaponics Adventure in Dekalb, IL
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d become semi-obsessed with growing plants and fish in my own backyard, I would have laughed. I mean, I’m far from a green thumb—more of a brown-ish one, really. Still, that was before I stumbled into the quaint little hydroponic store on the outskirts of Dekalb, IL. It was one rainy afternoon when I decided to wander in, curiosity fueling my feet.
As soon as I stepped inside, the rich, earthy aroma of soil mixed with the sharp tang of water welcomed me. I felt like I’d entered a secret garden. Rows of vibrant greens, exotic pots, and the soft hum of pumps filled the air. I poked at everything—little seedlings, odd tools I’d never seen before, and a tantalizingly simple aquaponics kit that promised homegrown veggies and fresh fish. I could practically taste the tomatoes before they even graced my fingertips. It seemed like a miracle waiting to happen.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The Build Begins
After a few weeks of dreaming about my new venture, I decided one Saturday morning was as good a time as any to get started. I gathered my supplies: a couple of old plastic barrels from the shed and some leftover PVC pipes I had stashed away from a failed sprinkler system project—it felt like divine providence! I slapped my hands together, feeling ready for greatness.
With a quick wave of my hand, I enlisted my partner, Claire, to help. We spent the entire morning transforming our backyard into a future paradise. First, we set up a tank for fish using a 55-gallon barrel. I opted for goldfish because they seemed more forgiving; plus, they’re pretty cute when they wiggle around. We filled it with water and added a bit of dechlorinator (yes, I Googled this).
That’s when I realized the pump wasn’t working. We twisted and turned it almost as if it were a stubborn child refusing to comply. In a moment of frustration, I smacked it lightly, because clearly, who needs a manual? Much to my surprise, it sputtered then roared to life! We were in business.
The First Fluorescent Failure
Once the water was moving, I turned my attention to the planting side—leafy greens, herbs, maybe some peppers. As the sun began to rise higher, the excitement in my chest grew. I felt like a scientist on the verge of a groundbreaking discovery.
I planted some basil I had bought at the store, and for good measure, I threw in a few so-called “super easy” lettuce seeds that promised to thrive in aquaponics. I dreamt of fresh salads on summer evenings, all while lounging in my yard with a cool drink.
Cue the foreshadowing. Two days later, as I checked the water, I was stunned. The water went from crystal clear to a slightly alarming shade of green. The algae had invaded! At that moment, I thought I’d nailed it, but nope. I was still a novice at this. I had forgotten to paint the barrels black to prevent sunlight from encouraging algae growth. So, I dove into a mini DIY project right then and there, sloshing paint around like a mad scientist. The water smelled a bit funky, but I soldiered on.
A Fishy Situation
As time passed, we kept our fingers crossed. Amid our cautious hope, something unexpected happened—my fish started acting a little strange. One hot afternoon, as I checked on the tank, I noticed one of my goldfish, named Sir Bubbles (don’t judge, he had a personality), was floating upside down. Panic hit like a freight train. What did I do wrong?
After a frantic internet deep dive, I discovered that goldfish are particularly sensitive to water quality. The poor little fella may have succumbed to the fact that I didn’t have enough oxygen in the tank. Eventually, I came up with a makeshift aerator using an old air pump I found in the attic, and Sir Bubbles was tossing around happily again, while I realized, contrary to my initial thoughts, I was responsible for these little lives.
Lessons in Every Mistake
Looking back, my journey wasn’t just about harvesting fresh greens and having fish chaotically swim around in my backyard. Every hiccup, every dead fish (R.I.P. Sir Bubbles) taught me something invaluable. I learned about patience, understanding ecosystems, and even more about myself. Each moment of frustration led me to a solution, forced me to think outside the box. The backyard had transformed from a blank slate into a thriving, albeit imperfect, habitat.
I remember sitting outside one cool evening, after a long day of tinkering with my system. With the aroma of basil wafting through the air, I watched as the plants flourished despite my blunders. It became a small sanctuary for me—a space to think, to breathe, and believe that maybe, just maybe, I could make this work.
Embrace the Messiness
So, if you’re sitting at home thinking about diving into aquaponics or hydroponics, I urge you: do it! You don’t have to get it right the first time—probably not the second, either. Just start where you are. Nothing feels as satisfying as regularly checking on your little fishies and the greens that feed your body and soul.
In the messy, glorious adventure of my backyard, I found community—a community, mind you, of trial and error, laughter, and occasional tears (mostly for Sir Bubbles). No matter how many fish died or how many times I had to repaint a barrel, I kept learning and growing.
So grab a seat, pour yourself a little cup of coffee, and dive into this wild journey. You’ll figure it out as you go!
If you’re itching to jump into aquaponics or hydroponics, you’re in luck! Join the next session to navigate this messy yet beautiful world. Reserve your seat here!
Leave a Reply