How a Sustainable Aquaponics Farm Grows 7000 Heads of Lettuce a Week

[@aboriginalindigenousnation4449]

This video is awesome, spot-on and informative!" Please do another video on how their fish is harvested.. Thank you so much!"!

[@jlee6168]

Highly impressed by the comprehensive narration from John of what could be very highly complicated operation. Thank you sir.

[@jgrubbi]

thanks for this video! born and raised in Houston and I didn't even know this was here so I'm definitely going to check it out since I most definitely am interested in my own aquaponics system!

[@michaelreyes2794]

Awesome - very thoughtful management system. Well done. This an excellent food production model for all nations. Would love to see a rice with crawdad, lobster, shrimp production in this type of system. Also - maybe they'd be interested in growing Moringa for the seeds to use in the filtration system? By the way if you want a great aquaponics system then go here: AquaSystem.xyz

[@gloriousuvo9707]

You are doing a really great job, just can't get enough of your videos. Thank you from Nigeria .

[@jepcozenith40]

This was epic. Thank you. I really like that you don't just blow sunshine up our arses. You give the pros and cons.

[@darcyleepearson4416]

hay john, just wanted to let you know, last season...potatoes, green onions,celery, vine tomatoes,lettuce, carrots.....not that of a impressive line up but it was my first ever grow...thank you for inspiring me!.....sending you love from the verry cold uk:)x

[@michaelreyes5844]

If you want the best aquaponics system online then go here now: HootAqua.info

[@lucassmith2328]

There are many factors in books on aquaponics . One place I discovered which successfully combines these is this website here AquaSystem.xyz it's the most incredible guide i've seen on aquaponics. Check out all the awesome information .

[@jambojambo313]

Growing Hydronic lettuce, spring onions & herbs (with an H :-) with just 3 Ikea growing lights and it works a treat. Now on our 6th crop and we love just picking off the fresh leaves. Learning lots & will try Aquaponics in 2018. Thanks for all your help from Bristol. UK.

[@mitchs2148]

Absolutely love your videos man. Just want to say thanks for all that you do.

[@paulbinns9375]

A great basic overview of Sustainable techniques. IMHO one cannot simply dictate which methods are best. There are just too many variables involved in individual situations. There is never just ONE single answer. However, longer presentations allow time to see various techniques in practical use, and that's where we can learn and be inspired to include progressive techniques in our own circumstances. This is why I appreciate this presentation, and hope that others will take the time to produce detailed and teachable presentations like this. These ideas are certainly scalable. Thank you for this. I have even learned something that is useful for my indoor bonsai.

[@cjfarnsworth6176]

I agree, there are a few downsides to hydroponics. I do wish we knew more about micronutrients. However, the micronutrients you lose are made up for by not having to worry about soil contaminants. Also, you are much less likely to have pests as most need soil to thrive. Hydroponics if done correctly can use a 1/10 of the water. So for my area where; soil contaminants are likely, and water is scarce, hydroponics is a high value growing method.

[@simonmasters3295]

Not really true, CJ, though I like your point about "contamination". First the micronutrients can, and in a system of this size will, be added - sufficient at least to maximise the lettuce growth. I think the question of taste and quality is a function of variety and maturity of crop...at least with lettuce. If we were talking French wine, however, I would be forced to conceed that the soil type or "terrior" was important.

[@cjfarnsworth6176]

I agree lettuce does have simpler needs than say a fruiting plant. I do suffer from produce envy. There is one and only one company that grows better tasting tomatoes. They are from UT and grow organically. I grow the same tomato hydroponically, but because UT uses worm castings, there's taste better. I've tried to figure out what I could add to improve taste; however, science still doesn't understand all the microbes in worm castings. A few agriculture extensions proved with blind taste studies -that fruiting plants and tubers taste better; when grown in 2" of worm castings. It is a little salt in the wound when you can't use the best. I must take comfort in that fact that my produce is less expensive and has a much longer shelf life.

[@retroaudiomumbai3045]

The quality of your information and your dedication to the purpose at hand at outstanding. I loved the video though I know a bit about aquaponics and I ve seen sustainable harvest on other you tube videos. It was the person of you who made me spend the entire hour listening to every word you said. Compliments from India John...

[@newtagwhodis4535]

You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. Keep up the good fight man, the world needs innovative minds like the folks here and those like you that spread knowledge for the good of all 👍🏼

[@whatsit101]

Great vid thanks!! I love that they do tours and classes too. Worth going to Houston to see.

[@piajensen5591]

Awesome - very thoughtful management system. Well done. This an excellent food production model for all nations. Would love to see a rice with crawdad, lobster, shrimp production in this type of system. Also - maybe they'd be interested in growing Moringa for the seeds to use in the filtration system.

[@Millipedecult]

All these internet gurus putting ads on youtube trying to sell an easy way to millions, while legitimate people like this guy is showing you no bullshit ways to make a living.

[@zamukwandamohale3878]

John man you're sooo passionate about everything organic!! It's great

[@TheRaymacedo1]

John Kohler, Thank you for making this video!

[@LucasBoderius]

one qick tip for your audio: try to set your mic sensitivity a bit higher and speak in a normal voice (loudness wise). loving your content! Keep it up

[@DrDeano]

Yes please!

[@jonathanbonilla4616]

I’m so glad I found this channel. Amazing content

[@jonakui]

... very good and informative comments.. Thank you very much. Keep up the great work and videos. All the best.

[@DavidSilva-dj1lx]

thanks for this video. i enjoyed it. i like when you make long videos

[@thebunnyfoofoo]

I agree. Love it when they are long AND field trip videos.

[@optimusprime7412]

This guy got me thinking I should go back to school. Study gardening, and open my on micro green shop on the south side of Chicago. His videos are that dam good, lol.

[@realtopicnow]

Interesting project. Great presentation bro

[@chesttiger]

Thanks bro. You answer all of my questions. And looking forward to much more exudation. Once again thank you. GW

[@renegaderats]

when i first clicked this video and saw it was an hour i almost clicked away but decided to leave it for a few minutes while i did something else... an hour later and im glad i didnt click away haha i watched the whole thing enthusiastically

[@renegaderats]

thumbs up and subbed

[@Sky_Daddy]

Awesome video! You have a new subscriber!! I'm getting ready to start building a small aquaponics setup myself. I have black soldier flies that will eat food waste while they are grubs. They have a natural instinct to leave the waste and go into the grounds to mature into adults. With a ramp and a bucket built into the waste, they will "self harvest" up the ramp and into the bucket. They can be used to feed chickens and fish! No need to buy food for the fish, it's a good source of omegas, and it's 100% natural.

[@TheOneSpurs]

Wish you showed the main filter with three compartments - interesting set up still

[@andrewmackenzie2638]

It sounds like an up/down baffle tank, which is common in water treatment for separating out the solids (usually with addition of flocculants, polymers and air bubbles). See this image for an idea of the design www.kullabs.com/uploads/201606020613331000%5B1%5D.jpg

[@TheOneSpurs]

***** thank you very much for the image! Very helpful

[@Vdub-md2wz]

Andrew Mackenzie pretty much what I use for my saltwater aquarium.

[@juancesarlim5479]

@@andrewmackenzie2638 p

[@juancesarlim5479]

@@andrewmackenzie2638 p

[@nick55ification]

Someone let me know what you think?? One concern I am not sure of is....the kind of plants that people use (spinach, artichoke, basil, tomatoes, etc (not algae)) have evolved alongside non-sea animals like cattle. Cattle and fish have different bacteria. In theory, simplistic: plants need ammonia, fish secretes it. but what about the micronutrients...would water with chicken fertilizer in vertical farm be better (somehow)? Needs to change! I'm for aquaponic after watching your videos. I love you man. You're so great.

[@bradmetcalf5333]

I had a chance to visit this place a few years ago. The fish what went in to my first aquaponics system came from here. Very cool place to go check out.

[@grahamphuvanatnaranubala2391]

Hello John, Thank you for an overview of aquaponic system. It is fantasstic and pack full of information. I had been watching many of your videos on these subject. Question, if you could. Please list the supplier and their contact info for such item as Styrofaom board, the plug w tray and fitting components - piping, valves etc. Thank you in advance.

[@lindaleal809]

One of your best videos. Promising process if the overall cost of running the system is reasonable. Home unit might seem affordable for a school or nursing home or similar institutional group. Thanks for all of your efforts that encourage us to grow something; just a little for ourselves or more to share with others.

[@mimib7970]

what a wonderful brainstorm field trip site....wish we had something like this here in the NorthWest

[@leannequilat5275]

Can someone please tell me if it's always a need to use net caps for floating rafts? Or does it vary depending on the plant or can plants really survive and grow without the support of net caps by just adjusting the size of the holes? The floating rafts on 55:46 don't seem to have any. Thanks

[@sherrynalder1359]

Thank you for another great video John.

[@juanma2048]

Excelent, every minute worths. Great job bro, also great communicator. Thanks from Argentina.

[@hoofpanels6519]

Not every hydroponic system are set up that way There are thousands of ways to keep things clean. Like earth farmers we are always making things better and cleaner. As far as aquaponics we ae doing the same. Keep up the videos

[@triplex7144]

Hi from Australia Fantastic video john you always give a great overview. I'm running a similar system but run my water thru pipes that I grow my lettuce in. I also use air to move my water which adds more oxygen and in uses less energy than water pumps.

[@MikeTLive]

growing "super male" tilapia is a big thing for aquaponics in australia. been this way for long while. and for most of the reasons you point out. this is an important point.

[@2lila1]

Thanks for sharing ❤, warm greetings from PNG.

[@joannberman7795]

im starting my aquaponic garden next week ,however home made ,very excited to have fresh organic spinich and kale .

[@LaurelCanyonMojo]

The only disappointment is the purina fish chow. I have been reading about duckweed as a feed for fish as well as soldier fly larvae. Thanks for walking through the whole system, it looks amazing. I wondered about solar power.. Texas sunlight..automated systems.. seems like they might be ready for the next step in a few years. It could be there as a backup for the backup ;)

[@andrewtowell6074]

That would cost a lot of money to setup

[@GoGreenYes]

Growing 7000 heads lettuce a week?? wow.. its amazing...

[@benhugi4575]

@@marlonpruna304 i

[@stormytrails]

Whoa!! Yahoo!! I love that bed of nails!! Protects the trays for use the next year otherwise you have to squeeze those little pots so much that it ruins the tray.

[@aldo599]

this is a huge help. I'm looking to start a commercial farm. thanks you.. any suggestions please let me know.. Bill

[@PabloOlmedoJr]

Extensive aquaponics, thanks you so much for the hard work.

[@ahmf155]

Very educational, Great Job John! Well Done 👍

[@RajKumar-s7j4s]

Hello John very nice video thank you so much

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Fantastic! Low input high output without people pooping in the cilantro - amen!

[@landondergler4959]

Still...One of my favorite videos on youtube

[@bcmasur]

recap: worms + fish + vegetables = aquaponics compost vegetable scraps with worms, worms multiply rapidly as you give them scraps, feed them to the fish, sell them, or expand project fish breed (unless you get only males like in this video) fish grow, consume them, sell them, compost them, or expand project use composted soil for seeding and fish waste water for growing Did I get anything wrong? What I don't understand is why they aren't using the worms as fish food (maybe they are, just a little?) From what I understand is the worms can be all the food the fish need. John! It seemed like you were showing some signs of heat stroke in this video... Take care of yourself, we love ya man! Keep up the good work!

[@KunwarDigvijayPratapSingh]

This has got to be one of the most informative videos on aquaponics. Could you please tell what is the ration of fishes to plants here or any relation as to how many fishes to have for a certain vegetation??

[@ronmoon7962]

Two factors could be addressed to make this operation better qualify as being "sustainable" IMHO. First is the fish food. Why would they use commercial fish food pellets as a primary input material, when they can produce fish food themselves in a sustainable manner, and KNOW what is in the fish food? The trimmings from harvested plants going to market could be used to feed the small fish, and worms produced on site could be used to feed the larger fish. Tilapia eat about anything, which is why they are preferred for aquaponic systems. I'm pretty sure that they could produce their own fish food one way or another. Next is the level of power consumed to operate the facility. A small bio-char co-gen system could provide much of the needed heat and power for the facility, as well as producing a viable usable end product for the facility filtration systems as well as for other applications. Any excess bio-char produced could also be sold to other local farms for soil amendment. Input material for the bio-char plant could be supplied very economically by getting local waste products such as corn husks and saw mill byproducts. In fact they could probably collect tipping fees for having these byproducts delivered to site, as many states are creating new legislation limiting how much of these bio-materials go to land fills. This is not to say that Sustainable Harvesters is not a very impressive operation and well advanced at what they are doing. I would just not call it "sustainable" quite yet...

[@simonmasters3295]

Yes! Yes! and Yes! But let not the great be the enemy of the good...this is a damn good effort

[@lilaclizard4504]

It's a good effort in PR, it is really NOT a good effort in anything else! At the least the outer lettuce leaves should be going back into the fish food but clearly their food is both not sustainable but also not containing the right nutrients or they wouldn't need rock minerals! They should be growing algae/seaweed as fish food

[@keeganbrown4669]

The Purina food they use is specifically formulated to lessen solid waste.

[@zaappp1588]

Not to mention it is of consistent quality, size, nutrition, etc. Throwing a hodge podge of ingredients and quantities in as fish food makes it hard to pinpoint deficiencies or problems in large systems.

[@melissarmt7330]

Love your videos, John! I learn something new every day :)

[@Howiedog88]

"I'm going to go ahead and wash my hands" *rinses hands off

[@BenjasUberHobby]

What an amazing set up! Amazing video!! Thanks for sharing :)

[@Jean.34]

Hello John. very impressive. I actually was doing a study on the same project. I am actually planning to do the same project in 10,000 Square feet green house. I am so glad that you have done this visit and would love to know if sustainable harvest can help me with putting up my project which is very similar to this one.

[@manzorkhan7887]

Aiman Janoudi We also working small farmer right in Pakistan so share me kitchen garding traing

[@narendramandalapu4864]

WW 34 hey! I'm planning a similar project too. Any inputs would be great!

[@onlyyou5817]

That is very close to me. I am going to go see this place. Looks awesome!

[@ChrisChen11]

Amazing information. Thumbs up, and subscribed. Thank you very much and will be watching more of your videos.

[@subramanyavarmabhupathiraj9057]

Awesome vedio. But I just want to know if we keep on adding water does the water will over flow

[@aquaponicssource5005]

I am just getting into starting my adventures in aquaponics

[@TEJASPATKAR999]

What is cost for 1acres hydroponic farm

[@infinite5oul578]

Man this is so awesome!!! Subscribed!!! Keep em coming!!!

[@atmm89]

wow this is fantastic so informative and actually entertaining. Thank you

[@ayhamtahaa]

Thanks for filming ! Would you please share with us how can we get in touch with this farm? Thanks !

[@HashFace253]

I like how high on vegetables John is all the time capsicum gets you on a good one

[@debraBmaddox]

excellent video!!! i watched the entire thing and have no intentions gardening b/c im in the city and dont know a thing about it,,but this video was fascinating and very informative for me,, makes me wanna get out there and create a deal like this- just on a smaller scale!

[@gcaptainthemarinevlogger]

Wow, I wish I am able to make GREENHOUSE same like yours.......From Philippines with LOVE :-)

[@mauricerogerson5825]

I'd be curious to know what they do with the fish scrap after they fillet and package them.

[@DookieJuice1111]

2:20 "One thing they doodoo here is they doodoo tours. *holds back laughter*"

[@danestrachan8458]

Wow I'm blown away. However I have a question. Is this method much cheaper than traditional methods of growing lettuce and other vegetables? If so how?

[@pingguerrero2007]

Thank you for your effort. I've learned a lot from you explaining the process up to the tiniest details like for e.g fish food brand, water container for sprinkling the baby lettuces. Even though is is 6 years ago, still very helpful. Hope you're doing fine. Keep safe.

[@ronfabio9397]

as usual, another outstanding, highly informative video!!!

[@MrVsBees]

John I am sad you were just down the street from me and we didn't get to have a chance to talk a little. my tilapia came from that farm.

[@reubenpuan]

Maybe i missed it but it was not explained was the water recycle back to the fish tank. Was it filtered again before going to the fish tank.

[@vermontapple]

Awesome. I always wonder how sustainable these systems really are. What does it take to produce the fish food? What does it take to produce only male fish? How much electricity are all those pumps using? It's still producing food with 100% added inputs...

[@johngabrielgenuino2357]

What Chemicals did they add again in their home ver? I wasn't able to hear it properly.

[@TradChadFarm]

2:22 John said doodoo twice

[@JayMacroPhotos]

I like aquaponics. I would be interested in more videos for home aquaponics.

[@heavyglassglass]

If I water my plants with the water I take out from my fish tank water changes would it be good for the plant, or is that not the same as aquaponics?

[@forcefield5888]

Great show man, thanks for all that you do. :)

[@kenarmstrong4742]

Hey John, You should come do one of these at our farm in the San Francisco Area, Ouroboros Farms!

[@sethboakye-dankwah1556]

Awesome, very insightful. Thank you very much.

[@naomihavens3030]

I enjoyed your video, thank you very much.. it was very informative. please keep up the good work!

[@lydiamorrison5978]

i need some info onn this for real, please share if you can assist with anything to get started

[@pedrocaria6852]

Great video John. Thanks.

[@luizdoi5950]

Great video John. Would you have the address in Houston where you visited for this video that you can share to us?

[@donaldmiller8629]

By the way , ALL forms of fertilizers are chemical formulations ! The only difference is in being man made or naturally occuring .

[@Modernist_Pantry]

Would you recommend adding mineral dust to a hydroponic system? If so how much would you add per gallon and how often?

[@FredericPouyot]

What is the size of the Greenhouse and area of deep water culture? What is the size of their fish tanks?

[@WEYHARRY1]

Fantastic video, I love the detail you go into. Keep doing the videos. Fantastic.

[@leftertiberiuvlad]

interesting points ,if anyone else wants to discover aquaponics survival communities magazine try Proutklarton Surviving Instruction Plan ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my buddy got excellent results with it.

[@srbijapodlupom9907]

Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else is searching for buy a aquaponics system try Proutklarton Surviving Instruction Plan (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my work buddy got excellent success with it.

[@j0nrages]

They live down the street from me, I should go check them out.

[@zumasun]

once again. thank you for everything you do and share

[@stormytrails]

What are they using for soil? How much do those racks cost? What kind of lighting?

[@ousyan5895]

Thanks for the video, great insight. I hoped for more technical details but thanks anyway. I have two questions, I hope someone can help me with: 1) how much fresh water is needed to put in the system? 2) are there really no nutrients being added to the plants?

[@joeelvis]

Hello Sir. Which system plants grow better, aquaponics or hydroponics"

[@flashpointrecycling]

Seminar or sermon? John, I love your topic. I love your enthusiasm. I love your locations. What a great idea and very well executed! However, I have seen several of your videos now and you have driven the message home hard. I am never going to listen to that for another hour. No need, I am already sold. You had me at, "We are here in Houston"! It is not enough to stand inside a cool place and preach continuously. Sorry! We were 12:31 minutes into this video before you actually showed the inside (the little test system did not deserve 10 minutes of explanation). Is it possible to get the owner or management to give the tour and describe it in their own words with their own emphases and specialties? They must have a nutritionist, controller, accountant or even the people that harvest and pack the lettuce. I would love to hear from the account manger that maintains relationships with the restaurants and groceries. I also want to see their fish raising process. I want the details from people who are doing it. To look around, this place looks deserted but can you imagine the timing needed to pull this off? Thank you so much for bringing us to these incredible places that otherwise would be out of reach. But, there are plenty of places I could go to get an over the top monologue. I did not mean that as terse as it reads.

[@loudowski9932]

I have a question in terms of hydroponics. What if you lived right on a river bank- could hydroponics be a much better idea too add to farm (if running also aqua-ponics)? Thinking of this because clean river water (with live frogs,trout and crayfish living in it), as well as plants- will have a high source of nutrition to plants if pumped up to hydroponic beds and then drained back to river?

[@anthonyng6730]

May you show how they pack their harvested Lettuce inside their refrigerator room? Thank you

[@stormytrails]

What do they use for fertilizer for their operation? Just JUST fish water?

[@dan.ktrimminallday3237]

Awesome... I'm thinking about some thing like this with my back yard pool.... and still be able to swim... Something like an organic pool,but with herbs and veggies as filters....

[@pattis8945]

Very informative! Thanks! Q: What happens to the roots that get cut off at harvest time?

[@ferherres]

Usually they go to compost in this type of systems.

[@kathanquan]

Awesome. Do they help replicate the system at a different area?