The History of iAVs & Aquaponics: For Dummies!

With so much negativity in the world today, we wrote this light-hearted post, hopefully it can make you laugh, and learn at the same time 🙂

Alright, settle in, you degenerate gamblers and truth-seekers. Let’s talk about where this whole aquaponics thing came from, and how it got twisted, man. It’s 2025, and the world’s still a dumpster fire, but we got this story to share of ancient wisdom, missed opportunities, and the eternal struggle against the bullshit.

Light-hearted post,” they said. “Make people laugh,” they said. Yeah, well, I’m about as light-hearted as Elon Musk’s Twitter feed after a bottle of whiskey and a bad breakup. And as for laughter? The only thing funny about this world is how easily you all swallow the bullshit.

Terminology: “Aquaponics”

First off, “aquaponics.” It’s a new name for an old game. See, these ideas, they been around for centuries. But the word itself? That’s a recent invention. It’s like… like calling heroin “Vitamin H.” It’s just a label, man. Don’t get hung up on the name. Marketing, man. It’s all about the marketing. They could call it “shit-ponics” and it’d still sell if they put enough glitter on it.

 I bet Trump thinks aquaponics is a new way to build a wall… a wall of lettuce! And Elon? He’s probably trying to figure out how to launch a hydroponic farm into space, powered by dogecoin and fueled by his own ego. “Mars Tomatoes, now available for only $10,000 a piece!”

Aztec Chinampas:

These Aztecs, man, they were onto something. They built these floating gardens, these chinampas, in the middle of the lake. They piled up mud and weeds, grew their crops, and the fish in the water? They fertilized the whole damn thing. It was a beautiful system, a natural symbiosis. But it wasn’t aquaponics, not really. It was just… smart.

Of course, they also ripped out hearts and sacrificed people to the sun god, so, you know, pros and cons. It’s like a vegan butcher shop – a bit of a mixed message.

Asian Rice-Fish Systems:

Then you got the rice-fish systems in Asia. They flooded the rice paddies, put fish in there, and the fish waste fed the rice. It’s the same idea, man, using what you got to make something better. It’s like… like turning lead into gold. Only, you’re turning fish shit into rice.

It’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship. Unless you’re the fish, then it’s just a one-way ticket to the dinner table. It’s like working for Elon. You get to be part of something “revolutionary,” right up until you’re fired via tweet for disagreeing with his latest conspiracy theory. It’s like working for Amazon. You get to be part of something “innovative,” right up until you’re replaced by a robot that can pack boxes faster and doesn’t require bathroom breaks.

Inca Agricultural Systems:

The Incas, they had their own thing going on. Ponds, geese, fish… a whole ecosystem. It was efficient, it was sustainable, but it wasn’t aquaponics. It was just… integrated. Like a good marriage, only with more fish shit.

Early Experiments in the 1960s-1970s:

Then, in the 60s and 70s, some scientists started messing around with these ideas. They were trying to figure out how to grow food in a closed system, how to recycle water, how to make things more efficient. They were onto something, man, but they didn’t quite have it all figured out…Probably too busy dropping acid and protesting the war. They were like Elon trying to solve world hunger with a flamethrower.

South Carolina:

South Carolina, they were trying to clean up catfish ponds with water chestnuts. It was a good idea, but it wasn’t quite there yet…Probably because they were too busy arguing about the Civil War.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution:

Woods Hole, they were growing lobsters and flounders with wastewater. It was a start, but it wasn’t the whole picture.

New Alchemy Institute:

The New Alchemy Institute, man, those guys were visionaries. They were trying to create a whole new way of living, a sustainable way of life. They were experimenting with all sorts of things, including integrated aquaculture systems. They were onto something, but they didn’t quite have all the pieces…Probably because they were too busy building geodesic domes and listening to Joni Mitchell.

University of the Virgin Islands (UVI):

UVI, they were doing their thing with deep water culture. It was a system, but it was complicated, it was expensive, and it took a lot of energy. It was like… like trying to build a spaceship to go to the grocery store.

Now, listen up, because this is where the timeline gets a little… fuzzy. See, these UVI guys, they were struttin’ around like they invented the damn wheel with their DWC system. But here’s the truth, man: McMurtry and the iAVs crew were already knee-deep in the real work, years before UVI even started building their overpriced, energy-sucking monstrosity. We’re talking at least four, maybe even eight years, depending on who you ask and how much peyote they’ve ingested.

And get this: Back in ’86, McMurtry offered all his iAVs data to this Rakocy character at UVI, gratis. You know what Rakocy said? “Fuck off and never contact me again!” Three times, man! Three times! Then hung up. Click. Classy. Real scientific. Probably too busy polishing his “World’s Greatest Aquaponics Innovator” trophy.

Here’s the thing: DWC, it’s often touted as a high-yield, efficient system. But where’s the data? Where’s the proof? You see a lot of claims, a lot of anecdotal evidence, but not a lot of rigorous, peer-reviewed research. And UVI? They never even bothered with peer review! Self-reporting is not science, people. It’s like writing your own glowing Yelp review.

It’s like… like a politician making promises. They sound good, they look good, but can they actually deliver?

And that’s the problem with DWC. It’s got a lot of potential, but it hasn’t been fully realized. It’s like… like a car with a flat tire. It’s got the engine, it’s got the design, but it can’t perform without the right support.

And that’s the problem with a lot of these aquaponics systems today. They’re based on hype, not science. They’re based on marketing, not evidence. They’re trying to sell you a dream, but they’re not telling you the whole story.

The Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System (iAVs):

And then came Dr. Mark McMurtry. He saw the problems, he saw the potential, and he came up with something new. He called it the Integrated Aqua-Vegeculture System, or iAVs. Sounds like a Soviet missile system. “iAVs, ready to launch… tomatoes!”

Development and Early Experiments:

McMurtry, he was a different kind of cat. He wasn’t just trying to grow food; he was trying to solve a problem. He saw the deserts spreading, the soil dying, the water disappearing. He knew we needed a better way. He was like the Batman of botany.

This iAVs thing… it’s about feedin’ people. Empowerin’ ’em. Givin’ ’em the tools to tell the big boys to shove their genetically modified, pesticide-laden garbage right up their corporate asses.

Collaboration and Advancements:

He teamed up with some smart people, some real scientists, and they started experimenting.

You got these… these academics, right? At North Carolina State University, no less. Sounds prestigious, doesn’t it? They’re actually doing somethin’ worthwhile, instead of, I don’t know, spending their goddamn days locked in digital pissing contests with mouth-breathing morons on social media.

They tried different things, they tested different ideas, and they figured out what worked.

And get this, folks. Get a load of this bullshit. They actually documented it! Can you believe it? Every little goddamn thing they did. Like they’re expecting someone to actually care! Like there’s some vast, teeming horde of intellectually curious citizens just dying to know the precise methodology behind… I don’t know… the optimal feeding schedule for tilapia.

You think Joe Sixpack is sitting at home, crackin’ open a cold one, and sayin’, “Honey, you seen the latest issue of the Journal of Applied Aquaculture? I’m just dyin’ to get into that peer-reviewed analysis of polyculture systems!”

These iAVs folks, they’re like the goddamn unsung heroes of the food revolution. They’re doing the real work, the important work, while the airwaves are filled with celebrity gossip and the latest flavor of corporate-sponsored bullshit. They’re giving away the secrets, the knowledge that could actually make a difference, and the bastards in power are doing everything they can to keep it under wraps.

Think about it. Free information. Helping people feed themselves. Empowering communities. It’s the antithesis of everything the big corporations stand for. They thrive on your ignorance and your dependence. They want you to believe that food magically appears on supermarket shelves, conveniently packaged and priced to bleed you dry.

Research and Expansion:

Dr. McMurtry took iAVs to Africa, to the Middle East, to places where people were struggling to survive. And it worked, man. It grew food, it saved water, and it gave people hope.

Academic Pursuits and Challenges:

But then, the system got in the way. The university wanted to patent it, to sell it to some big corporation. McMurtry, he wasn’t having it. He wanted it to be free, for everyone to use. He fought a legal battle against the university to make iAVs open-source and available to everyone, and guess what? The university kicked him out.

Because that’s what happens when you try to do the right thing. You get screwed. It’s the American way. It’s the Trump way. “Make Aquaponics Great Again! (Patent Pending)

iAVs Research Group:

Alright, listen up, because this is important. You see all these systems out there, claiming to be the best, the most efficient, the most sustainable? Well, talk is cheap. What you need is proof. And that’s where the iAVs Research Group comes in.

Now, these ain’t just some guys who read a book and decided to start growing tomatoes in their backyard. These are scientists, man. Real scientists, with real credentials, with real expertise. And ten of them? Ten of them have been recognized as “Fellows” in their respective fields.

What does that mean? It means they’re the best of the best. It’s like… like getting a lifetime achievement award in rock and roll. It means you’ve made a significant contribution to your field, that you’re respected by your peers, and that you know your shit.

It’s the highest professional honor conferred on a scientist, except for a Nobel Laureate. Think about that for a second. These are people who have dedicated their lives to understanding the world around us, to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and to making a difference.

They didn’t just stumble upon iAVs; they investigated it. They studied it, they tested it, and they validated it. They put it through the wringer, man, and it came out on top.

And that’s what makes iAVs so credible. It’s not just some backyard experiment; it’s a scientifically proven system, backed by the expertise of some of the most respected scientists in the world.

It’s like… like having a team of all-star players on your side. You know you’re gonna win.

These Fellows, they’re not just names on a list. They’re experts in horticulture, in soil science, in aquatic ecology, in all sorts of different fields. They brought their knowledge, their experience, and their rigor to the iAVs project.

And that’s why you can trust iAVs. It’s not based on hype, it’s not based on marketing, it’s based on science. It’s based on the hard work, the dedication, and the expertise of some of the best minds in the world.

So, next time you hear someone talking about aquaponics, ask them about the science. Ask them about the research. Ask them about the proof. And if they can’t give you a straight answer, then you know they’re full of shit.

International Outreach and Impact:

McMurtry, he took iAVs to the world. He showed people how to grow their own food, how to take control of their own lives. He was a true revolutionary…He was like Che Guevara, but with more tilapia. And less beard.

Speraneos and Bioponics:

And then came the Speraneos. They took McMurtry’s idea, they changed it for the worse, they complicated it, and they called it “bioponics.” It wasn’t as efficient, it wasn’t as sustainable, but it was easier to sell. They were like the Milli Vanilli of aquaponics, lip-synching to someone else’s genius.

They’re like the guys who put pineapple on pizza – technically food, but morally questionable.

The Freshwater Institute:

The Freshwater Institute, they did their own thing, too. They copied McMurtry’s work, but they didn’t give him credit. They were like the record company stealing from the blues musicians.

USDA Examination:

The USDA, they even got involved. They funded a commercial trial of iAVs, and it worked, man. It proved that it could be done on a large scale…Of course, then they probably buried the report because it didn’t involve Monsanto.

Unanswered Communications with FAO:

McMurtry, he tried to tell the FAO about iAVs, but they wouldn’t listen. They were too busy pushing their own agenda…Probably too busy counting their bribes from Big Ag. They’re like the guys who refuse to believe the Earth is round, even when they’re standing on it.

iAVs Implementation in Namibia:

Namibia, they were ready to embrace iAVs. They had the land, they had the need, and they had the support. But then, the money got stolen, the project got derailed, and the people got screwed. Because that’s how it always goes, right? Hope gets a flat tire and dies on the side of the road. It’s like a feel-good movie, but with a tragic ending.

Challenges and Controversies:

McMurtry, he faced a lot of challenges. He lost his job, he lost his home, he lost everything. But he never gave up on iAVs…He’s like the iAVs Sisyphus, forever pushing that rock uphill. He’s like a vegan at a barbecue – constantly fighting an uphill battle.

Challenges in Israel and Palestine:

Israel, they didn’t want Palestine to have iAVs. They didn’t want them to be self-sufficient. They wanted them to be dependent. Because control is the name of the game, folks. Always has been, always will be.

Adversity and Setbacks:

McMurtry, he’s been through hell and back. But he’s still fighting the good fight…He’s like a cockroach in a nuclear apocalypse, still kicking.

Revival and Recognition:

And now, iAVs is making a comeback. People are starting to realize that it’s the real deal, that it’s a sustainable solution for a world in crisis. It’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes, only instead of fire, it’s rising from fish poop.

FAO’s Missed Opportunity in Gaza:

The FAO, they’re still pushing their own agenda. They’re still ignoring iAVs. They’re still missing the point.

They’re like the band that keeps playing the same tired song while the world burns down around them. They’re like the guy who brings a knife to a gunfight.

Critical Analysis of “Aquaponics Food Production Systems” Paper:

That paper, man, it’s a joke. It ignores the history, it ignores the science, and it ignores the truth. It’s just another example of the system trying to control the narrative.

And speaking of deep, dark rabbit holes… Namibia, Palestine, USAID, the World Bank, the UNFAO… Man, I could tell you stories that would make your hair stand on end. Stories of corruption, of greed, of blatant disregard for human life. But this ain’t the place. I’d need a whole bottle of whiskey and a lifetime supply of therapy to even scratch the surface. Let’s just say, there’s a lot more to those sagas than meets the eye. Acid trips, man. Acid trips.

So, there you have it. The history of aquaponics and iAVs. It’s a story of ancient wisdom, scientific innovation, and the eternal struggle against the powers that be. It’s a story of hope, a story of resilience, and a story that’s still being written. Now, go out there and write your own chapter. Don’t let the bastards grind you down.

And remember, question everything. Especially me.  I’m probably just trying to sell you something. Like my new line of “Aquaponics Miracle Fish Food”. It’s just fish food, but I charge ten times the price.

The Hustle: Greed, Lies, and the Fight to Stop iAVs

See, there’s a whole industry built around aquaponics. They’re selling you fancy systems, expensive equipment, and all sorts of snake oil supplements. They gotta convince you that it’s complicated, that you can’t do it without them. They gotta keep you hooked, keep you spending. It’s a hustle, man, a beautiful, well-orchestrated hustle. It’s like the diamond industry – convincing you that something completely unnecessary is a symbol of love.

And they’re making a killing. It’s like Elon sold you the Cybertruck as if it was forged in the fires of Mordor, ready to laugh off bullets and asteroid impacts. Turns out, it’s more like they slapped some oversized aluminum foil onto a Playskool chassis and called it ‘battle-ready.’ You’re not rolling into the apocalypse; you’re just attracting bewildered stares in a glorified breadbox on wheels.

See, they try to make you think you need all this fancy equipment, all this complicated knowledge. They try to make you feel like you’re not smart enough, that you can’t do it on your own. But that’s bullshit, man. It’s like trying to convince you that you need a PhD to boil an egg.

iAVs, at its core, is simple. It’s about using what you got, about working with nature, and about keeping things as basic as possible.

You got a fish tank, a sand bed, some plants, and you got a pump connected to a timer, plus a flexible hose. That’s it. That’s all you need to get started.

You don’t need to be a chemist to understand how it works. You don’t need to be a biologist to manage it. You just need to be willing to learn, to experiment, and to get your hands dirty.

The beauty of iAVs is that it’s designed to be forgiving. It’s designed to be resilient. It’s designed to work, even if you don’t know everything. The sand, it acts as a buffer, protecting the fish from sudden changes in water quality. The plants, they act as a filter, cleaning the water and providing nutrients for the fish. The microbes, they act as a team, breaking down the waste and making everything work together. It’s a system that’s designed to take care of itself, to a certain extent. You just gotta give it a little nudge in the right direction. It’s like a self-cleaning oven – you still have to wipe it down occasionally, but it does most of the work for you.

But here’s the thing: iAVs, it’s different. It’s free. It’s open-source. It’s for the people. And that scares the hell out of them.

These guys, they got money to lose. They got empires to protect. They’re not gonna let some simple, sustainable system come along and disrupt their gravy train. They’re gonna fight it, they’re gonna discredit it, they’re gonna try to bury it. They’re gonna tell you it’s too simple, it’s too good to be true, it’s not as efficient as their fancy systems. They’re gonna lie to your face, man, just to keep you buying their shit. It’s like the oil companies trying to suppress electric cars.

It’s like… like the media. They tell you they’re giving you the news, but they’re really just selling you fear and propaganda. They tell you they’re informing you, but they’re really just manipulating you. It’s the same game, different players.

But here’s the truth: iAVs, it works. It’s been proven, it’s been tested, and it’s been documented. It’s not some pie-in-the-sky fantasy; it’s a real, sustainable solution.

And the people behind iAVs, they’re not in it for the money. They’re not trying to get rich. They’re doing it for free, man, because they believe in it. They believe in empowering people, they believe in sustainability, and they believe in facts. They’re like the volunteers who clean up the beach – doing it because they care, not for the paycheck.

Dr. McMurtry, he didn’t get rich off iAVs. He spent 200K of his own money on the iAVs research. He lost his job, he lost his home, he lost everything. But he never gave up on the system. He knew it was too important, too valuable to let it die.

And that’s why we’re here, man. That’s why we’re spreading the word. We’re not trying to sell you anything. We’re just trying to give you the facts.

So, don’t let them fool you. Don’t let them scare you. Don’t let them control you. Do your own research, think for yourself, and decide what’s right for you.

And if you decide that iAVs is the way to go, then join us. Let’s build a better world, one fish, one vegetable at a time. Let’s take back our power, let’s grow our own food, and let’s tell the truth, no matter who it pisses off. Because that’s what it’s all about, man. The truth. And a good, healthy tomato.

iAVs: The Unacknowledged Foundation of Flood and Drain

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. You see all these flood and drain systems out there, these backyard aquaponics setups? They all owe a debt, whether they know it or not, to iAVs. It’s like… like rock and roll. Elvis got famous, but Chuck Berry wrote the damn songs. Or, more accurately, like Coldplay getting all the credit for Radiohead’s sound.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. “Flood and drain? It’s just a simple idea. Water goes up, water goes down.” But it’s not just the idea, it’s the execution. It’s the science behind it. And that’s where iAVs comes in.

Dr. Mark McMurtry, back in the 80s, he wasn’t just throwing water around. He was studying the why. He was figuring out the optimal ratios, the best materials, the right timing. He was building a system based on evidence, not just guesswork.

And what did he use? Sand. Not gravel, not clay pebbles, but sand. And that’s the key, man. The sand wasn’t just a growing medium; it was a biofilter. It was trapping the solids, it was housing the microbes, and it was creating the perfect environment for plant growth.

Now, a lot of these flood and drain systems you see today, they don’t use sand. They use gravel, or clay pebbles, or some other inert medium. And that’s where they go wrong. They’re missing the point. They’re missing the magic. They’re like a magician who forgot his rabbit.

They’re relying on external filters, on chemical supplements, on all sorts of complicated gadgets. They’re trying to force nature to do their bidding, instead of working with it.

iAVs, it’s different. It’s a natural system. It’s a self-regulating system. It’s a system that works with nature, not against it.

So, how did these flood and drain systems get so popular? Well, that’s where the Speraneos come in. They took McMurtry’s idea, they changed it so they could sell their instructional kits for $199, they made it use more parts, and they sold it to the gullible masses. They’re like the guys who sell you a “miracle” weight loss pill that’s just caffeine and a laxative.

Now, they sacrificed efficiency for simplicity. They sacrificed science for profit. And that’s a dangerous game, man.

They took out the sand, they put in the gravel, and they created a system that was harder to build, and harder to manage. It was like… like taking the engine out of a car and replacing it with a hamster wheel. It might get you there, but it’s gonna take a lot longer, and it’s gonna be a lot more work.

And that’s the problem with a lot of these flood and drain systems today. They’re based on a flawed foundation. They’re missing the key ingredient: the sand. They’re like a cake recipe that forgot the flour.

So, next time you see a flood and drain system, remember where it came from. Remember Dr. Mark McMurtry, remember the iAVs, and remember the importance of sticking to the science.

So, next time you hear someone talking about aquaponics, ask them about the science. Ask them about the research. Ask them about the proof. And if they can’t give you a straight answer, then you know they’re full of shit.

In the end, it’s not about the fancy equipment, it’s not about the complicated gadgets, it’s not about the money. It’s about growing food, it’s about sustainability, and it’s about doing things right. And that, my friends, is a truth worth fighting for.

Now, bugger off. I’ve got a tax return to avoid.