As the kids say, Its all good. We all come to it from different experiences. Ironically (is that a word?) the reasons I like aquaponics are the same reason sI like this website. I like offbeat, interesting takes on things. I also like the idea of never having to water plants…. or as you say babysit them. For some people watering plants is a joy, but not for me. So it appealed to the more food less work thing. I was interested in it. I was a little intimidated by the complexity so nothing happened until….. I am at lowes, and something that has never happened before or since… a man comes on the loudspeaker saying they are getting rid of an above ground pool for pennies on the dollar.. . 50 bucks…..for a 1400 hundred gallon pool…. I already knew someone local that had tilapia and so I just kinda fell into it….I also have always loved raising fish in home aquariums… so that appealed to me. I never cycled my system or checked ph or other stuff. I just jumped into it. Maybe I was lucky , but I found them easier and less work than my chickens. I also loved the fact that I cound have a swamp garden with all the plants that love wet feet. Wicking… I guess you would say but really just sticking the plants in pots and then directly into my large “filter” area. The plants : canna lilies, water celery, hibiscus, water chestnuts, native iris, papyrus, and I hoped one day to put lots of cat tails, all seemed to do fine there. I will one day get it up and running again for that reason alone. I alsohad some luck in the growbeds with watercress, and lettuce and even brocolli. Is it for everyone? no , was I just lucky, perhaps, Do I love checking out David the Good’s website everyday as much as I love listening to my favorite wacky , cult, weird band… Sparks…. you betcha!