Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi, We have a new system - Balconey Maximus system from Murray Hallam. We have had it approximately 6 weeks.
Filled with Grow Media and planted up with combination of seedlings and seeds. Initially things seemed to be going well, but then the plants did not appear to be growing. I think it was because my husband thought that you only put seasol in once a week and therefore the plants have had no nutrients for them to flourish.

How do I bring the system back into synch and get the plants thriving?

I did a bit of digging and foundthat we should have been giving Seasol daily, so have started doing that over the last week. I am sure that there has been some improvement.

Also noticed that the plants are starting to yellow and become veiny.

Help so that I can get this back on track please......

Hi Gaz, seasol will not provide the nutrients you plants need to grow. They can help a little, but they have very low levels of the macro nutrients plants need Do you have any fish in the system?

Hi Gaz - have you been testing the water for pH, Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates???... if so ... what are your latest results? Best wishes - ColinW

I don't think you got the right information here... Seasol daily?? Once a week sounds okay but typically I add seasol and chelated iron about every fortnight or when I cannot remember the last time I added Seasol...

And yes, I do hope that you have fish in your system since you did not mention anything about fish...

Seasol will not provide all the nutrients you plants need. It contains no nitrogen, which is the main component of AP.

6 Weeks isn't a long time perhaps your system hasn't cycled yet? have you got a test kit? maybe you could
provide us with nitrate and nitrite levels etc,
i remember when i planted my first crop before it was cycled and most of my plants had stunted growth, but after a few more weeks the system cycled and I replanted a few veggies and haven't look back

Seasol also wont cycle your system... not to anywhere near the bacterial load required when you add fish...

It will help maintain your plants while you're first cycling... with fish, or fish-less...

what do you mean by cycling the system?

how do I get the bacteria growing?

test results as follows:

PH > 7.6
High PH 8
Amonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0

we have a nitrogen deficiency, so what do we need to add to get these levels right?

What fish do you have in the fish tank??

What fish do you have Gaz? How many and what size?
Can you post a picture for us please? We love photos and welcome to the forum.

No Fish yet

I have tried to add pictures but having trouble. Sorry

Hmm... What are you providing as the ammonia source?? In order for the bacteria to grow, you need a source of ammonia...
If you have just got blank, I suggest you read up on the Useful Information section in this forum...

An ammonia source is required to establish the bacteria that converts ammonia to nitrate required for plant growth...

Yep, that's the point ... you wont cycle until you provide a source of ammonia...

I assume that you got some information with the kit about setting up and starting the system.
What did the instructions advise?