Backyard Aquaponics
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/

System Slow to Cycle
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16802
Page 1 of 1

Author:  RPCIBC [ Jun 2nd, '13, 12:52 ]
Post subject:  System Slow to Cycle

I put together a simple one IBC system with approx 650L FT and 300L GB about 8 weeks ago. Added humonia to start and 5 goldfish about a week in with another 10 added a couple weeks after. After about 3-4 weeks the ammonia levels dropped and have stayed low since then, however, the nitrites have remained high since then. The fish seem to be happy enough. Algae is growing on the sides of the tank. Plants in the GB are growing but some have yellowed leaves which I am not sure whether this is due to lack of nitrates or Iron. I have added some Iron chelate today.

I know system cycling is all about patience but mine is running out. The water temperature has dropped to an average around 15C at the moment.

Is there anything I should be doing or is more patience the key here?

Author:  tcshad [ Jun 2nd, '13, 12:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

what are the actual readings?

If your ammonia is 0 you shouldn't have high nitrites for longer than a week or 2... Maybe do small water changes to bring your nitrites to around 2-3ppm and then let it finish up on its own.

High nitrites will kill your fish over time... they tend to live for quite a while then kick the bucket.

Author:  RPCIBC [ Jun 2nd, '13, 14:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

Thanks tcshad,

Hard to know exactly what the actual readings are as the test only registers >3.3 mg/L but I suspect they are much higher than this as diluted tests have produced the same colour change. See attached image for more detailed testing etc.
Attachment:
Water Table.png
Water Table.png [ 270.05 KiB | Viewed 6560 times ]

Author:  RupertofOZ [ Jun 2nd, '13, 15:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

How much aeration do you have?

Author:  RPCIBC [ Jun 2nd, '13, 18:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

RupertofOZ wrote:
How much aeration do you have?

The only aeration I have is from the draining of the GB and the constant return of the excess pump water.

Not enough DO for happy bacteria???

Author:  RupertofOZ [ Jun 2nd, '13, 19:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

Adding more aeration will often kick the nitrite spike over....

Are you running timed.. or continuous siphoned??

Author:  RPCIBC [ Jun 2nd, '13, 19:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

Have a bell siphon. Cycles roughly every 15 minutes.

Author:  RPCIBC [ Jun 12th, '13, 20:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

Finally cycled!

Drained a bit of water to increase aeration from the venturi which was partially submerged and added a little more Iron Chelate. Probably none of this made any difference but in any case nitrites have dropped and nitrate is up.

Author:  RupertofOZ [ Jun 12th, '13, 20:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

The increased aeration probably helped...

Author:  blind freddie [ Jun 26th, '13, 18:43 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

Edward Ronald wrote:
I am sure that increased aeration definitely helps and useful. This statement is not wrong but 100% sure.



:laughing3: :laughing3: :? :? :? :dontknow: :dontknow: :crazy3: :crazy3:

Author:  RupertofOZ [ Jun 26th, '13, 18:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

I'm not a 100% sure... if that's 100% wrong... or 100% right....

Author:  kaishin [ Jul 25th, '13, 06:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: System Slow to Cycle

RupertofOZ wrote:
Adding more aeration will often kick the nitrite spike over....


Whoa I didn't know that. Useful info! Cheers..

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC + 8 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
https://www.phpbb.com/