Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all. I'm just starting my first system. Was starting with a 5 gal kit from Walley World. However, when I took the tank out of the box, one end was broken. So I'll take it back today and just get an air pump and test kit. I found an old Thermos 48 qt cooler that I cleaned up and will use it for the FT.
I have a small pump out of a table top fountain that I 'm going to use for the GB's. Don't know if it is going to be big enough, will give it a try. I have a tray that fits nicely on top of the cooler and the the GB's will sit on that and drain back into the FT. Started my pee bottle Friday, so I'm guessing that should be ready by next weekend to start cycling the system? And how much do I put in at a time?
I'm using well water here. A lot of iron and calcium in it. Hence the name Iron county. Will that cause any problems? I also bought some bags of rock for the tank, thinking it had to be there. Then from this forum I found out it doesn't. So I was going to use it in the GB's. I have some containers from the deli that are about 6" sq and 6" deep. I'm going to drill holes in the bottom so they can drain back to the FT.
I'm starting with just 2 containers and herbs, but want to expand it so I can grow some tomatoes next spring.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. As I haven't a clue as to what I'm doing.

Linsol

Hi Linsol , any chance of some pics... Im shocking at Gal-liter conversions
I use well(bore)water in my system wich is high in iron and all is good, your well water will help add some trace elements to your system wich rain water for examle lacks

Thanks for the info. I found a L-G conversion chart. What I'm trying to figure out is how much pee to put in abt 12 gals so as to not over shock it. That 1-2 ppm got me confused.
As for pics, I'll try to get some this weekend.

Linsol

i would think you could start with 1/2 cup or so, if it's aged about 2 weeks, you should see am the next day.

Thanks for the reply. Friday it will be 1 week old. guess I have another week to go. That gives me time to get the mechanical side going.

Linsol

Give us some pics, we love pics

Test the pH of your water, thats all you need to be worried about, the iron and calcium will be a plus long as the pH isn't too high.

Get it together fast, supposedly cycling is a lot slower in cold weather