Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ok brief intro - Have had my fill and drain system going for about 1.5 months now. Cycled, added 4 bluegill. My levels seemed ok Nitrates were low (1Oppm) and my lettuce and green onions didn't do well (onions from seed) I thought I lost acouple fish so I added 4 more bluegill. I think I am up to 7 bluegill no and added basil (2), cucumber (1) and have 1 remaining of lettuce and green onion.


So left system for 5 days due to work and have had a spike in nitrates atleast 80ppm. Why the spike? Adding the fish or adding the new plants from pot (tried to rinse out soil best i could). Hoping I didn't FUBAR.


Thanks for any input


PS. more info 100 gal tank (50 gal grow bed), In arizona (central), and todays levels ph-8.2, A- 0.25, trite - 0, trate - 80 or above ppm

Sound as though the system is overstocked with fish in ratio to plants. Also, given the presence of Ammonia in your readings, probably overstocked with fish in ratio to bio-filtration (wet gravel). A fully cycled, sensibly stocked system should not have permanent Ammonia readings, no matter how low.

Also, what is your water temp?... You need to keep a keen eye on it and the Ammonia level.

At a pH of 8.2, an Amm level of 0.25ppm may start to become toxic to your fish at water temp of around 24ºC (75ºF), or greater. The higher the temp, the less Ammonia it takes to start causing harm to your fish.

Ok good to know. I will might have to cull a couple fish or 3. Still very new to this. Temp --> not sure pretty cool to touch. Will have to find a thermometer.

Speaking of pH what is a good natural way to lower pH safely?

Thought I was doing good. Water was maybe 3 inches of visibility due to Algae 10 days ago (now really clear). Thank you guys for the input.

Ok at work at the fire department and had an updated water level from my daughter.
ph - 8.0, A - 0, Trite - 0.25 (concerning), Trate - 180 (very concerning)

So the plan is to remove 5 of 7 bluegill. Let me know if there is anything needed to be done. Unfortunately not able get home for 4 days.