Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just another update. Nitrite and nitrate has increased. Slowly but surely.

Another update.
I think my ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings and now dropping.

Also a couple of pics of plant growth.


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Nice neat system there mate, well done!!

Thanks, I wanted my first system to be neat. I have a few friends and family that are interested in AP and I am glad that I spent the time to make my first system look good. They have been around to look and take photo's, and a few are now making plans to build there own. I have given them the details for BYAP and said the must join this forum as it is a wealth of information.

A question if someone can help. I haven't add worms to my GB yet and wondering if this is something that I should be doing sooner rather than later? Any help on this I would appreciate.

Also I have just picked up another 2 IBC's. I am starting to plan my second system. Hopefully not jumping the gun to soon as my first system has not finished fully cycling.
But these were offered to me at no cost, so I grab them straight away and broke the news gentle to the wife.

You can add the worms whenever you like. Just make sure they are red wrigglers not earthworms. Sooner the better so they can start breeding up :-)

Gently is good it gives you space to run. Like the system and will be covering mine the same way. Did you insulate behind the covering and what type of timber have you used around the top.

Thanks. Yes I have insulated with 2 layers of air cell and the timber is recycled pallets that I dressed lightly and painted marine varnish. Most of the system is made from recycled products. E.g colourbond sheeting from old shed, pallets and air cell left over from mate building house.

Just did another water test today and after the first results I did another with the same results.

Its only been 2 days since last test.

So whats next, the ammonia is not quite 0. do I wait until its completely zero then add more ammonia?

Yep... but add a small palmful of "brickies lime"... hydrated lime... in first... to bring your pH back up a bit...

Righto will do.

Sooooo, since I'm close to cycling I started to look for some recruits.

These 2 recruits have volunteered themselves to the cause. The have been fully advised of the situation and that this mission maybe a suicide mission. I have full confidence in them. They have agreed and will enter my first AP when it has fully cycled.

Looking nice , the recruits do not look happy. Make sure they fill out the waiver.

So I think that I have finally fully cycled.
So I added the hydrated lime and some more ammonia.
Results that afternoon.


Completed another test today.


Now to get some SP. Just have to find someone who sells them.

Are you anywhere near Rupe? He may be able to help you out.