Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

The airlift struts prevent finger crushing as they move slowly.

I was thinking about getting ones that are not stainless steel, wonder how long would they last in the moist environment? Anyone with personal experience using them?

They go on boats, that is a rather harsh environment.

Arrr matey, I know the stainless steel (ss) struts are for marine use.

I was wondering if the non- SS would rust away if they were installed over the FT.

They both Arrr!

Most boats have the non stainless on them. They last around 5 years.

Okay good to know then that sounds like a better option. With the price of SS I could replace the non-ss 4-5 times. I'd rather spend my money on other things.

Progress update:

• Cut in half the remaining kennels that will GBs #7,#8 and #9.

• Cut 2"x6" lumber for the cross beams in the third frame. This frame will support GBs 7-9.

• GB#4 is almost ready to be planted, need just another two inches of media. (Hate washing the river rock.) GB#5-6 still need to have their drain pipes plumbed.

• Figured out how I will build the FT covers. I had debated a couple options, but I'm going to go with the simplest option of building a deck with a 24" hatch over the middle. Cut the first four cross-beams for that.

• Took my first water test:
Biggest surprise was the high PH of 8.4


Then I realized why... I had left a concrete block in the FT to to raise the pump off the bottom. Silly newbie oversight. I have replaced it with a terra cotta pot.

Based of Rupert's advice (thanks!) I have added HCL to lower the PH to a desired 7.5.

Initial dosage: 16 oz/.47 liter will retest tomorrow morning. Once I get the desired PH level I'll add a cup of humonia. I tried to test the PH of it but don't think I got a correct reading.

The tank temp: 60f/15.5c. Hoping the cycle isn't slowed too much because of the cold.

Overall happy with today's progress -
considering I did my long run of 19 miles this morning. Marathon training +
AP garden building = will sleep well tonight.

Ugh! Can not believe I left my hose running all day today when I was topping off and subsequently have probably set back the cycling of my system. One step forward and two steps back. So frustrating making a mistake like this. I have read about others here doing it - was hoping not to repeat this mistake. Should have tie a thread around my finger or used something to remind me.

Any recommendations on automatic ways to turn off the tap water? A hose timer or a float switch? Third option?

You're not the only one to have done that Aquahues... it's almost part of AP initiation...

A tap timer is a simple and effective method to avoid this happening

I thought about getting a tap timer after doing it, then I decided to just not forget again...

Thanks I feel initiated! LOL, Now is there an oath I have to repeat after someone? .

I (state your name)...

I shoult not leave the hose running in the fish tank again.. and when I do... I shoult not admit to doing so... at least not immediately... and/or until I've bought a tap timer...

LOL, I just ordered a timer. I know it is only a matter of time before I forget again. Next time I might have fish and the result might not be so pretty.

This time the only repercussion is a higher PH level (because of the tap water) and lower (maybe none) bacteria levels. Another lesson learned, sigh.