Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Here is one of the beds. I've planted utah tall celery, sugarloaf cabbage, scottish kale and winter giant spinach.

On the outside bed I've planted two brandywine pink tomatoes and several long yellow peppers.

What size gravel you using there forest? Sorry if you have already said.

jayme, celery won't germinate when the temp is over 30*. Is it still hot up there?

10mm, VB. It's Mary River gravel.

Final photo. The system is half planted and the fish are doing well, so far. We have our fingers crossed.

All up the system cost us $1616.87. Here are a few prices:
Pipe fittings - $187.15
timber screws etc - $185.74
fish tank - $300
grow beds - $200 each
fish - $50 for 100
submersible pump - $145
bricks - $28
160 litre holding tanks - $70

When the big tank was full I did tests for nitrites which is clear, ammonia which is very low and pH which is 7. Can someone tell me what tests we should do on a regular basis and how often. Thanks

that really is a thing of beauty!

Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ph.

As the system starts to cycle you will see nitrite and then nitrate starting to register. Over time, the nitrification process will push ph down unless your water is well bufferred (KH) - but you shouldn't have ph issues for a while unless it heads up due to algae issues.

Thanks Forest, you've answered my question It will still be over 30o day time temps until about May. I'll leave off trying again until later in the year.

Jaymie could I suggest that you geminate down stairs in the cool prolly nearer the cider!! this would give them a head start for planting in may.

I can put them in the brew fridge

question is do you have any room in there for 'other ' things...
SFH

Wow - 1 week from start to tank and GBs set up, filled, fish and plants - now just need it to cycle properly.

You and H have done an excellent job
cough...we won't count the procrastination period

LOL Ell.

Jayme, put your celery seeds in alfoil in the freezer for a week and then try again. That usually works.

Is there a seed exchange here?

Joel, I'm not using the bricks now. I didn't need them.

Thanks for the info on the testing VB.

I'll have to buy a nitrate tester. Can someone tell me the best test kits to buy. We have little dropper bottles at the moment. Are there any strip tests? Any brand names would be appreciated.