Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey guys, I could use some help here.. I have created an aquaponics system with the help of DIY aquaponics from backyardliberty. I used an IBC (275 gallon), Hydroton (media), and Albany, NY Tap water (no fluoride). I started cycling 10 days ago. Here are some of my points/questions:

-Hydroton was rinsed off the first day pretty well (I thought) when I first had the system up and running, and then drained the tank to get the dirt (or whatever you call it) out of the tank/water. But I didn't get it all out, because there is still some dirt(dirt?) sitting at the bottom of IBC, but the water seems VERY clear in tank otherwise. Should I worry about this excess dirt sitting in the bottom of tank? Some of the PVC holes that feed the bed have the hydroton residue (kind of brown/orange) around the holes that release the pumped water. Any issue with this?

-Im at day 10 of cycling. The PH was about 9.0 on day 1. I've been adding a little household ammonia (few years old) everyday. The PH is now <6.0! I use two PH tests, and they are both kind of cheap, but it seems the one PH test is registering 4.5 and the other about 5.5 for PH, now, on day 11. Nitrates/Nitrites are not registering yet. Any advice please?

Nick

Welcome jninja

cool name

Thanks...any advice/thoughts?

Dont fuss about the dust/dirt from the media as it wont cause any issues. When you introduce fish they will stir it up and it will eventually end up in the GB. No problemo.

You PH is an issue. If it is below 6 there is a good chance that that any bacteria that may have developed in the early stages has crashed and it hasnt much hope until you raise it to at least 6 but preferably above.

How well do you trust your PH testing strips?

What PH is your source water?

Also, what is household ammonia? You need to be careful as some ammonia products are not good... like cloudy ammonia for example.

The 'household ammonia' is what Backyard liberty recommends to (start) the growing of bacteria for cycling. Perhaps my ammonia is too old though? Do you recommend a safe way to raise the PH Up? I'm thinking of buying a new ammonia product to use now in the meantime..

Backyard Liberty... are like Aquaponics4U... a marketing affiliate ebook scam...

Avoid them.... their aquaponics knowledge is near zip... other than knowing that aquaponics is a hot "trending" google phrase...

The suggestion to use "household ammonia"... is a clear case in point...

Don't... most household ammonias... are cloudy ammonias... containing soaps/surfacants...

Thank you for the reply...can you please suggest where I go from here?

My thoughts now are to drain the water out, then refill and add a dead shrimp(from grocery store?)

You can source pure ammonia... or use some urea.... or even hummonia (pee)...

Thank you for the reply. I drained out my tank tonight, rinsed everything I could, and then I refilled with water. I added some fresh (dead) shrimp,..after some research. Hoping I can get a cycle this time

Got any pics jninja? We love pics!

The first pic is mine, I'll get back with some more soon.

I've read through many posts here to try and learn. Any other suggestions would be great!

Welcome jninja there is a document that will help answer all your questions its called the ibcofaquaponics check the tab at the top of your page or look for the 187 page pdf. Happy reading.

Thank you.