Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Been looking for a while and finally taken the plunge. I picked up a second hand entertainer system from Mark in Winthrop (thanks for all the assistance).

So I had it set up the other way then decided to move it (better sunlight, structure above for shade cloth and suspending support for plants) which required emptying the tank then putting some skis on the growbed - it moved. I still need to take off the roof. Just sand underneath, hence the bricks. Fence runs east west. Photos looking ~north.

Currently got the raspberry plant from Mark (now looking better than in photo), capsicum, and tomato (not pictured) in the bed. Also various seeds. Is this the best way, or grow seedlings elsewhere and plant in?

I added some seasol. As the media is used I gather I don't need to get it to cycle?

Just waiting for it to warm up a bit to get some fish. I'm thinking economical option of some small silver perch, 15 or 20.
Cameron

Welcome to the addiction cp, enjoy.

ph 8.2
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20ppm
Ammonia 0-0.25ppm

I am concerned about the ph. I have had shells in the gb for more than a week now. Is it too high? What do I do about it?
I think I am waiting a bit longer to get some silver perch - once it has warmed up a bit. Do I add some ammonia to test if the bacteria are there and working (it is a second hand system so I believe they should be there and react to go)?
Also, the roof is off.

Shell grit brings your pH up not down, just wait for a little while and see if it drops a bit, try and get the shells out if you can,

Oh. It's hiding at the bottom of the gb. I shouldn't have done that?

Probably not, at least not until you knew whether or not you had high or low pH.. Still it may come down a bit yet..

The plants I have put in generally seem to be going ok. The raspberry plant is going very yellow but still looking kind of healthy. Plants from seed (radish, rocket, coriander...) are progressing well, as are tomato and capsicum seedlings. The new growth on the coriander seedlings is also a bit yellow and splotchy.
What does this indicate?

Yellow indicates low Iron. Add a couple of tea spoons of Cheleated Iron (most stores that sell garden supplies). If your pH is still high it may also be due to pH lock out.

Have you got some fish in yet? If not you may require some charlie carp and/or seasol to put some additional nutrients into the system until the fish make a home.

Thanks Jeff. I've been busy with AP and life. Been reading the forum but neglected to check my own thread!

I did lower the pH with some HCl and noted the difference. You see it in the raspberry plant that I will post a pic of. Like the rings of a tree - tells the story

Also realised my system is a courtyard not an entertainer. Next time

We went and got 12 fish from Woodvale about one and a half weeks ago. Kids were quite excited, and our youngest named them all....Rosie

From.these two readings the system would appear to have settled down already (2nd hand system). I didn't put any ammonia in prior to the fish

This pic is from not long after we got the fish. I went out for some peace and quiet but was quickly tracked down by the perpetrators of that noise

Remember. Don't look the fish in the eyes. You will not be able to cull them.

On the plus side. Except for the occasional deformity, you can replace 'pets' and nobody can tell the difference, unlike those pesky individually painted gold fish.

Don;t worry too much about the berry, i've found they can be a bit hit and miss, get your other veg going, and start increasing your feed rates, keeping an eye on your levels, and in no time things will be booming...

Not much chance of that. They are always hiding under the pump. The kids have been left in no allusion as to what the fish are for. We will see how we are going in 12 months...


Yes, it is noticeable already that things have really kicked on in the last few days. Bring it on

What are these things destroying my rocket? Aphids?
What is the best way to deal with them? Ladybugs?