Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm running a 55 gal aquarium w/ 2 70-100 gallon tetra canister type filters. They have a small bio ball type filter as well as a charcoal type element in each one. i added some gravel from existing AP cycled system and ran through with a small tilapia. I didn't wait long enough and am now having problems...imagine that. Checked water last night. ammonia was around 4ppm, did 25-30% water change...fish seemed happy. This am, checked again, back at 4plus on ammonia. Another 25-30% water change. Ammonia back to 1%. My question: how long will I need to continue doing this. I have 8 tilapia in the 3-5" range and 2 small(1.5") channel cats. Luckily i have a good well to be able to do quick water changes, but still a pain. Getting to be able to tell by both the fish behavior and the smell of the water when they're an issue. Again, my lack of patience is hurting my AP experience. I'm learning...lol

maybe another week or two.. you can hold off on feeding that long as well..
i'd salt to 3ppt, your nitrites will eventually spike as well

You only need to salt to 1ppt... to mitigate against nitrites...

Thanks guys, I'm a complete newbie in the fish dept. Had a saltwater tank back in the 80's, but that's it. In a 55 gallon tank, appx how much salt to add? what kind of salt? water softener? I will cut back on food- been feeding 3 times per day like the outside one...probably not to smart.lol

Use pure sea salt... or a salt with no additives.... (don't use table salt)...

1ppt... equals 1kg/1000L....

Thanks Rup! The fish seem like they're starving, but I'm holding food.