Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

hey everyone decided to start a system thread. Managed to get the okay from the mrs a few weeks back. Did some research(reading forum threads) and decided as a first timer, that a simple IBC setup was for me. I do plan on upgrading/expanding later but we'll see how we go with this first. Got the IBC for $33! It had PVC glue in it and it took 2 days to get it relatively clean. Being my first plumbing experience, I did a few Bunnings runs after getting the wrong parts . Managed to hook the pump up and got things cycling. Planted the seedling (Strawberries, Broccoli, Rockmelon, Tomatoes, Cauliflower, Snow Peas, Zucchini, Celery, Squash, Lettuce and Bok Choy). Gave it a few days and added 6 comets into the system. After a week of cycling, the growth of the seedlings was amazing! Pretty stable water for the week PH 7.6, Amm 1-2ppm, Nitrites 0 and Nitrates 0. Fish feeding well, plants looking healthy.

Aesthetics and Aquaponics don't normally co-exist. To keep the dragon(the mrs ) happy, I had to find some way of making it less industrial looking. I looked at making a wooden frame, till i thought about how this is my first DIY project and have no idea what I'm doing, let alone having the right tools to do it. Next i looked at bamboo coverings, cheap and easy but when i actually looked at it, i also thought it looked cheap(no offence to people that use it, just my personal opinion). I looked around what other coverings they had and i found a PVC cover. I know it wont be for everyone's liking but the dragon and I loved it! Easy to attach with cable ties and when i need access to anything all i have to do is snip the tie and move the covering, then later on just re-cable tie it.

Nitrites! I've got nitrites! 0.25 I know that's not exciting for you seasoned APers but it is for me! I'm just wondering if SP fingerings are still available or did I miss the cut? If I have I might need to add some more goldfish to my collection.

It's been 2 weeks since I started the system. The 6 comets are still alive! Plant growth is great, I moved the broccoli to the left side and planted a pumpkin seedling on the right(hoping to grow it over the edge). PH has stayed the same, ammonia got up to 2ppm and down to about 0.5ppm. Nitrites are through the roof and nitrates are between 0-5ppm. I'm hoping the nitrites drop off and nitrates rise (fingers cross). Already planning on getting another IBC mid Jan, thinking of cutting it into 2 and adding another grow bed and making a sump.

Its all looking pretty dam good,love that cover you have used to surround the IBC, salt just to help with the nitrites and then get on with the next stage,look forward to seeing more.

Hiya Jama, 11 veg varieties in a bit over 1 sq metre, where else but AP?
Great to see a nice controlled cycle, progressing well, all fish alive and no dead veggies yet, well done.
What have you used as an ammonia source?

Just what I need at the moment. Cheap alternative to colorbond sheeting, less effort, maintanence, and warping then timber.

What shop/store u get it from?

Looking good.

Gotta keep the missus happy!

Thanks for the responses guys!
Skeg, I have 6 commet goldfish in the system, kinda added some humonia early on and I have added a gulp of seasol every week so far. Ammonia level for the second week hovered around 2ppm, I did relax on the fish feed the last few days and it's gone down to 0.25ppm.
Luke, got it from Bunnings. Not sure how much colourbond sheeting goes for but it did cost me $60 ($80 if not on special that week). Comes in 3m packs so I had to get 2, used an angle grinder to modify it. The bamboo would of cost $40 and the missus wasn't too keen. So an extra $20 was a small price to pay to keep her happy!

Looks great, JaMa88

Colorbond brand new is about $20-35 dollars linear meter?? Then you'd want flashing to finish the edges at top of GB.

Color bond is a PITA to cut aswell. Not hard, just messy, time consuming, and sharp!

Looking good JaMa88.

Most of the time APers do not bother with looks. I had that issue with last years system. But I managed to get my act together for this years build, now the wife actually said that she likes it. I does not get better than that.

hey guys. week 3 updates. ALL 6 comets still alive(success) and plants are still all growing!

BUT this is where i need some guidance. I know with a lot of new systems there is going to be deficiencies so I'm ready to go out and buy whatever it is I'm lacking, it's just that I'm not sure what that is. Water readings are PH 8.0, Amm 0.25, Nitrites are off the scale(been like that for about 4 days and not sure if I should leave it or do a water change), Nitrates went from 5-10ppm to 0-5ppm(backward step?). Another thing is on some of the plants the bottom leaves resting on the media seem to be rotting(not sure if my water level is too high). Any advice on what to do next is more than welcomed! Thanks.

I can get more pics if needed.

Looks like nutrient lockout from the high pH, will come down as your system ages.

Maybe salt to 1ppt, if you havent already, to help the fish cope with the nitrites.

If you do a water change, make sure you little changes, so not to put more stress on the fish. Maybe 10% every few days with water thats been aerated for a day or 2.

You may need to supplement, but with exactly what, i cant help as i'm a noob. I need to research more about plant nutrient requirements myself. Someone more experience will know i'm sure.

How's your duck weed going?