Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

OK so a few questions ha ha its been up and running for a week but we don't see any plant growth now realize that plans are lacking food.. i used a bunch of liquid kelp but that's only really for trace minerals and such.. Is there anything i can at for some actual food? took water to local fish store to double check against my PH meter which still seems to be functioning correctly got roughly same ph reading 7.5 going to have to attempt to bring that down in the mean time fish are in the works getting them soon but plants look so hungry then its going be a few weeks while bacteria sets how long can plants go without food ? any info would be great thanks

I wouldn't play with the PH.

It will come down over time natrually and then you will need to add shell grit to keep it stable - which is will keep stable at 7.4 - swings up and down will kill your fish.

In Australia we have a product called Seasol which can be used to give the plants a helping hand. I think the liquid kelp will create ammonia when it breaks down and then nitrite -> nitrate. Give it some time for the bacteria to build up and your system will get there.

Now is time for patience otherwise you will cause more problems.

Yep, see those things on the end of your arms, your hands? go and put them on a chair then sit on them.. You have to wait and be patient without playing with things. I hardly ever see growth in the first week of anything whether its in the soil or AP....

Ya.......go sit on your hands......better yet get someone to sit on them

sorry guys im used to growing dope (not any more tho) lol not veggies and fish and can be a little impatient when dont see results and with no fish to create ammonia i was worried my tank will never start the cycle.. ill sit on my hands as advised and let it do its thing. BTW Fish will be here by the weekend hoping to get 15 - 20 small Koi if not, im pitching a prawn trap into the creek and getting some crayfish haha and possibly some freshwater musscels