Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello

I have planted Basil Seedlings couple of weeks ago.. The plants are not growing, but still green.. No changes what so ever to the plant.. not even an inch!
I have planted Basil in a soil in the same house, and the later is doing great! What is going on?

One more thing, I have planted Lettuce in 3 inch pipe, but the leafs keep breaking, what is wrong? how I can avoid that? See the picture.

Rami

How old is your system?

5-6 Weeks only..

Your system is still young. It is unreasonable to think that it will perform as well as soil this early. Not without some supplementation with Seasol, or Maxcrop. Your soil naturally has all the micronutrients needed. Your system WILL, but not yet.

Thanks for your answer.
How long should it take to be GOOD?
Also, I am adding around 20% of water every week to my system (free of chlorine), is this ok?

One technical question, in DWC, should the pot touch the water or not? mine is 80% inside the water (Swimming)!

First year tends to be lackluster. The second year however... Well that is when you start to see explosive growth.

The same thing happens in a soil garden for those who can relate. It takes a few years to build a consistent, well-performing bed. After doing just two additions of compost to my beds, I can tell a huge difference.

The same phenomenon occurs in my hydroponic systems as well, Which is why I put media for bacteria in my tanks to transfer between flushes. Hydroponics works just OK without bacteria, but you really see explosive growth from an established system.

From you picture, it looks like the nitrogen cycle is not working to it's full extent, or that the nutrient levels may be low and/or ph is off. Lettuce is a good choice for a first crop to grow though, as it has quite low feeding requirements.