Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've had my system running/cycled since mid May of 2014. for the first couple of months, planting right into the grow beds wasn't a problem. But in the last month or so I have noticed that I cant get any seeds to sprout in my grow beds. I have a good amount of salt gathering at the top of my media and I'm wondering if this is causing my seedlings to struggle. I live in Minnesota, and I just built a "garage greenhouse" to keep my system warm all winter. After the greenhouse was up I did a little housekeeping and pulled my carrots, radishes and basil out to start some new greens for the winter. I replanted new seeds on Sunday, and I don't see anything coming up or sprouting this morning. Earlier this year it took literally 2 days to see the little sprouts shoot out. I read that I should maybe feed my fish more, and add maxi crop. I am doing both of these things now. Has anyone else dealt with this issue? And what worked for you?

I'm worried that without any plants to clean the water, my water levels are going to go crazy and it will effect my fish health. Is this true?

Thanks for the feedback!

If you can see salt deposits at the top, I'm guessing your water level is quite high. Too high, and many seedlings will rot off. You want the water level about 2 inches below the surface.

It can run for a while without plants, just keep an eye on your stats, the nitrates will probably rise without the plants taking them up. But it could take a little while for that to happen (depending on fish load).

And the other obvious thing, if it's in a garage, what's the lighting situation like?

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My first system was to add flooded tubes to a KOI pond, in a sheltered garden pergola with cream-colour PC roofing..

It looks all so very nice, but there is such a difference with plant growth..

Coz Lettuce are lanky, suggesting that whilst it's BRIGHT, it just aint BRIGHT enough and plants are trying to grow to even brighter sunlight..

So - I get the feeling that you have moved your system inside for the winter.. Perhaps there is just no where enough light for normal growing..
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