Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi everyone,
I have just completed building the basic IBC system from the excellent PDF "The IBC of Aquaponics". Very straight forward method and grateful for the information. Thank you.

My system is a trial and I have set it up to run from solar as follows:
Solar panel, solar regulator, a car battery, 12vdc timer and an old small boat bilge pump. Most of this I had lying around from other past projects and it saves running mains power outside to a potentially wet environment. Seems to be working well at this early stage.
I have set it up to flood and drain during daylight hours every hour (floods in 4 mins and drains in 40) and "rest" at night.
I have put 12 comets into the fish tank. They have been in there for over a week now and seem quite happy with all the room they have.

Im not sure what to do next. How do I know when I can put some plants in? What water test kits do I need and where do I buy it(them) from. Will the comets do the job for me or do I need to get another species. As I have read on this forum, this is an issue for Tasmania. I have access to plentiful fresh water fishing so Im not that concerned about edible fish in my aquaponics system.
Any answers to the above queries would be very much appreciated.
Thanks.
Regards
Neil

PLant now

And welcome to the addiction

Hi Neil

Welcome to the forum.

Yep, plant now. Test kits, you'll see in the shop on the website, or just visit a good pet/aquarium place and they will also have them.

You want to test for

pH
Ammonia
Nitrites
Nitrates

Also, get a thermometer.

Brilliant. Thank you.

Good to see you Neil, we need a few more people in Tasmania doing aquaponics..

Welcome Neil...

Yeah, welcome

welcom pics please