Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all

I've been interested in Aquaponics for years, then got gifted an IBC a few weeks ago, so that gave me the excuse to give it a crack. It's currently in the second week of cycling and things are starting to happen, loads of info on here so I hope I'm doing it right. (Fishless cycling with Seasol Powerfeed & plants are doing well). I'll post a few pics and some more info once I figure it out.

Hopefully it will be ready for Trout in a couple of weeks, looking for suppliers around Bunbury area at the moment.

After two weeks these are the numbers so far: Basically a cap of Seasol powerfeed every couple of days or so...

The day I put plants in..



2 weeks later



Starting to think I overplanted..

Wow, that's a really pretty system (as well as impressive growth)! Nicely done! And welcome to the forum.

You can probably hold off on the powerfeed for a few days. Nitrates will keep climbing until the bacteria catch up.

Really like the cladding :-)

Great posts - thanks for sharing. I set up my first IBC kit yesterday and am happy to see your results! My better half was also happy to see that you can dress these monsters (IBCs) up too.
Plan is to use "worm juice" from my old worm farm to get started and see how we go. Will log WQ as you have.
Cheers!

Thanks for the welcome. Cladding is great for hiding all the mistakes!

Seeing the nitrogen cycle at work establishing itself is a lot more interesting this way than those high school text books, wish we had these things in school , might've actually remembered something

Keen to get some fish in asap. Looking at about 10 - 12 Trout, does that seem about right?

Holding off on the powerfeed, I just don't want the ammonia to drop to nothing for too long and starve the bacteria and inhibit the cycling process in this early stage

Readings today:

pH 8 Ammonia 0.25 Nitrite 5+ Nitrate 160+ Temp 18C

I've stopped the Seasol PF. How long before I should add some more? When Nitrites drop?

Thanks, I didn't like the industrial look of the ibc so I clad it with colorbond, added a bit to the cost but glad I did it now. I would've probably had to hide it behind the shed otherwise ... I've also left room to add insulation come summer....

I also added a handful of worms from my compost hoping it will help to cycle. Good luck with your system!

The bacteria will be fine and you won't starve them to the point where they die. You're probably cycled or very close to being cycled. See how long it takes for the ammonia to go to zero.

Readings today:

pH 8 Ammonia 0.25 Nitrite 2 Nitrate 160+ Temp 17C

Nitrites were down today, Ammonia could almost be called for 0, but a very slight tinge of green in the test... argh patience..

Nitrates are off the scale, deep red colour.. From what I'v read this isn't an issue? Plants seem to be doing well

It can be an issue but usually is not (contributes to algae growth and some fish and some types of juvenile fish can be sensitive to high levels).

Check this chart for ammonia toxicity - http://ibcofaquaponics.com/information/tables-and-charts/. You are not currently in the toxic range but because of the high pH it's not that far off. Better to let it drop all the way.

You could salt the system to 1ppt for the nitrites but since you don't have fish yet I'd say this is optional. It will help the fish with stress when you get around to adding them (helps them build a slime coat). Only down side is strawberries are usually affected at this level.

The nitrite levels will have to come down some more so you're not quite there.

Readings today:

pH 8 Ammonia 0 Nitrite 2 Nitrate 80 Temp 17C

Getting there slowly....

Aquaponics: the art of sitting on your hands and doing nothing when your overactive brain says you should do something.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Yep you've got that right.
While your're sitting on your hands plan your expansion.
Looking good.