Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello to all,
I'm new to the forum but over the last year have visited frequently. Thought it was time to join and get connected with the community. Definitely a newbie and look forward to learning more and showing off the progress.l, lol.
As of right now:
Have a 10'×6' greenhouse with 5 media beds made out of 55gl. Plastic drums cut in half. Doing a chop system with two 100gl. Feeding troughs stacked on top of eachother and am going to attempt NFT in a 6" piece of pvc that spans the greenhouse.
Started cycling the system about two weeks ago by adding ammonia. Nitrites and nitrates just started registering. I'll include a youtube link for those interested.

Some initial questions in going to be looking to answer are:
What is a proper nitrate/nitrite level ppm wise before adding fish/plants?
What kind of fish (and can we do multiple types) will be best suited for the temperate zone I'm in? (Heard the trout will jump out.. have been considering bass)
Anyone doing any solar, completely off grid work?
International work with developing communities?
Some of my interests and questions, look forward to meeting some new folks.
Thanks for reading.

https://youtu.be/jigShyl3jSw

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Hi,


>> What is a proper nitrate/nitrite level ppm wise before adding fish/plants?

you can add plants straight away. If you are fishless cycling then you are basically waiting for ammonia and nitrites to drop to zero. If you add a small amount of ammonia/urea then you should see a corresponding rise in nitrates appear fairly quickly (within day or so if properly cycled and don't see any 'stall' at the nitrite stage - as it is a 2 step process with 2 different bacteria).

You can cycle with veg in the system fine, just may have to add a bit more to the system to keep the veg happy and a bit of seasol (or your local similar). And you wont see as much nitrate build up as plants will be using it.

all systems vary so there is no hard and fast rules - but nitrates less than 80ppm are nice,
and ammonia/nitrites less than 5ppm. (as per the freshwater test kits) and able to add ammonia and not have elevated ammonia or nitrites hanging around long is the primary test (dont put too much in).


>> Anyone doing any solar, completely off grid work?
There are quite a few examples on the forum - search with either 12v or solar should pick most of them up.
Gunagulla is one example, and quite a few others around.

>> International work with developing communities?
there are a couple - try ethioponics. He has a couple of threads with various feedback that may be of interest.
Also few SE Asia ones - depending on what your specific interest is.


>> Thanks for reading.
no problems, congratulations in transitioning from a browser to a forum member.

I just finished your video. That is a very nice, clean looking set up. I am in the planning stage of building me a green house. I cant decide if I want to throw up a hoop style house, that is easy to move if i decide to, or if i want to go your route.

I really like what you have going on there. What fish do you plan on stocking?

Looking good, What type of plastic is that on the sides? It's pretty awesome looking, the whole layout is great looking

It is a corrugated plastic siding. You can buy it in many shades and colors available at Lowes and Home Depot, heck I think Wally world even sells it.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Suntuf-26-in ... lsrc=aw.ds

I am using it to build my green house. I get to pick up lumber on friday!