Welcome BN. You sound like you have the Aquaponics bug. It is all consuming. I am also new to BYAP so will leave the answers to some one else. Good luck with your system.
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| Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=3970 |
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| Author: | BunyaNut [ Aug 14th, '08, 05:56 ] |
| Post subject: | Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
Hi, I've only been reading for a few days and am so excited by the Aquaponics idea that I'm going to try put a system together today. I'm using a couple of old 92 litre storage boxes, probably feeder fish in the bottom tank and strawberry's in the top box. I have heaps of questions. 1. When I first set it up and made sure it works do I put the plants only in till it has 'cycled'? If so, how do I keep them alive with no nutrients? Will seasol keep them alive without harming the bacteria or fish when I later put them in? Or can I put some of the fish in straight away? 2. Bunnings has 'biofilter starter' 'natural bacterial formula'. Should I use it? 3. What type of shop will sell an appropriate test kit? (I don't shop on-line.) 4. The stand pipe - do I cover the top of the outer pipe with something (Shade cloth?) or have it poking out the top of the gravel? Hmmm. I think that's all for now. Looking forward to your answers and joining in your progress threads. |
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| Author: | BunyaNut [ Aug 14th, '08, 05:59 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
Actually, now that I think about it the aswer to Q 1. may be that dp peeing in it will feed the plants? |
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| Author: | Gilly [ Aug 14th, '08, 06:02 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
Welcome BN. You sound like you have the Aquaponics bug. It is all consuming. I am also new to BYAP so will leave the answers to some one else. Good luck with your system.
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| Author: | Jaymie [ Aug 14th, '08, 06:18 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
Hi BunyaNut, welcome to our madness  1. you've answered that one 2. do you know anyone with an aquarium? get them to squeeze their filter gunk into a bucket, that will give you a head start on bacteria 3. pet shops? 4. no need for shade cloth, just lots of 6mm holes Have fun! |
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| Author: | TCLynx [ Aug 14th, '08, 06:24 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
1- Set it up and test all the plumbing and siphon before you even put gravel in. Once it all works without leaks, then add gravel. You can add plants right away if you like. Most plants like a little time after transplant before they really need lots of nutrients wayway. You can fishless cycle with any fish safe ammonia source (could be pure ammonia, humonia, or perhaps even urea. A little goes a long way in a small system.) Seasol is a good source of other nutrients for the plants but won't provide everything. You can add fish right away and cycle with fish but you will want to get a freshwater master test kit from an aquarium shop before you go adding fish. 2-You do no need to buy any starter, a system will cycle without any fancy bacteria additives. Make sure your source water doesn't have chloramine in it (if you are using tap water) or you will need to use a water conditioner like for an aquarium. If the tap water has chlorine, you can probably just air the water for several days to let it air out. 3-aquarium or pet stores are where you will usually find appropriate test kits and water conditioners if needed 4-Outer stand pipe (the one with holes to keep the gravel back and allow water in does not need a cover though many of us put a rock, basket, container or something to keep leaves, frogs, gravel etc from falling in but making it easy to move aside to check things when needed. Good luck, read lots, and welcome to the madness |
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| Author: | Outbackozzie [ Aug 14th, '08, 06:35 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
4. Make it higher than you think you need it. |
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| Author: | EllKayBee [ Aug 14th, '08, 17:49 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
Hi there Bunya Nut, there are a couple of aquarium shops in Morayfield that should have a test kit, you could try this one at 199 Morayfield Road Pet Shop click on "Street view" then on the little man and a lovely picture will pop up  or you can go further south where I got mine from at B'gary pet shop (7 North Shore Drive) Burpengary shop If you want to have a look at a local system any time, just let me know  This is  having fun with google
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| Author: | BunyaNut [ Aug 15th, '08, 03:42 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
Thank you everyone. I set it up, siliconed it, added water and no probs (even though I hadn't given the silicon 5 days to dry, I'm impatient.) Adding gravel I knocked the stand pipe and it started leaking and the bottom of my container cracked. I will get a new one and some faster drying silicone and try again. I might take you up on that offer one day EllKayBee.
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| Author: | BigRed [ Aug 15th, '08, 12:10 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
Hi BunyaNut, Good to see another Caboolture person on here. BR. |
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| Author: | EllKayBee [ Aug 15th, '08, 17:03 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Newbie from Caboolture (SEQ) |
G'day BR, good to see you floating around
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