Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

ok they seem to be growing well but they are a light green instead of dark green what kind of deficiency am I looking at and what can I do about it

Can you post a photo of the leaves?

sure thing

Looks like the new growth, if so, then it's an Iron deficiency, more than likely caused by high pH.

If it's a new system, the pH should gradually come down on it's own over a few months due to the natural acids produced by the nitrification process... unless you have carbonates in the gravel, in which case it will stay high.

For now, add Iron chelate at 1 heaped teaspoon per 1000L...

...plus, treat any top-up water to a pH in the low 6's with Hydrochloric the day before adding to the main system. Treating the top-up water this way will reduce the carbonates in the main system quicker and the pH will begin to drop sooner. When adding acid treated top-up water, do it in two or three stages over and hour or so, so as not to bounce the pH in the main system too much.