Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

CRT, here is a link to a kit that has the main tests as listed by KP, most of us use this kit:
Master Test Kit

By the way, I have an excellent reference book on fish farming called

"Backyard Fish Farming" by Paul Bryant, Kim Jauncey, and Tim Atack. It is very detailed - too much so at times but when you need the data you really need it. It gores into depth regarding a recycled system - which is what aquaponics is.

A lot of my questions are more in the range of "Okay you experts, how much of this do you actually do..."

Give you an example. I have to buy land about once a year for growing trees. Normally the route is to call a forestry engineer, take soil samples, etc. This is relatively expensive so you don't want to do it before you know that the soil is good for you.

So, I look at what trees are already growing in the area, what weeds are in the fields, and how fat the cows are. If all these things are good - then I know what the results of the soil test is going to be.

But I like the science too.

So, it is more from a pragmatic side - remember, my goal is to perhaps have a system that others here can use - if it can be done without fancy tests, so much the better.

the tests will become unnecessary in time.
I don't know when I last tested my large fish tank in doors.
I would have to be at least a year ago.
Stable systems are well stable :-)

Ell - OMG that's cheap, I can't believe I gave my money away to my LFS

Thanks - looks good, hopefully I can find something similar here. Did you notice by the way the website says 700 tests and the packaging says 800. A copywriter (if they have one) missed that one. My wife would have fits.

Okay, on initial startup and cycling you will need to test for pH, ammonia and nitrite.

When system running - pH and nitrates are the main ones with the others occasionally.

The master test kit will last a year on doing weekly tests...once the system is matured, there is only need for a monthly sample done...or if you are like "SOME" ...only when HSM strikes

...so it is a reasonably cheap test kit

Missed that one CRT - my kit says over 700 tests but is starting to show its age...the amount of tests is the total of all the separate tests too

I tend to see things like that - one of the consequences of being married to an editor...

So basically - during the start up, test so you can determine that you have a stable system, once you have a stable system, check it periodically to make sure it is staying that way. For the first month, expect to have to change out the water if it gets too toxic.

Hmmm, I might see if I can develop some kind of "canary" approach. There are some plants that are very sensitive to PH for example. If I had one of these plants, it might be an early indicator of problems.

Fish are cheap here compared to what I am reading with you all. I think I can get Tilapia fingerlings for 10 cents each - if not just free. The Tech school about 45 minutes away is supposed to have a pretty good selection of fish for aquaculture I am told and all my neighbors just bring me bags of starter fish for the ponds.

Tilapia being what they are (and Guapote too), excess fingerlings are a way of life - of course they are good thrown to the chickens too.

That's handy having the Tech school close by ... and involved in aquaculture....

I'd be paying a visit or two and getting to know them.... reckon you'll score your fish for free for sure

Good chance they'll be interested in what you're doing.... maybe down the track you could setup a learning centre/system

Good idea is to post your progressive test reports, this gives you a visual of how the system is going and also gives the more experienced Apers an opportunity to monitor your system and offer advice before minor occurrences become a major problem....and don't forget pics

I probably just have to introduce them to the idea, if they don't already know. After all they not only teach aquaculture - they teach hydroponics too. They well may have a system of aquaponics, I wouldn't be surprised. Education here at that level is very very good. This school is affliated with MIT (Mass Institute of Technology)

Very good idea - I will remember the pics, and I will try not to torture people too much of our environment here.

Catch you all later - it is 5:30 am here and I have an appointment at 6:00, I better get a move on. Thanks for all the help this AM.

hasta luego

We are all masochists at heart and thus love torture - we must, we do AP

Using different plants as meters for water conditions is a neat idea. I noticed that my peace lily is a good indicator for iron deficiency. It really likes AP, and puts out a new leaf regularly. I check each new leaf as it comes, and when I see a leaf that is yellow with green veins, I add a little chelated iron. The next leaf that comes in looks good. The trick is that you need a steady grower that shows effects in the leaf quickly.

Canary plants might make a good thread - what to grow as an early indicator of trouble. For example, tomatoes are very sensitive to lack of calcium - but you don't want to use them since it occurs on the fruit.

If you don't get the reference, they used Canaries in mines to detected gas - and I have heard that a few campers wanted to use them to detect lethal levels of body odor in their tent companions as well.

The idea is that the canary will keel over before you will. So, having plants that show environmental stress before the plants you care about would be a great thing.

Any other suggestions?