Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

good stuff that salt.
from what I have heard of late it fixes heaps,
I wonder if the minerals are the bit that correct an 'imbalance'.
Steve you always talk about adding shells and buffering mass.
I have just put the first of the shade wings up.
A couple to go,..... trying to reduce algae growth -less light etc..
But would you guys think the added hollow log limestone block and cement render edging would increase algal colonization to bloom stage or will the balance of another creature keep the peasoup away?given time-
sorry for hijack.
Monya-when someone has issues and posts them, we all get to hear the result of efforts, which will help us later if a need is required.
thanks for the update

from my understanding the pea soup is the result of initially high ammonia, then possibly excess nitrates due to lack of plants. once established can be hard to cut down unless you blokc light as VB has done (and i am trying) once back down though it should stay clear.

limestone buffers the water aganist PH swings, while bacteria will grow on surfaces there is more than enough in the grow bed media

This mornings readings

Ph 7.2
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrates 5
Temp 24.5

I think this means it is starting to cycle, right? I won't put any feed in today (move away from the feed bag)
And will add the first 600 grams of salt this morning and re-test ph

Make em lean and mean it won't hurt em.

teach those little boys to beg for it, and I mean the food!

gets image of A... on his knees

that's the only way he gets his dinner

Stu, it doesn't take much salt. I have one box that has lasted me for years for all the aquariums that I have had. Go very lightly, your don't have a salt water fish. Salt is good to have on hand if you have diseases then you still have to be careful. I threw in about 1/4 of a cup, very small amount for 500 gallons. I only put salt in my aquariums about 2 times a year. I never saw much need to have much of it.

The thing with barra though is they can handle estuarine water, salt shouldn't be a problem for them

Thanks Jaymie, my experience with salt and fish, beside from the AP system only go from guppy to gold fish, throw in a few tetra. I do like catching barra in the keys of Florida, didn't think about that being sea water.

no problems Joyce, I often forget that barra need seawater to spawn, myself

Thanks for that guys, yeah they can handle it pretty salty.

Here's a couple of pics from my lunch time check on them. Seeming happy and healthy and not as skittish now

which one is B247?

Yes Monya which is he

I think he's in the top picture, just above the flash of the camera