Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Say Yes to Yellow Perch Dave, just have to find a supplier that will call me back and I'm set. Maybe do YP in winter and tilapia in summer?

Big one dead tonight. Come Halloween there'll be a squad of spectral goldfish outside my window. The wife will be scared and I'll be all like "Aaaa! Just ignore 'em and maybe they'll go away!"

I'm thinking about rescuing a couple to the living room 10 gallon aquarium.

pH measures 7.6, but the new test kit doesn't go above 7.6 so I'm not sure if it is higher. Water smells too.

Ouch, sorry to hear. You have me wondering what spectral gold fish would sound like. Get a handle on it maybe they will forgive you.

Measured nitrites the other day and they are still 0.
I just read on the nitrifying bacteria info post that if the pH is too high to use gypsum or calcium chloride to lower it. I just so happen to have a garage full of drywall to finish the basement, as well as some ice melting "salt" which I think is calcium chloride. I might check into lowering the pH, perhaps I added too much oyster shells? I had been thinking the problem was mostly the low temperatures slowing the fish down.

Get a test kit that goes higher

calcium chloride will lowwer the PH by dropping bi-carb ions out of solution, there by lowering KH, but increasing GH......long winded chemical process. Change out of water would be the better option for you, considering its not going well and smells too!

I pushed the pH lower today. I also rescued a couple of the prettier ones to the living room aquarium with "Twitchy" and "Dirts". "Spot" has always been my favorite. The other one almost looks like a two-tone peach and black 50's paint job in certain light. Spot was sideways when I put him in, he's looking better by the minute. The fish outside perked up a bit. I used up all my pH down, and then went on to the lemon juice. pH is around 7 at the moment. I also ran the pump for over an hour to get things mixed and well oxygenated.

Pictures! Theme today is fruiting and flowering.

The rest of the gang

Peas and marigold

Green pepper flowers and buds, and green bean

Strawberries and tomatoes. Strawberries look like they are deficient.

Kids home from school, new one is named "Bobby Two-Tone"

I want some plants in! I want some fish in! I need more time and money!

I want, I need, sheez its always Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! LOL.
Nice Dave very nice, dont know what to tell you on the SB's, Leafs seem to be drying up around the edges?

nice plants DD!

get a high range PH, who knows how far above 7.6 it was

Good idea to move them out. PH shock can be nasty too

Hi Dave!
I think you system looks absolutely awesome!
Isnt it great that out of a few cement blocks, black tubs, and pvc pipes something so beatutiful can be constructed.
Its interesting Steve mentioned how some of us like the sound of the water and some dont - I must admit after the visual aspects of these systems the sound has got to be one of the best things about them. people always comment when they come into the chaos of my garden on how lovely all the trickling water sounds. It makes the place feel so alive!
Maybe its the very strong coffee I just had but I am so excited I am going to spend a whole day fixing up my system and isnt Murray an asset - he has designed all my irrigation and done all the drilling for me and sending me a pump as well from wherever he is ( Brissie? I forget) so I dont have to go to bloody Bunnings again - its getting to be embarrasing - staff are giving me funny looks - also my hairdresser managed to bleach an eyebrow off and dye my (fake) blonde hair purple yesterday by mistake so i aint going anywhere till it fades ( now wouldnt you like to see a photo of that!)
Dave, youve inspired me to get out my camera cords and try to download some piccies today. Cant wait till my system is planted and on its way just like yours.
Ps have you guys seen the free hugs video on the random piccs thread? Its really cool. Fill you with the warm fuzzies.

Aeon