Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've read here various different water sources. Is using water from a local stocked pond with reasonably clear, well actually very clear water (shale pit) a good idea? There's many fish in the pond. Will water used from there cycle quicker than say using water from the rooftop drain? Or will it even need to cycle? Is it best to not even consider it?

Things to think about before using a water source. What is the source of the water? Like is it run off from a highway or agricultural land? Is it spring fed? Chances are if it is clear water that doesn't have huge problems with algae blooms and a healthy fish population, I might be tempted to use it. Look into what the possible pollution of that pond is and go from there.

It isn't actually the water that needs to be cycled, it is the media that needs to build up enough of the bacteria to handle the waste load. Using water that has already been supporting fish can be of benefit but doesn't replace cycling all together.

You might want to collect a sample of said water and test it for various things important to you and the fish. Do you have a test kit yet. Minimum you should have a test kit that can check pH (most kits have two separate pH tests one for for a regular range and another for high range), Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. There are plenty of other test you could get or you might even see if your county extension office has any advice on water testing for Aquaculture.

I definitely think using something other than municipal water is a good idea if you can.

being very new here and to AP... a question...

you talk about cycling... to build up bacteria.... is there any specific things to
look for to know when the cycling is ready? Also... I will probably be using well water
to fill the system... is there anything to look for in that besides doing the normal tests?

thanks
JT

DecalsbyJT - DJT maybe??

when your system has cycled the levels of Ammo nitrite and nitrate also pH
will have balanced.
pH @ 7's~
Ammo~0 n'rite~0 nitrate~0
Also if your system is new there is a likelyhood your system will
have gone thru th pea green stage and over night will be clear.
The length of time this will take is variable by many factors.
Not least air, temp-both water and ambient, fish load,
and grow beds (GB's).

thanks for the info...

and all.... just call me JT

Easy JT
C1

In the top section of the forum there are several threads that can help explain the nitrogen cycle and the bacteria involved.
As to well water, that is what I use. If it is safe for drinking, it will usually be fine for fish. Just understand that water just drawn from the tap will likely show a skewed pH compared to what the pH really is. Let the water sit in a bucket with a bubbler for a while and re-test the pH and you get a more accurate reading of your well water pH.

thanks.....

working on the forum msgs.... just scratched the surface



thanks

JT