Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys,

I have enjoyed reading the forums and learning alot, I'm trying to start a small test system atm.
Developing Aquapox 1 week before xmas is not ideal But I'm still positive with all the set backs I've had...
Im a YABBIE KILLER!

well heres some pics of the test system, its been 48hrs since I got it up n running, using old yabbie water hopefully that will be enough to get the system started.

what time frames should I expect the bacteria to semi kick in? (I read steves post saying they double approx every 15-20hrs, but not sure how it applies )

Hi and Welcome,
There are many variables determining how long the bacteria takes to "kick in".
Even with aged water and summer temps it will take a few weeks.
Have you got any fish in the water ATM?

Do you have a test kit? You want a freshwater master test kit to monitor your cycling. The kind of test kit that uses test tubes and drops is far more reliable than any sort of test strips.

The yabbie water is a good start but you will probably want to have an ammonia source to add. You don't need very much though for such a small system. The ammonia source must not have any soap or detergent in it so if you can't find pure ammonia, some people will use urea, while others like me support the use of humonia (small bit of aged urine.)

You want to get your ammonia levels up to about 1 and then let the system work for a while till the ammonia levels drop then add some more ammonia to get the ammonia level up to 1 and let it work again. When you get to the point that you can elevate the ammonia to 1 ppm and 24 hours later ammonia and nitrite are both back to 0 ppm, then you are cycled. In warm weather this can take as little as 3 weeks if everything else is perfect. It can also take as long as 6 weeks or more if things are not good (like chlorine/chloramine in the water, ammonia level being way too high, ammonia level non-existant, too many big water changes, really cold weather, or whatever chemicals killing off the bacteria.)

Be ware, urea won't register as ammonia right when you put it into the water and it is really easy to overdose. Same goes for fresh hummonia or urine. Those both require some natural enzymes to change them into ammonia. Urine comes with those enzymes already included but it takes a little time, urea has to wait around for those enzymes to stumble upon them and do their work so it can take a little longer if the system is completely new.

A small amount of hummonia goes a long way. 50 ml of hummonia is probably all that would be needed to does a system that size. I cycled a barrel ponics system using about 200 ml a day but that was usually too much.

Cycling without fish first is definitely the less stressful way to go. Make sure your ammonia and nitrite are 0 before adding fish, but don't leave the system without any added ammonia for too long before getting the fish or the bacteria will die off for lack of ammonia.

by the way, welcome and good luck.

There is no cure but you have found the right place for AP support!

Welcome SP...... nice to see another New South Welshmen .... Windsor eh.... just up the road...

3 weeks! I can't wait that long lol. Thanks for the welcomes guys

scottt:
Nope, none (Just can't kill anymore yabbies)

TCLynx:
I used tap water so it most likely has chlorine/chloramine ( I was hoping it would just disappear heh)
how high would be bad enough to slow growth?


I was thinking I might try this, How long should I age the wiz in the bottle for?

Im not sure if you mean for me or the fish/yabbies. I assume you mean both


haha yeah not too far if I needed a emergency pump

Not much is going to happen whilst you have chlorine in the water.

I'd be tempted to grab some tap water conditioner, throw in a couple of goldfish, and you'll have a functioning AP system in no time..

Keep an eye on you water quality, preferably with a test kit.
If not, keep an eye and nose on the water, if things don't look or smell right. Do small water changes until the system sorts itself out.

My condolence to you for developing "aquapox". You won't find a cure here, but there will be plenty of support to help you through the worst of the symptoms!

Hehe, defiantly a symptom of the disease - Continual thoughts of the "next system".

Yea kinda underestimated the chlorine thing.

cheers

Chlorine is very easy to remove

Bit of aeration overnight and its ready.

welcome to the forum. it really should come with a warning label.

but its too late for all that already hehehe


have fun. its a great place, john

Thanks OBO and John.

Yea looks like the system is cycling ( i think )

I have a crappy test kit but its tube type...

36hrs ago

ammo was .8 ish
nitrites .3

now

ammo .3 ish
nitrite 1.6+ (maybe 2.2ish)

Note: the reason for the "ish" my test color chart is kinda hard to get the right color most are in the middle of two.

so now I'm waiting for my api test kit that should arrive in the mail next week (no nitrate test in my current test kit) and for the nitrite to drop.

My understanding is ammo spikes then nitrite finally nitrate... when starting a new system?

Yep! I have the bug BAD! I woke up early today (new years day ) to check on my fishless system

Take two beers and if symptoms persist consult your local BYAP rep for more equipment.
Welcome aboard

Youve got the cycling process correct

Wonder what the ammonia level of the water was in the yabbie tank?

2 beers and what are you going to do with the other 23 hrs 55 min of the day