Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

The mini system I am trying is to experiment with a simple structure that kids could afford and be successful with. I started it on Feb 19. I overstocked it, so nitrites have been too high. I removed 2 of the fish to another system just this morning and 2 remain. I am running a 'whisper filter' on it hoping it would help while the system until it cycles. This is based on the "farm fountain" idea. If this system works, then it could be (I think) easy to tote to local schools and easy for a kid to build.

The school system has no plants currently because it met with disaster about a month ago. Kids put soap inthe tank and the fish died. We have restarted it, but the physical structure of it is still the same and the kids are currently growing their seedlings. We'll probably plant next week. I included some water tests I took today. There are currently 6 fish 2" to 5".

Enjoy and I'm open to any comments, suggestions...I love this forum!

Small systems do present a few challenges that bigger systems can just absorb easier. Keep us updated on the progress.

will do EC. I was looking over your10 gal. system as well. Is there something about testing with home products like vinegar and ammonia? I wondered if and how one can cut that cost. I have taken more nitrite tests than you could shake a stick at, and I will be buying more test kits. There has got to be a better way.
I did lose a fish in the mini system. I had overstocked and that's why my nitrites were in the red. Once i removed 2 fish to another system (and a 3rd fish died) I am not seeingthose high tests. I need to read more on testing methods. because I don't know how to test/measure my salt (unless that is derived from a water hardness test somehow) or to measure the nitrates. I just assumed that if the nitrites were low, something good was happening and nitrates were in progress. I just watch plant growth and water clarity.

Good luck with the 10 gallon...I'll be watching for your updates too.

If you look at my system overall pic, on the right side of the table I have three boxes, these are individual liquid tests for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. I use a soil pH analog tester I got at Lowes for about $15 or $20. It measured the same as a single liquid test I had once.

Most people test these 4 items when they do their test. an entire test kit box should contain at least these 4. Sometimes one or two of them are different, ask the pet store for the right ones. My boxes I bought individually because I didn't buy them all at once. But each box can do anywhere from 90 to 180 tests. The big test kit box will have the same liquids. Most people say the liquids are more accurate than the dip strips but I've never tried the dip strips yet myself. They appear easier and faster to use but ultimately cost more than the liquid if you do a lot of tests.

I don't have a way to measure my salt other than the test log I keep. I write down date, temp, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, # fish, # plants and any changes I make to the system, adding salt, adding or removing an air pump, etc. I can always refer back to this list if need be to trace system problems. There are expensive electronic digital meters to test salinity, dissolved oxygen, etc, but us poor fold just gotta cross our fingers.

Many of us use salinity refractometers... available on eBay... cheap, but reliable...

i.e. ... http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Salinity-Refrac ... 7C294%3A50

People have tested these against more expensive calibrated units/methods and found them to be surprisingly accurate...

Thanks for the tips!!! I'll be checking out ebay, Rupert and will review your pics, EC.

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