Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi
We have just got into the world of aquaponics. We have a 1,000 litre tank with 30 silver perch and a growbed with expanded clay. The growbed is the standard one that comes in the kit form (see attached photo). We started just out with veggie seedlings (Bunnings) and five goldfish for about 3 weeks until we got the perch fingerlings. The system was cycling on a 15mins/hour flood/drain and still is.

The fished arrive 3.5 weeks ago. All seem very healthy and keen to eat, although they are pretty shy and tend to hang back a bit. They are 3-4cms. Readings today are: Nitrite between 2.5-5? (can't really tell the colour); Nitrate 10; Ammonia 0; pH 8.0-8.2, water temp around 20-22C.
Veggies have done well, although we are noticing some wilting on the cucumbers (one death) and the tomato lower leaves are wilting/spotting a bit - there are flowers but no fruit at this stage. Other veggies seem to be doing well. (Consequently, not all the vegies are as healthy as in the photo, but some are roaring along). We have not gone through any "greening" cycle - the water is very clear, with the only algae on the sides/bottom of tank where it is exposed to the sun. We would just like some confirmation that things are ok at this stage and not to panic! Specifically:
1) Is the pH too high - or should we just let the cycle keep happening for a while - veggies and fish together only for 3.5 weeks. Wondering if the high pH is locking out nutrients - or should we just wait for a bit longer.
2) Should we be "greening" up by now?
Thanks for your help. We find the forum very interesting reading.

hello

Hi there! I probably gushed too much, but there you go!

Welcome.
Ph comes down in time. Do you have salt(sea) in the system. 1ppt will counter the nitrite. And a lot of us add a little seasol to the system to cover trace elements that may not be covered until the system has aged.

Yes, we added salt just prior to the fish going in. A 3kg bag given to us by the store where we bought the system. Should we add some more now?

No. The salt in the system will stay there until the plants take it up or you do water change.

Ok. Sorry, to hassle you in particular (!), but what about this "greening" we hear about.... nothing happening in that regard yet.

Take it you mean aglae bloom. Don't worry it will happen in time or you may not get any. My smaller system didn't have a lot of light going into the water so it never greened. The larger system has pea souped a few time.

Ok. That's great. That's what we thought - our tank sits underneath the growing bed, so it's 3/4 in shade. Happy not to have any algae bloom! Thanks for your help. Wonderful to get such prompt assistance.

Welcome - Sal&Trev
Gush any time you like, I do
Looks like you're system is about to 'cycle'

Hi Creative...we are really enjoying the experience. It's like a little adventure every day. What should we expect from a "cycle" - what will we see happening?

C1 will do...
The term 'cycling' is when 'nitrification', the chemical balancing act ocurs.
Nitrification is the conversion of Ammonia (fish poo) to nitrite, to nitrate(plant food), a cycle
This maybe picked up when the water perameters are checked

Different times of the year may show other signs...
For me and others, a pea soup appearance is an algal bloom but soon the FT water will go clear
Then you will be able to see your fish

Ask away lots of helpful people here
C1

Thanks C1.

Pleasure

Welcome Sal & Trev...