Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Well last time I posted there was great concern oer the quality of my water. I was confident that my system was cycled and that I had merely been feeidng too much. I was not keen to do a 400l water change so sat out the week without feeding. Mt fish are now starving but the reults from todays water are as follows,
ammonia - 0.25
ni - 0-0.25
na - 10
pH 6.6
fe 0
phosphates 10.00

That is a pretty good improvement in one week I would think. I only lost one black goldfish and all others seem to be doing very well. So again silver perch prove their reputation as unkillable.

THe question i have is steve what does that phospahtes represent in terms of plant growing and fruiting. THe guys at work said I should have very good algal growth but i as yet have not had the famous "pea soup". my tank is mostly shaded but not anywhere completely.

Anyway all comments appreciated.

nick, i'm far from an agricultural type, but since you've asked the Q i'll find and answer!

true that high phosphates promote algae, but maybe the partial shade is helping you, that and the relatively low nitrates

hey, is the P test expensive? i want one

might want to add and bit of Chelated iron!

have you got carbonates in there? i wouldn't want the PH dropping any lower, and having it higher will boost nitrification.

Steve

I have all of my tests doe at work so I would not know. Still don't have the carbonates in there. And yeah will need to add some chelated iron, will get it from a garden centre.

get onto some shell grit or sea shells soon.

Plants need phosphate to stimulate root development and flowering and to help in the prevention of disease and stress.

--Janet

oh, i thought you meant exact N P K ratios.

Janet is correct.

High Nitrogen requred for vegative growth, higher P and K for flowering and fruiting. I think sometimes excess nitrogen can reduce flowering fruiting too, as the plant just wants to keep vegging