Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Nocky,
I have done the high range PH test and it is the lightest colour so I figure it is somewhere in between. I have added ph down several times but it keeps going up. Not sure if it is part of cycling or the river stones I have used but time will tell I'm sure. The wife got me some pool salt from the Coles but I don't know if it is OK. It is called Reliance pool salt from Coles. Doesn't say anything about sun dried or sea salt on the bag has anyone used it before?

Ph does come down over time, unless something is buffering it. I had a high ph in the pool but it came down after it cycled for a while.

Reliance and Coles thats an oxymoron, RWTD I am not a fan coles as it is the only store we have and they *frack* up everything but never used it, does it contain any chlorine?

It doesnt say any thing on the packaging at all, so mabee I should give it a miss.

ahhh... Salt is Sodium Chloride (NaCl) so of course it contains Chlorine (Cl). As soon as it dissolves, it dissociates into Chorine ions and Sodium ions, the Choride or Chlorine ions are the "disinfectant" while Sodium metal ions change the water's hardness and pH. Maybe you meant it contained some other "unwanted" chemical element like Phosphorus (Phosphates) or Magnesium etc?

Cheers IanK

Yes your right, I am going to call Coles to see if I can get a MSDS sheet.

Nah Ian meant extra added chlorine, Coles put all sorts of crap in their own brand products, I would try and get a list of what's in it, if they know of course.
Ian I would eat Sodium Chloride, but I wouldn't eat Chlorine

test results today
amo .25, Nitrite 2.0 to 5.0, Nitrate 1.0, PH 7.2 to 7.4

Yes, I know what you mean.
Sorry.
I'm truly just a novice in this AP game and I agree with your post. My opinion was based on the supply of "natural" chemicals by our major corporations, whom I completely distrust. The promise of "elemental" supplies is full of lies!!! We must all distrust the "promises" of major suppliers who are no more than profit driven for their directors and "share holders". I would not lie to you or anybody involved in in AP!!!!
For example, I am having a "natural swimming pool" without Chlorine or "salt" or silver/copper ionisers. I spent a bit of time in Germany and England and learnt that Cl wasn't needed for disinfection etc. just water plants and a properly designed system, much like AP. Have a look at 'Natural swimming Pools' on Google.
I was just imparting a superficial snatch of knowledge about basic Chemistry. No offence intended or implied!
Cheers Mate!

No offense taken Ian it is a discussion forum, we are all novices really and all learning even the guys that have been doing it for years, I am not a chemist either and the quote from Wiki above means Jack Schitt to me, but I know I wouldn't eat Chlorine

Wow the water just cleared up over night went from clay yellow cant see the bottom in 600mm to seeing all the way 95 % clear
Test results for tonight,
Amo 0 to 2.5, Nitrite 2 to 5.0, Nitrate 1.0, PH 7.2 to 7.4
Lets see what happens tomorrow.

Trout like nice clean, clear water...

RWTD things are cycling normally, you will find next your Nitrites will drop in a day or so and your Nitrates will go up maybe to 20+

Hi All,
Water is even clearer tonight and things have changed yet again.
Amo 0 to 2.5, Nitrite 2 , Nitrate 0 to 5.0, PH 7.2 to 7.4
Amo has stayed the same, Nitrite has droped, Nitrate has dropped, PH has stayed the same.
water temp sitting day 13oC to 10oC at night.
Bring on the Trout!!!!

That ammo reading supposed to be 0.0 - 0.25??

Nitrites look like they're on the way down... trout are on the way up... weekend...