Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Well I am only testing water and feeding. Nothing else, except checking if there are any more dead fishes. None yet. Fingers crossed.

Ammonia has got up to 1. And yes, with the last few days of warm weather, hopefully the nitrifying bacteria are trying to settle in and finally start growing. Hopefully I see some action with my plants soon...

Is your tank full yet, or are you running with half water?

sounds like things are moving along Ivan, is water clearing yet, mine was cloudy for a week or so, but now crystal clear again

No, the tank is not full. Pretty much at the same level as you saw it. I prefer to be able to see the bottom during low tide (ie. growbeds fully flooded), so I can spot any issues early.



No, the water is still not clear, but it does seem to be improving in clarity.

I think I would be topping up a bit at a time.
If your plants are starting to grow, even if they aren't
you will have evap.
Also if the sun ever comes out you will have more variable temp swings.

+1... and you're feeding... into half the water you had before...

Yes, I will be topping up the water a bit a time once the water starts clearing up. At the moment, I have a tarp over the fish tank with the silver side facing up. So hopefully it helps reflect some of the heat and the bottom of the tarp usually has condensation throughtout the day (from the temperature differences between the tank and the ambient) so hopefully evaporation is kept to a minimum.

Although over the next few days, nature should be topping it up for me over my growbeds.

I guess I should really get a probe into the tank and monitor the tank water temperature more regularly.

Well plants aren't really growing much yet. Ammonia still at 1+ and Nitrite 0. My feed is about 1 tablespoon per day for 10-15 trouts. Will not feed tomorrow as Ammonia should be reaching 2 shortly.

Patiently waiting for the Nitrosomonas bacteria to wake up and work.

Ivan... you have a 1000L tank... capable of supporting 30 fish...

You currently have a 500L tank (half full).... capable of supporting 15 fish (by the same ratio)...

And 1000L of bio-filtration.... feeding a tablespoon per day...

Top your tank up.... keep it shaded.... keep it pump cycling (15/45) continually... keep it aerated...

Feed evey second day... until the water clears...

Other than that.... LEAVE IT ALONE.... and wait for nature to do it's job...

Nature has brought along the rain, hence my tank is being topped up slowly via the exposed surfaces of the growbeds.

It is still raining as I type. I shall check the water level tomorrow morning. It is also going to be raining the next few days, so the tank will be topped up naturally. I will let nature do it's job and if it is not doing a good job by the weekend, I will intervene by topping up. By the way, I think the water is clearing up.

Tested today, Ammonia is at about 2 now. Nitrite still 0, bacteria still asleep. Food today for everyone except the fishes..

Should see some nitrite in a day or 2 Ivan, you can have some of mine still cant get it below 1, but all is happy

Nitrite at 0.25 this morning 8.30am.

Does rain bring nitrite along with it?

Checked tank level today. I think I got it at a higher level than I thought but together with rainfall yesterday, when
the growbed are emptied, the tank is about 3/4 full (or 1/4 empty; depending on how you see things )

No thanks. I think I might get my fair share of nitrite shortly when things start to pick up.

Yes it can, and weather conditions (lightning for example) and local industry can affect the levels.

Did a water test today at 6pm.

Someone please tell me that I am seeing things right.
Have I finally got nitrites and nitrates in my system???

yeah... think you've got a trace there Ivan...