Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi krozbolt

Great graphs, good work thank-you.

I noticed (because it's easier with graphs) that the ph is bottom lining.
If you are using an API set it could actually be a lot less than 6.

Why are they not being buffered up to 6.5 ?

cheers Lou

Why mess about with something that is working fine?

BYAP has a pH meter that I believe they monitor pH with and I think they have usually tended to run with a lower pH that would be advisable for anyone monitoring only with an API test kit.

But you see, that's exactly it, we don't know what the pH is in those systems, yes it could be well below 6, we are only measuring with the API test kit like most people would be.. We have not reacted or adjusted any of the systems because of any of the test results, and they are still performing well.

As I mentioned on another thread, we have just added a handful of shells to every system here, but this was because of calcium deficiencies, not because of a low pH.. I think people often upset their systems more than they should by trying to adjust pH.

Brilliant !!!

I am learning so much from this.

cheers Lou

ps: If anyone does have a ph meter it would be nice to know how acidic the systems are.

hum, interesting.

Hi earthbound

I take it from this statement that chelated iron has never been added to the systems
either.
Just wondering if any plants are showing any signs of iron deficiency?

cheers Lou

Nope, no iron added and no signs of iron deficiencies, so much is dependant on the feed you are using and I guess although our feed is low in calcium and magnesium, there must be a bit of iron in it.......

What feed have you been using for the silvers EB? Is it trout feed?

Yes TC it is trout feed, a high protein floating pellet that is fed to all of the fish at the shop including goldfish, barramundi, yabbies and marron. They all seem happy

handy info to know.

So , as I'm using BYAP feed , does this mean I am calcium deficient also ?

It will depend on your source water I expect. Are you having problems with blossom end rot?

Not necessarily Prawns, it may depend on the pH of your system as well as what plants you are growing. Does it look like you have defficiencies? Because these systems are showing a pH of around 6 the calcium is not as available as it would be if the pH was around 8. To understand further, look at a pH chart that shows nutrient availability. (There is one in the IBC manual on page 185.)
As TC says when you grow tomatoes it can show as the bottom end rotting, of course here it is the start of the tomato season, so you might not know that yet.

nah , no obvious deficiencies but will be watching the tomatoes as they come along for sure .