Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ill get some pictures posted just as soon as I can. Ive setup the basic IBC system as described in the ebook. All pretty straight forward. I have setup a solar system for the electrics etc and its working well in a flood drain method on a 12v timer.
Since fish species is a bit of a problem in Tassie, I have got 11 comets (goldfish) who seem happy enough. System has been running for about 6 weeks.

Im having some problems though and appreciate some advice please.

1. I have an aglae bloom. The book says if this happens, stop feeding the fish. I have not fed them in a week but still have the bloom.
2. My water test kit arrived today and I took the following readings.
Ph= 8.4, Ammonia=0.0-0.25, Nitrite=0, Nitrate=0, Temp=18.5. I need some advice to bring the Ph down with hopefully a common hardware store/garden centre product. I think the other readings are ok.
3. I have a range of plants, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber, iceburg lettuce, pick as you go lettices. Most plants look like they are growing (well they havnt died in almost 4 weeks of being in the water!) but some are showing yellow on the leaves. The tomatos have some new leaf growth but the older leaves have gone sort of purplely.

Appreciate any advice please.
Many thanks.

How is fish species a problem in Tassie, cant you do trout year round?
Where abouts in Tas are you? I'm visiting your amazingly beautiful part of the world right now, we are in Hounville currently, on our way to the West.

cover the tank so that there is no light.. make sure you have aeration running..
supplement with seasol, or maxicrop (with iron) until the ph drops... a cap ful or so every 2 weeks or so should be ok..

+1 with covering the tank and air.
The algae will clear eventually.

Also be patient with the PH, it will come down over time.
If you try to change it quickly, it will stress the fish, possibly kill them.

Brilliant. Thanks guys much appreciated. Will hope to it now.

I dont seem to be making much progress. Algae is clearing though. The plants I have in seem to be in a dormant state ie not dead but not growing either. PH has been adjusted down as per advice on here and is now sitting around 7.4.
As this is a trial, I want to make sure I can get it to work before expanding the system.

Appreciate any advice please. Thanks.

OK, now the pH is down and not locking out nutrients and the algae is getting under control it sounds like you havfe a nutrient deficiency. To get to the bottom of these problems we will need a few facts. How big is your system? How many comets do you have in the system? What type of food are you using?

I had a similar problem with my proof of concept system. If the nitrate reading is zero then there are no, or very low levels of nutrients for the plants.

Give us some more info to run with please.

Not necessarily... it may just be that the plants to nutrient are in balance....

Many systems run with zero nitrate levels... with abundant growth...

The system is still new, and only recently cycled... but 11 comets, presumably being feed low protein fish feed... may not be quite enough...

Thanks Rob. Comets = 11. Food is just a standard packet from the pet shop. Ill get the details for you though. Ill take the readings this arvo and report back. I appreciate you taking the time.

Ok. Here are the test results...
PH=6.8-7
Am=.25 - .50
Nitrite=0
Nitrate=0
Food is Classica Saikoh Gold. Tiny pallets about 1-2mm
PH has altered because I added more water today due to evaporation. Water is from rainwater tanks (our only water supply).

Thanks

Reckon John could be right except that its a new system so I'll still bet on very few nutrients.

You will need better food than simple aquarium food as its made to produce very little waste which is what you want in an aquarium but we want the fish to grow and produce wastes that are used by our veges.

Not sure where a supplier of food is in Tassie but I have had some from Joel in the past and it was easy to get and good food.

You can stick with the same food.... just add some more comets...

Thanks Rob and John.
Ill get more comets this week and hope things improve. Appreciate your assistance.

Another note in regards to high PH readings is that many systems produce flourishing crops at high levels so I wouldnt get too hung on the fact it is at a higher level and you think it may not allow your system to develop - because it will. Be patient and it will come down in time and in the mean time - once established -will tick along nicely

New comets are in. Now have 24 in total so will monitor now with interest.
Thanks