Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

G'day all' I'm new to AP, have an IBC with around 650L, one GB (top of IBC). six Barra (150grams when purchased) been going 4 weeks, fish appear OK but plants are struggling. Am I expecting to much to early. PH 7-8: Ammonia appears OK; nitrites minimal and haven't tested for nitrates as yet (gotta get the test kit!!). Have put water cress in floating beds but looks as if it's tossed it in as well. Have small worm like creatures covered in a sludge like stuff has any one else seen this?? Willing to listen and learn!!!

Hey fish2veg....

Yes, probably expecting a bit much early on, soon your plant growth will start booming.

Our IBC system here at the shop took many weeks to get going, but now it has, it's going crazy..

Where are the worm things you're talking about? Are they in the fish tank on the walls?

Phew, you can't see where I harvested those cos lettuces that made for the chicken caesar lunches on two occasions last week.

Wow, that is going nuts guys...cool

The lil' critturs are on the bottom and also some on the walls, when I spoke to you about a fortnight ago one of the blokes reckoned they probably were midge lavae, just thought I'd throw it out on the forum to see if anyone else had them or am I the only one. Made the IBC system after seeing yours and needless to say I'm gobsmacked at how it has grown since I first laid eyes on it. I have been worried about ammonia levels so haven't been feeding the Barra regularly, will increase to what you suggested (half a tablespoon a day) and see what eventuates (I'm a born worrier)
Cheers

Where did you get your barra from?

You really need a test kit, have a look at my thread to see how my tests have been going, im in a similar situation as you, although Ive been going a few more weeks.

Hey "Kanga Dog" got the Barra from Golden Ponds on Mundijong Rd---150grams @$12 a piece probably a bit dear but if all goes well they should make 500-600 grams before winter.. I have been testing for PH, ammonia & nitrites, tested for nitrates this morning and not showing any. By the way if I add seasol any one know the best method?

I pull out the stand pipe, let the bed drain, put the pipe back in and pour seasol into that.. then as it fills the holes in the standpipe let small amounts into the fish tank, then when it overflows it pours teh rest in.

Doesnt take long and you cant see the seasol in there anymore, and you cant even smell it.

Have you had any nitrite reading?

Yep got a nitrite reading but overly concerned as it is low - I just added the seasol straight to the FT after doing some research thru the Discussions on site. Fish appear happy but I'm suffering from an overdose of "end of year good cheer" with my work mates last night!!!! Main reason for the seasol is to give the plants a boost while waiting for nature to take it's course (wonder if it would work for me). I will hopefully be able to put a few photos of my project up here.

ah ok, well my system had a small reading of nitrite, then spiked really high, waiting for it to come down at the moment.

DO you have any chelated iron? your plants will probably need it, mine went very iron deficient looking, gave them a dose of iron and all is good now.

just takes time for it to all happen, I seen a pic of a bum sitting on hands here the other week, that about sums it up when your cycling.

Thought about giving then a dose of chelated iron, got some but thought would wait a few days to see what happens, plants appear green enough so will hang off. Worse part is having plants in the ground that are looking good as long as this hot weather doesnt burn them, always something to worry about!!!