Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All,

Finally took the plunge and started an IBCponics system. Slightly different to the manual in having an overflow from the FT to the sump and then pumped to the GB. Bell siphon normally operates to drain GB into FT. Currently working 25min fill, 8 min drain. GB has expanded clay pebbles.

Started system and ran for 10 days with just water and clay pebbles to check operation of siphon and pumps. Then, 'borrowed' 2 6" goldfish from a large pond and bought a 'living salad' this gave me a dozen lettuce plants. Also started dosing maxicrop with iron. Just before adding fish, put a packet of filter started bacteria on the clay pebbles. Then dosed liquid filter start daily for 6 days.

Daily readings as follows;
date pH Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate Temp
22May13 6.6 0.125 0 5
23May13 6.8 0.25 0 5
24May13 7.2 0.25 0 7.5
25May13
26May13 7.4 0.25 0.25 5
27May13 6.4 0.25 0.25 5
28May13 6.4 0.25 0.25 5
29May13 6.8 0.25 0.25 5
30May13 7.2 0.25 0.25 5
31May13 7.3 0.25 0.25 0 28.7
01Jun13 7.4 0.25 0.25 5 26.9
02jun13 7.05 0.25 0 0 29.4
03Jun13 7.1 0.25 0 0 30.4
04Jun13 7.2 0.25 0 0 28.8
05Jun13 7.4 0.25 0 0 30.1
06Jun13 7.2 0 0 0 32.6
07Jun13 7.23 0.25 0 0 31
08Jun13 7.24 0 0 0 31.6
09Jun13 7.19 0 0 0 31.5
10Jun13 7.3 0 0 0 28.6
11Jun13 7.29 0 0 0 27.6
12Jun13 7.19 0 0 0 27.1

Started logging temperatures when I managed to borrow a calibrated pH and temp meter from work.

So, not surprised to see a little nitrate initially, then showing increased (slightly) ammonia and some nitrite. Then suddenly they all go to 0 I had added extra plants, and for the last few days have increased the maxicrop dosing from 2 capfuls to 4 capfuls per day. Also feeding fish two days out of three.

Don't believe my system has cycled this quick, but not sure what to do apart from getting some more fish (carp) and seeing what happens. Any thoughts on next steps ?

are you adding any ammonia? maxicrop does not contain enough nutrients to cycle your system

are your "filter starters" safe for a system that you plan to eat products from??? (fish or plants) usually they are not!
and they don't start anything, except emptying your wallet.. well, most "starters" anyways..
2 fish aren't really producing much ammonia either, the process of cycling should take about 6 weeks if you are dosing regularly with ammonia

Hi Keith,

Using the Maxicrop to provide nutrients for the plants until the system cycled. The filter starter was labelled as safe for plants.

I haven't added ammonia, as I can't find a safe source in 'nanny state Britain'. Hence borrowing some fish. If anyone in the UK knows a safe source/brand name it would be appreciated.

You can always provide your own hummonia....

Is that safe with the fish in the tank?

UKers, I've found household ammonia 9.5% in Homebase. Not been in there for years, but now my favourite shop!