Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Been away from the house for 5 days. Had a friend check the fish were alive, pump was working and to feed a small amount to see their reactions each day. Apparently the fish had been feeding more and more enthusiastically until today, when they didn't feed at all. The ammonia levels have crept up to 2.0+ and Nitrite and Nitrate are still 0 and 5.0. When I came back this evening I could see today's feed on the base of the tank, so I scooped out most of it. All the fish are still alive and darting about, but when I chucked a little feed in, again they didn't feed. Noticed when the pump came on again that the redirect to the spray bar was cut off, so there was only a little extra aeration for the last 5 days .. hopefully that was the problem and they will begin feeding again, even though they certainly weren't gasping for air.

I could see there was a fair bit of gunk around the submersible pump which I would have expected to be sucked up .. I'm wondering if it isn't sucking up the fish poo properly? That said, the fact its all centralised around the pump indicates that it is making its way there.

Anyway, not too concerned about ammonia being at 2.0 since the water temperature is around 6 degrees and there are no nitrites. Any thoughts on why they wouldn't feed today? Is this unusual behavior? It indicates stress right?

Reflections at the time of day ?
Got your lid on? Visiting bird?

I have shade cloth over most of the tank, with an open area covered with 75 x 75mm mesh about a meter up from the water. So small birds could fly in and out for sure, but I doubt a bird large enough to take a fish could ... paps I'm wrong. I will count them in the morning.

Looks like my ammonia levels are still increasing with no nitrite spike. Ammonia is around 4.0, so I will add a large air stone and some salt to 1ppt in anticipation for the nitrite spike. Strange as I haven't any nitrate at all, but my plants are looking much better now.

They weren't interested in feeding this morning, so I just left them. How long can they go without feed? I will not feed until the ammonia drops.

I would be concerned with ammonia at 2 ppm .syphon out the waste
cheers
byron

Ok. I removed almost all of the waste from the tank .. the water is very clean. I checked the ammonia again this morning and it was closer to 1ppm, but still no nitrites. I threw in a very small handful of feed and the fish really went for it, but only when it goes under the cover .. so they are spooked by eating out in the open now. I've rigged up the air pump now too.

It could be that your colony is still strong, just not strong enough to handle the additional load that it was given. So your nitrites are likely converting right over to nitrates. We're you fully cycled before the vacation?

I thought it was fully cycled, but perhaps not. When the ammonia and nitrites dropped to 0, I added multiple doses of Charlie Carp and monitored. The levels remained unchanged, so I took that as cycled.

Yes, I believe you are still cycled. There was just more ammonia than your bio filter could handle. I think it will settle out just fine.

I agree. I noticed that the plants have perked up since the fish entered the system, so it makes sense. Thanks!

Also, if you hold off of feed for a couple of days, they will get more daring and come out to eat.

Hi.

So my Ammonia levels are .25, Nitirite 0 and Nitrate 5.0. The system seems to be able to handle the waste OK, however, I am barely feeding the fish as they still are not that interested. I'd say I've fed the 25 fish just two cups in as many weeks.

As mentioned, the first day I brought the fish home they would feed anywhere in the tank. Now they will never leave the corner which is furthest from the submersible pump and open top area.

I have now covered the entire tank with shade cloth (green 70% type). They will still only feed on pellets dropped over the furthest corner, away from pump, and even when the pump is off.

I'm thinking of just using fine bird mesh instead, since its completely out of the sunlight anyway (during winter at least) and to stop them from hiding the whole time and force them to explore the other areas.

Is this normal behavior for new fish? I'm sure they are bothered by either the pump or the water flowing directly in to reduce flow.

Yes. That is normal behavior for fish. They will get used to you. Also it is winter there. My fish wanted nothing to do with me in winter. Now that it is summer here, they are as bold as can be.

Ah, OK. Do you think bird netting or wind / sun shade cloth? It's pretty dark in there with the cloth.

Fish prefer darkness.

Fish don't like reflections off water - make your water broken up and with shade.
Put some polarised sunnys on, lye down on your belly - stick the shade cloth over your head and see what they do after awhile of not noticing you.

My fish had to get used to me - now they know when the shade cloth comes back and a large arm appears it means fooD!