Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I think most people run lights 14 to 16 hours but I can't be positive on that.

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Now I see most people bury their tanks. Why is this? Is it for the temp control? Ten beds!! That's awesome! Cant wait to see the pics!

Where I live I cannot grow all year round. So I have to come up with something efficient and very cheap to keep the temp right. Probably a green house next year when I decide to go bigger. Much to research before I do though. But first let me get this mini set up down!! lol

Any suggestions on these readings? Again I am learning so I'm not sure exactly the right balance and reading levels.

It is much easier to control the water temps when the tank is buried. My current above ground tank gets 20 degree temp swings. The test tank that is buried only gets 10, that is with no pump in it heating the water.

It's hard to see your test tube colors the way you took the pic. Try holding the card up with the tubes laying next to their respective color chart so we can see the colors correctly.

That's great! So with the pump you should have no problem with temp.

I placed the tubes right next to their readings on the card. Some of them are not quite a definite color so I landed them between the two closest readings.

Anyone with input on my test readings above? Should I do a water swap?

The water parameters look fine for such a new system, no need for a water change.
Whilst waiting for your system to cycle over the next few weeks it is strongly advised that you address your stand pipe and media guard issue....

Skeggly.. I'm not sure what you mean by stand pipe and media guard issue. I don't have one.. I have two return lines at opposite ends of the GB... Are you saying I should install a stand pipe and/or bell siphon? I don't know if I can do that at this point. I mean I could but that would get all that good stuff on the bottom of the GB into the fish tank and pollute it.. No? I started this system not knowing enough to install a bell siphon or stand pipe. (wish I did) I am willing to do whatever it takes though to keep this system alive and growing (both fish and plants) What do you think I should do? I am adding 100 worms in 2 days. I really appreciate you input and help.

Ok, so I imagine you have set the water level in the gb by the height of the drain holes in the sides of the gb. Yes?
Can you totally drain the gb? What will happen if the roots start to grow into the drain holes and block them up?
Yes I think you need to install a stand pipe and media guard. You can cut the bottom off a bucket and push it into the media then empty the media from the bucket to fit the stand pipe and mg. That is if you can drain the gb.......

That is correct the water level is set by the two returns. I cannot totally drain the GB.. lol I never thought of the roots getting up there to interfere with the drains.

I can do what you say and empty the media out inside that cutoff bucket. I can than drill a small hole into the GB to let it drain before I begin to add the stand pipe and media guard.

Other than the roots clogging my two return holes is there any other major reason that I should add a stand pipe and bell siphon at this point?



Thanks Again this is very helpful in both my system and my overall stress lol

These are my readings as of this morning

Using a stand pipe allows you to adjust the height of the water level by lengthening or shortening the pipe. Sometimes I will flood the media to expel pests in the media and sometimes run it with the pipe out overnight. Personally I don't and have never used a siphon so I can't comment on them, I have an 1/4" hole at the base of the stand pipe and have a timed 15/45min cycle which I regularly run fully flooded when I want more water clarity.
Don't stress out on your system, sit back and enjoy it and dream about your greenhouse.
Hope this helps.

That's all I keep thinking about.. A happy healthy greenhouse!!! lol Thanks Skeggley!!

For now I think I am going to try and build a media guard around my two returns to block any potential roots from entering. By adjusting my ball valve I can actually adjust my water level by 2 inches up or down.

When I get this whole thing down I am definitely going to design my big system with a stand pipe.

Great input... = Great Ideas!!

Thanks for your help!!

Hows the weather down there?

It's warming up here, not even summer yet...
As your inlet and outlet are at the top, I would also be concerned with anaerobic zones at the bottom of the gb. Perhaps another member with more knowledge can advise?

Yea I thought of that too.. After getting more info over time of course, hindsight.. lol.. That's why I was adding worms in 2 days.. To try and get rid of those dead zones.. But all in all I completely get the adjustable standpipe and MG idea now from looking at your system... There's going to be too much "dead" water at the bottom even with worms I fear. So I am just going to suck it up.. make the mess.. disturb the system a little and install the stand pip and MG.. Lets get it going!!!