Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello all, this is my first post about my new system. I have a 20 gal. FT, 15 gal. Sump, 9.5 gallon GB and a 7.5 gal. Floating raft GB. The pump feeds the FT and overflows into the GB. The second output of the pump feeds the floating raft GB. Both then drain to the sump. It is only 2 weeks old and showing great signs of growth. We have 9 comet goldfish, 3 fan tails, and 3 kois. We are growing lettuce, basil, green onions, and some thyme. Thank you for looking and I am always open to suggestions.

Welcome.

Sounds like you're well on your way. I've recently started working on my system as well, and from what I've been experiencing, people love pictures. Makes it a lot easier to visualize your system. They can help point out the good and the bad, as well as offer suggestions on things you may not have thought of. I know I've already gotten ideas just from the replies to my thread.

I am new here as well, but love to learn and try new things. Looking through the posts, and actually seeing how different people have their systems set up, has given me plenty of ideas and things to try.

Good luck on your system, and again, welcome.

Looks like the picture did not send it was to big. Here it is.

I am assuming that my ph is high because it is a new system. I am reading 7.2, however that is as high as my tester goes. The plants I have in there seems to be doing okay. One of my basil has droopy leaves and they are kinda Wrinkled up. Is that a sign of low nutrients? I have been cycling about a gallon of water per day with decarbonated water but the ph stays where it's at. I wonder if I am not being patient. Any input is appreciated.

Most of us use the API Freshwater Master Test Kit which lets you measure pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. Early on it's a good idea to monitor often.

Any idea what the water temp is? Basil is sensitive to cold temps around 60 degrees. I couldn't say about the nutrient issue without getting a better look at the plant and even then it's not certain that I would notice anything. If the Basil was only recently put in, it's likely the plant is trying to adjust still.

Your koi are gonna run out of room real quick! We bought 3 tiny ones and they're about a foot long!

Thank you Scott I will look into the app kit. I have been looking for something but everywhere I go they only have fish and or pool water testers. My water temp is 74.5 and varys about 1.5 degrees from tank to tank. The surface temp of the plants is about 68 degrees all the time. I attached a close up of the basil is question, if you can please let me know what you think of the plant. Thanks again.

Wow how long did it take for them to get that big? What and how much are you feeding them? I guess that means I get to look into an upgrade already.

It's not a temperature problem on the Basil. Looks like you've been clipping the upper parts of the Basil (which is fine but makes it tougher to see what's going on at the top). Most of the larger leaves don't look bad but the smaller leaves near the top look like they are having troubles. First thing I'd do is check for aphids and spider mites especially on and under the small leaves at the top and center of the plant. At this point I can't tell much from the foliage but it couldn't hurt to dose with some iron. Before you do that see if you can get the test kit so you can figure out what the pH really is - it makes a difference on the type of iron you add. Seasol or Maxicrop wouldn't hurt either but wait on the pH results (you may be able to use Maxicrop plus Iron and kill two birds with one stone).

I'd say the koi are less than 2 years old. Cant remember when I set up that pond. I know my mom feeds them cat food, and she feeds all the animals all day. I'll take some pics next time I'm over there and post them when I have a minute.

I found a couple little bugs on my basil, however I don't know what they are and a search has not revealed any bugs that look the same. Also how do I remove them?

Now that's what I call a close-up

I see one aphid but usually these guys hang out more on the underside of the leaves so you might have more there. Do a search for garlic chili spray on the forum, that will work to get rid of them.

Other than the iron and seaweed I suggested earlier, you should just wait for it to perk up and start growing. Assuming the other plants are doing OK it should have enough light.

Alright, thank you for your help with that. I will look into the spray and get rid of them. As soon as i get the Api tester i will feel better knowing whats going on. Thanks again.

Finally got levels under control, except the ph. I am hovering at about 8 ph. My lettuce appear to have went into ph lockout. Also I have this reddish stuff growing in my tubes. Any ideas what it is. The lines are coming from my floating raft bed with coco coir in it. Any info would be great. Thank you