Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Keep watching that Basil buddy, it's gonna go ballistic

Ok - so nearly finished the move and redesign. Have two growbeds sitting on top of the fishtank. Water is pumped up to the growbeds and then drains back into the fish tank. Just the last bit of the plumbing to go and hopefully it will be up and running.

Water test readings last week in the original system were as follows:
ph - 7.4
Ammonia - looked like it was in between 0 and 0.6
Nitrate - 10
Nitrite - <0.1
I am not sure if these results make any sense. It is the first time I have tested the water.

Thank-you for your help.

Your new setup is looking a lot more hopeful.

Good area with protective shadecloth.

Did you re-add the old gravel to the new system? This would help as it would already have the nitrifying bacteria colony established, which would help kick start things in your new system.

just sit tight and let it do its thing for 3-4 weeks.. It may go through another mini-cycling process where you may see ammonia and nitrite build up, then disapear. Once these both read 0 the system is ready to go, safe for fish etc

+1

jono81 - yes I did add the same gravel and some more new gravel between both the beds. So you are saying don't add any fish until I see ammonia and nitrite at 0. What about plants? Can I add plants now?

I put in plants before the fish came, worked fine, not a lot of growth at that stage but growth none the less.

I think it would make sense to plant out your beds

I also think you should restock lightly and feed little till you're confidence in your system builds.
You can always supplement your plant needs with Sea-sol and worm tea

Dead plants and fish knock the wind from our sails but small successes will rebuild your confidence and enthusiasm for AP.

Oh Yeah, The system looks great.

This thread should be stickies as a testament to the great people and community that exists here!
Awesome to see everyone pulling together to help a disheartened NLD.
Truest inspiring to all who are unsure of their capabilities


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Plants are in, plumbing complete and working - YAY!! The water level is about 4-5cm below the clay balls. Plants hopefully liking their new shade. Do I start doing water testing now? How often should I test the water?

Thank-you very much everyone who has helped me - absolutely agree with Obelix on his comments above. If we are successful this time, it will be testiment to how great this forum, and it's members, are. Maybe I should rename this thread - not so disheartened anymore!

Till next post...

+1 rename to "previously about to give up"


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It looks far nicer and more professional now!


Keep us updated on how everything grows!

2+ on the thread name change!

This is an evil thing to say...


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NLD I just luv persistent people that never give up attitude. its ok to feel like its hopeless but seeing how you got bac up and try again you will not believe how much hope you gave to me and I'm sure alot off ppl here as well. Keep fighting on and no aquaponics is for everyone

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Thanks Cookie - don't stress, comments like 'aquaponics is too hard for some people' just spur me on to prove them wrong! Have nearly finished building the next two grow beds and fish tank along side so this had better work this time! Lots of energy going into this but definitely with a positive attitude

Just a quick question - if I re-use the fish tank water that was in the original tank, and re-use the same clay balls in the grow bed can I put the fish straight in? Or will it still do the cycling process?

Thank-you for your help everyone!