Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello everyone,
I am new to aquaponics and to this forum. I have a 250 gal IBC system set up with a sump pump and 6 outlet air pump running 6 air stones. System is flood and drain with grow bed on top. I have no plants or fish yet.

I have high ph (8.2-8.4), trace ammonia, zero nitrites, zero nitrates, zero chlorine, zero cyanuric acid, water hardness is 100 ppm, total alkalinity is 180 ppm. I am going crazy waiting to put fish in, but with such a high ph I am wondering if they will live. I tried to bring it down with vinegar, but after a short time it shoots right back up. I eventually want to put talapia in, but right now can't even stand the thought of putting goldfish in, I don't want to sacrifice them.

Posting my latest test results from the master kit and a pool strip test. The ph result on the master may look brownish, but trust me, it was from the "high ph" bottle, and it is quite lavender colored. Can anyone tell me if fish will be able to live in my tank?

The fish will handle the high pH as long as you give them time to adjust. Tipping them in would not be good. Float the conainter (bucket/bag) that the fish are in in the FT. Over half an hour or more add small amounts of water to the container so that the temperature and water chemistry slowly equalise. Depending on the fish species, number of fish, size of container and local conditions depends on how long you can take to do this. Generally speaking longer is better but in the case of lots o trout, that were fed before they were caught, in a small bag, on a hot day and in a greenhouse that is not well ventilated the process needs to be sped up.

Your plants might struggle a little with the high pH but only plant leafy things and be patient.

Hi Stuart,

I will take my time acclimating them for sure, thanks for that info. I will only introduce a few goldfish first, see how they do. I have duckweed ordered, should be here tomorrow or the next day, so will see what happens with that. I wanted to get some fish started before planting any real food plants. Eventually, will add tilapia, but no time soon unless everyone here thinks they would be ok. Thoughts?

Should I add live nitrifying bacteria to my tank? I am tempted......

I would say all will be well.
The only thing I think you need to add a touch more of is patience. Welcome to the addiction!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you Obelix, glad to be here. Lord give me patience, and hurry! LOL Just want to get those fishies going. What about water temp? My water in the fish tank runs about 70-78 degrees, is that ok for them? I have a heater if needed, but wondering about the temp in light of the water quality factors.

That temp spread is fine for natives [bluegill, cats, crappie, etc.] and goldies... On the low end for tilapia. 76-86F for them.

Hi J.B.

I have a heater so can get the temps up. Thanks for the reply.

Have you added any source of ammonia to start the cycling process? Have you seen the system 'cycle'?

One option is to fish less cycle the system - can use fish emulsion, or peeponics if you want to go down that route. At least this way you would minimize the risk of any ammonia spikes in the high ph water when adding fish as the biofilter will already have been cycled. That said plenty of people cycle their systems with fish in high ph water - just need to stock and feed accordingly (ie low).

I keep the house 55 - 60F over winter... the tilapia are in the spare bathroom with the vent covered, a 300w immersion heater an an oscillating space heater on them. Its a struggle, to beat the spread... especially if you are trying to bread them

Hi Mattyoga,

No, I have not added any ammonia. I was wondering about just buying the live nitrifying bacteria, would that work? I may just go ahead and try a (very) few fish. Thanks for your response.

J.B., I also have a 300 watt Jager heater, hoping it's large enough. Says it will heat up to 264 gallons.

Sylamore, is your system outside? I started cycling my first system this time of year. I opted the fishless cycle method and planted hardy greens...cabbages, broccoli, kolrabbi, etc. I did add the bacteria culture, but the temps dropped enough to induce dormancy. I didn't see meaningful change untill early April.

J.B.,

My system is in what I call my breezeway. It is rock on 2 long sides with glass on each end and doors on the ends. It has a concrete floor. I heat it in the coldest parts of winter, mainly because my washer and dryer are in there as well. So no, it is not outside, but I still get lots of light in the breezeway. I could easily heat the tank enough to keep the culture alive, and I am looking for the proverbial quick fix so I can get the fish in there.

From the sound of it, you can go either way; fish-less or not. All you need is copious testing and patience like Obelix said. My opinion, though, is a fish-less cycle, and then when numbers stabilize as Stuart alluded too, add your species of choice.