Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So after about 3 weeks, My simple aquaponic system is complete.... It has been and continues to be a learning process for me. The whole structure of the system is complete, just waiting for LED grow lights to come in.
Also, I'm waiting for fish to get bigger and deciding what kind of plants to grow.. .still not sure yet... want to go all organic, but not really sure where to go in MN to find those plants... any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dont for get to check out my video of my simple aquaponic system...




peace

612GUY

also, anyone know of a place in MN to buy blue Tilapia?

You can get organic seeds at pretty much every garden and improvement shop. Start with leafy greens while system is maturing. I see a lot of indoor setups that try fruiting and vinning veggies only to get frustrated with long leggy stems and not much foliage or veggies(if any). Sounds like your still cycling. Have you tested ammonia and nitrites yet?

hey RairdogAP,
Thanks for the advice... much appreciated. what do you think about herbal plants for a maturing system?

also, I haven't do an ammonia and nitrites test yet. planning to do that this weekend... been super busy just taking care of some fry tilapia in my nursery tank...

Most herbs work well. Basil is usually easiest and some like rosemary can be more difficult. What are you cycling the AP with?

As of now, I have added some water conditioner into the stock tank and just letting it sit for a couple of days. Planning to take the sponge filer that in my nursery tank and squeeze the juice from that into the stock tank...

would this be a good idea? what do you think?

Yes it can be a good idea

Mind you, it won't immediately cycle the system, but it will give it a slight advantage

also look up "pre-cycle", an idea by our wonderful mod ronmaggi.

My precycle results were so-so. I had a ph crash on my indoor system, so I have no idea how well it worked. Certainly no harm in squeezing out your aquarium per filter into your system. In fact, I might recommend doing it twice, once in the beginning, and again when your ammonia drops and nitrite is showing.

thanks, much insight here... i really appreciated it!