Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey Ronmaggi,
I have been adding a liter of pee per day and the ammonia seems to range consistantly between 1 and 2 mg/l mark. I didn't add for 2 days and when I tested this morn it was still just over 1mg/l but the nitrites were up at 2mg/l. The Nitrate is off the chart my highest test parameter is 100mg/l. So I guess the plants have something to eat.

I am only 17days into the cycling process does that mean I have to focus on other things and not try to rush things.

I assume that the bugs will build up to the point where they can handle the liter of pee/day.
It is also winter here so the Temp drops to about 6° to 9° in the early hours of the morning. Goes up to about 25° during the day so that probably will have an impact.

On the positive side all the plants are still alive, they lost a lot of the leaves they came with but have grown new ones that look way happier.

Yea, stop adding it for now. Keep an eye on things. 17 liters of urine can make quite a lot of ammonia. It has not converted very fast yet, that is why your readings are low. If you are lucky it don't be too large of a spike.

Thanks Ronmaggie,

Ok will let it lie for now and just watch the readings.

Yesterday the PH dropped from 7.5 to 7 yesterday and 6.5 today so that was a bit of action as that has been steady at 7.5 from the start.

When does one need to start buffering PH and what do you use for that.

The nitrite pushed up to 2 for the last 2 tests from 1

The nitrate is so dark you cant even see through the test liquid.

I looked and looked but not a python in sight. I did expect see one.

Anyway welcome.

Actually I am not a fan of a snake, the nick name stuck after someone reading out names at a shooting event mispronounced my surname in front of about 100 competitors. Tagged for life

Ahhh, how porn names are made... Just what, exactly, were you shooting? 100 competitors, sounds very Japanese. Back to your question, it probably would not hurt to put some shell grit in now.

The shooting is a sport of mine, 3 gun IPSC. Handgun, Shotgun and Assault rifle combat style stuff, it's a lot of fun. Although I must admit I did skip a shoot or two while I was building my AP system.

Will get some shell grit in there

Hey what does one use to keep a caterpillar at bay. Terminated one with extreme prejudice yesterday when i caught him eating some of my new leaves

Dipel, it is omri certified, and kills only caterpillars.

Coolness will see if I can find it locally - seems to have been a loan crusader though

Same here Mr. Python, my wife and I have missed almost six months do to renovating. Even the AP is missing out on some attention. We both do ISSF hand guns but I would like to do some IPSC this year. The fun bit would be to get the wife to try and do shot gun but she usually stays way back when I do. She does not like the noise.

At least you did not put fangs on your Python. They make some of the best pets.

The kids have a couple of corn snakes, they get bitten regularly. Not for me.
Shotgun is my favorite even started reloading for it at the beginning of the year.

Ron - Naughty Naughty. This is a family friendly forum!

Well I added a stocking with some oyster shell grit this afternoon.

There is definitely some action on the the chemistry side.
Ammonia and Nitrate hopped up to 5 the nitrate is now a solid 100. As you add the last reagent it goes maroon.

At what level of Amm and Trite would the plants become unhappy?

Patience is your friend. Let things tick along as you soon will see the Nitrite spike.

Will test again when I get home, but yes it has been said that I need to give nature time..

Apparently according to a mate of mine I can catch tilapia in a local river quite close to us so maybe I'll go fishing to pass the time.