Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

If you are using "T" posts for the fence and know someone with a large drill you can knock out a fence post in about 30 seconds with a 1 and 1/2 inch drill bit that is 16 inches of drill. Then you can plant the post using a regular hammer and move to the next post.

Retired2Rancher

I like the idea! I will keep it in mind if I get stuck with 'star' pickets. They sound like they are the same or similar to your 'T" posts.

Unfortunately I'm dropping a small timber strainer/gate post that's 6" diam. The posthole digger on the tractor just sat on top and went nowhere after about 6" in. I'm down 18" now. I figure another 6 and I should be able to get away with it as it doesn't need to keep stock out. Seriously wishing I had jack-hammer though! This handraulic rock bashing sucks!

Thanks for the suggestion.

Almost there! I think. There has been a big jump in nitrates. If I understand correctly, I'm watching for the nitrites to drop to 0 and the system will be cycled. That's great because a hatchery nearby just started selling SP fingerlings.

pH 7.2
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 5 ppm
Nitrates 80 ppm

I'll do a test to see if the nitrites have dropped. If so, I'll redose with ammonia and confirm the nitrogen cycle is completing.

Does this sound reasonable?

Don't add ammonia until nitrites go - maybe 1-2week?

Thanks jayendra, that's what I thought.

I tested this morning.
pH 7.2
Ammonia 0 ppm
Nitrites 0 ppm
Nitrates 80 ppm

Woohoo!

Added ammonia on that basis. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Add fish
You're 80ppm nitrate will last awhile without adding ammonia.
Add some plants if you haven't already and also some seasol.

GBs are just about fully planted out and we have even enjoyed some fresh greens (bok choy) the last two nights.

Fish will be ordered next pay but in the mean time I need to fill the few holes I am making.

Can't quite get over harvesting things in about 5 weeks.