Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Which is was? Was 8L, now 4L? So it's 4L a day to the peat beds, and 6L a day used by the rest of your system?

Muzz - my theory would be that the poorer growth could be attributed to:

1. The plant roots getting less air due to the properties of the peat - including the drainage issue you describe; and
2. The fact that the plants would not have access to as many nutrients due to the cycling method. We theorise that the nitrate in the water as well as the other nutrients contained in the water and the solids allows us to get such good growth and to have plants fruit in this type of system.

If anyone can correct me, please do so, but it is my understanding that the role of the bacteria is to convert the ammonia to nitrite (nitrosomonos) and nitrite to nitrate (nitrobacter). I do not think that the bacteria themselves have an affect on the plant growth - it is more the product of the bacteria, which was available in your system anyway. Having said this, the whole ecosystem is an important element, which may include other beneficial bacteria. I reckon points 1 and 2 above pretty much capture the issue though.

I hope your root crop experiments work out - I reckon the concept of having a few peat filled tubs for growing these crops is a good one, particulalry if your attempts to have them waterred automatically work out. Good one.

Hi,



Rupert.......if you came to this conclusion as a result of reading about my experience you should be aware that I clogged up my satellite pots (which were filled with fine coco peat) as a result of pouring sediment (like mud) onto my pots.

I've had no problem with clogging in normal circumstances.

I've just replanted the pots with coarse coco peat.

Gary

Noted Gary.... have you thought of using the husk chips...

I'm about to trial them, but not in satellites as such

Hi Rupert,

No......I haven't encountered them yet. I'd be interested to hear about your experience of them.

Gary