Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

G'day out there, have 6 Barras in an IBC with grow bed (same as in Fayes vid) but have also added 2 other small ones (blue drum top and bottom about 80 - 100 litres) and my nitrates appear to be around 60 - 80, have stopped feeding fish (2 days so far), pump is on FD --15 on 45 off would it help if I went full flood Any advice would be appreciated as the system is starting to crank up and I don't want to lose the "Mundi family until such times as they're big enough to chew!!

Hi, sounds like you need more plants in your growbeds, i seem to recall someone saying nitrates up to 400 was ok, its the nitrites and ammonia that's the most concern.




____________________
I was once young and stupid, i'm not so young now

THought about that and intend to plant more but all the seedlings I've seen at the big "B" here in Mandurah are slightly the worse for wear!!! Wonder if I can get something that attracts and eats "mozzies"?

Sounds Like you need to propagate your own plant's..

Have a look at a seed bank in your area to get more seeds..

Talk to the guys over there and see what they say..

Juergen

I'd be inclined to throw in a heap of lettuce seeds and thin them out as they get bigger, they are quick growing and should keep your nitrates under control (tho most seem to turn out bitter in warmer weather), pet pig doesn't seem too care tho.



___________________
I was once young and stupid, i'm not so young now

Agree with Snow and Julia_bites its ammonia and nitrite that I would be looking at though. Any pics fish2veg.

Will put a few pics on when I can work out how [Sons should be able to help] As for ammonia = 0, Nitrites = 0, Nitrates 60 - 80 will try and put pics of these on. Haven't had any success with lettuce just seems to "bolt", got chives, basil, spinich, tomato plants x 2, capsicum, cucumber, italian parsley (only small) and don't shudder mint (in blue barrel and set up so that any invasive roots can be removed, can't seem to grow it in the ground!!). Intend to expand but need to get it right small time so as to not stuff up "big time".

Was born to worry

Is this too high for nitrate?

I think you need more plants :p

Is your DWC setup running yet?

Yes, I know. I'm working on that. Foam should be arriving this week.

Is it too high though

I can't even get any colour, I might have to swap you Stu! (Except I don't think my whole system would make a dent in yours ahaha)

Should I mention the dilution factor I used

Haha just bottle me some up by the sounds of it!

I still don't have any colour on mine either.

Send some water my way, my tomatoes will make quick use of it.

haha is everyone going to start emailing water to eachother now? Haha