Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Things have started to smooth out. I haven't had great luck starting seeds just using the rayon but going to keep up with the experiments.

The red has cleared up a bit, but is still very red. The nutrients levels haven't changed Ammonia/Nitrite levels appear to be steady.

I have started using a 4" pot filled with perlite with a rayon wick to start seeds (domed, or course). It appears to be much more reliable than direct seeding the plugs. after they get first pair of true leave I will transplant and see how they do. So far, very pleased with this new seed starting method.

The red is STILL very red. Plants are stunted - I think from not enough light. I am looking into relocating the greenhouse or cutting down some trees blocking the summer light.

Adding seaweed based fertilizer in very low amounts for trace minerals and P-K boost to the system.

I have been adding 10 gallons of DI water to the system a week. No leaks - just evaporation and maybe a minute amount of splash-age.

My Ph, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels have stayed level. I think at this point I can call the system "cycled", but "under performing".

I have noticed some water snails are in my tanks. I am concerned their shells will cause problems, but so far it hasn't been an issue - just something to keep an eye on and be aware of.

I am not too pleased with the NFT system above the fish tanks. Can't get anything to grow in it. I have temporarily dismantled it down to a single pipe. I am considering putting in a flood and drain above the tanks, but I am concerned about blocking the sun from the tanks - I am hoping they will act and a temp buffer during the winter, and removing the light hitting the tank wall will cause the efficiency of light absorption to decrease.

If they are the small aquatic snails, red eared sunfish or bluegills will control these where they can get to them.

They are indeed the small water snails. I've caught a few in my DWC tanks, so they've infiltrated the whole system. I know which tank they are originating from though.

Which of these two fish are more hearty? I currently only have tilapia, which are growing nicely and from what I understand are quite hearty.

They are about the same and can actually interbreed. The Red Eared Sunfish are probably better at snail control. Neither grows super fast so figure 2 or 3 years to harvest size. You could probably put a couple in the DWC, I don't think they will go after the plant roots but I'm not sure.

Your are correct Scotty sunfish will not damage roots by nibbling at them,it was the UVIs fish of choice for snail control.

Thanks Andreas, that's good to know .

Things have been going really well with the aquaponics set-up. Everything is leveled off. No fish deaths Nitrite reads 0, Nitrates are somewhere near 160. pH has lowered dramatically to somewhere near 6.2, but fish seem okay. Haven't had lots of luck in the clay bead small bed. I have found it is okay at staring seeds if I use mop rope through perlite.

here is a picture. of a few months ago


here is a picture from today.

Hi Nils . Have you had any troubles with the plants touching the black plastic around your grow beds? I would expect that to burn any leaves that did touch based on my experience.

Hey scotty! Not much problems with the black plastic. I trim "aka eat" the low hanging kale leaves. I was getting some algae blooms grom the sun getting to the water along the edge, and also in the last bucket, you can see I covered it with black plastic as well. My greenhouse does get HOT here in boise, even with windows, an active exhaust, and a circulation fan. Leave get wilty but don't die. note- my plastic walls are only 70%.

Pretty soon I will be seperating my fish and starting up breeding the best, eating the rest! =)