Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

All cleaned up, finally cycled, ready for spring plants! Excited to see what the fully cycled system will do!

Most of my current fish (a little larger than fingerlings) made it through the cycling process where lots of fish died due to nitrite poisoning (Nitrite is gone now). They all seem to be healthy now, and system is fully cycled. Every one in a while I catch a glimpse inside their gills and can see red inside. Are these fish safe to eat when they get the proper size?

Sorry to hear, it's always hard to lose fish. I killed many fish from nitrite poisoning before I started using salt to protect against that and pathogens as well.

wow this system looks really neat and tidy

My fish have gotten so comfortable with me that they'll let me touch them, and basically pet them. I must remember they're not pets! Maybe I can massage them to make them more tender!

Looks like forum has died down in the winter months, so I'll update with a winter problem.. I had a few pleco's in my fish tank to eat the algae, but they can't stand the colder months, so they died. Worked on a few water heating ideas, but finally got this one to work. Goes from my nft, to bucket filter, to water heater, back to sump. Since this pic, I've insulated the pic pipes to keep some warmth. Brings my water temps up as much as I want (power bill dependent). It's certainly wrecking havoc on my power bill, so I've attached a lamp timer to turn off periodically, as well as during peak times. Haven't found a happy medium yet, but does help the bluegill eat during winter and pleco's to stay alive.

Not sure about what kind of metal could be in a water heater as far as fish safety?

Another alternative I have used, but not until after loosing my Plecos. Just put a submersible aquarium heater in on a thermostat. You don't need to heat all the water, but a small heater will create a warm area that fish can stay in to keep alive. This is a lot easier on the finances than heating the entire system. My tilapia tank must be heated completely to keep all the fish alive. But my catfish pond I do not heat, I just keep a 300 watt submersible on a thermostat set to 60 degrees, Then when the water is cold the heater comes on and keeps a small area warm.

I'd imagine if it's safe for people, it's safe for fish. It's been going for two months now, with no issues

Don't be too sure. It depends on the type of fish. Water heaters are likely to have a zinc anode for corrosion protection, and possibly copper heating elements, pipe or fittings. I think you will be okay, but be aware and keep a close watch on your fish over time.

Zinc is extremely toxic to trout, and copper can be a problem too. Small concentrations are not an issue for many fish like carp (goldfish, koi, etc.), tilapia and catfish.

Plus your household water is constantly being replaced with fresh, not circulating so it can build up in the water.

Last Placo died, and got fed up with high power bill, so that water heater is disconnected for now. Just gonna refill the reservoir with water from the house water heater when needed. Should bridge the shoulder season just fine.

Big Beef tomato going wild! Got 5 others next to it (midnight snack cherry tomatoes). Recommendations on cheap supplements welcomed. Using liquid seaweed now but that's a little expensive. Got some iron (working) and some humid acid (trying to darken water to reduce algae, didn't work).

What kind of liquid seaweed are you using? Buying in bulk really cuts the cost. I got a gallon thats lasting me forever and was reasonably priced when i got it. You could always make some swamp water by throwing a bunch of weeds into a bucket and letting it rot. Then you just add the nasty water. It adds nitrates as well as potassium so you gotta be very slow with the doses.

Liquid Seaweed for Plants (128 oz) Gallon | Concentrated Liquid Kelp Supplement | Makes UP to 1,890 GALLONS | for All Plants & Gardens | Blue Planet Nutrients
https://a.co/d/7OoLNPr
I’ve been using compost tea as well. Just looking for bulk natural nutrients if there’s any..