Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hello to all,
I have a 2000L system with 17 silver perch for a year now and started with all the right bacteria levels when I bought fingerlings last year the farmer told me to look after them by throwing garden lime in so I did just that.
Since then I've never had a reading of Ammonia, Nitrite, or Nitrate the PH sitting around 6.6- 6.8.
the veggies don't seem to grow quick enough so they flower before maturing, but the mint and tomatoes grow well though...

Question is how long can a AP system last without bacteria??

That sounds like my system when I started not too long ago. All readings were always around 0.

Strawberry plants thrive. I'll take a guess that your setup is functioning as it should. Well at least for tomatoes.

I gather there is a 'vitals' fine line for keeping multiple variety fruit plants growing their best.

If you think you've lost your biofilter, you can always add some. My bottle says not harmful to fish or plants.
And that it doesn't hurt to add when needed.

any update on how your system is going now ? did your bacteria come back when you stopped putting lime in your system ?? I am also running silver perch and haven't had any issues so far with a ph of 7.3