Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Well, I finally have my GBs and fish tank plumbed. Hopefully I'll work out how to attach some photos. I have a couple of questions.

I don't have my fish as yet and have not put any plants in yet. I have the system set up as a flood and drain system but have realised that I will need to add in a timer so that my GBs get a chance to drain as at present it is on continuous flow and they are not getting a chance to drain. I have read the threads about timing the F&D systems and guess it is just going to be a matter of trial and error to work out the timing of all this.

How much of the water needs to be drained before the GBs begin to fill again?javascript:emoticon(':?')

I reckon let it all drain out

Sorry, I seem to have posted my original message under announcements instead of here.

Have posted a picture of the system as it is at present. Still plan to add another GB in the green house and put up a cover over the fish tank.

fixed it See-more! System looks good

A couple more questions.

Once I get the timer and get the GBs draining as they should, is my best option to begin planting my GBs and use Seasol in the fish tank as in BYAP until I get my fingerlings?

My husband is going to bring home some slime and water from his works' fish tank to add to the GBs.

I have been reading the threads about the urine idea. How does this work? Is it in addition to Seasol or instead of? How often does it need to be added? Is this an idea when one is initialising their system?

Thanks Jaymie

Hi See More,
1) the IBCs don't seem to like direct sunlight over extended periods so it would be a good idea to paint or cover them (that's if you haven't already got this in mind )

2) Seasol is to help plant growth and is a separate issue to cycling the tank so keep adding doses of seasol until the system is cycled and fish are providing there additives

3) the urine is to help cycle the tank, the ammonia is required to help in the cycling process so it is an addition to the seasol

4) as KE14 said, let it drain fully

Do you have a test kit to get readings on the progress of the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/pH levels

Didn't quite answer that fully - you can begin planting now, just need the seasol to provide nutrients for the plants

If no plants, there is no need to put in seasol

Thanks Ell, I don't have a test kit and wasn't planning on getting one at the moment as I thought I'd try relying on visual monitoring.

Do you think a test kit is a necessity? If so, I know from the forum that the strip test kits are not reliable, so what is the best sort to get? I know that for the kids sake, it may be worth getting a test kit so they can see what is happening and hopefully understand the cycling and requirements of the system better.

another thing, if you do use urine, make sure the donor is not on anti-biotics or anything similar

Hi s-m a good idea is put a couple of gold fish in to start use these a testers to sel if all is well with the water .You can cycle up on glodies .What kind of fish are you thinking of getting!

FF I'm wanting to use silver perch if I can source some fingerlings. Might be an idea to use goldfish to cycle. Will have a go at getting some on Monday.

I recon silvers are par with goldies for tuffness!

I would certainly get a test kit. Order a "master test kit" online. They will ship to you.

Ok Steve. Forgive my ignorance, who do I order this kit from?

somewhere like this http://www.ageofaquariums.com.au/category22_1.htm

the $42 one for example, but there IS another site that has the aquapharm brank kit that most of us use...............Anyone know the website? Jaymie?