First Time Micro Aquaponics - Not Going Well - Aquaponic Gardening2024-03-29T00:34:20Zhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/forum/topics/first-time-micro-aquaponics-not-going-well?commentId=4778851%3AComment%3A604432&feed=yes&xn_auth=noRyan, it took almost 2 full m…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-07-25:4778851:Comment:6114022015-07-25T18:09:57.249ZBKhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/BK
<p>Ryan, it took almost 2 full months for bacteria levels to rise to desired activity in my 70 gallon system, and I added an organic booster in an attempt to speed the process. Expect sudden, drastic swings in your system since it is so small. When considering ppm in a 200 gallon system vs a 4 gallon system it takes alot fewer 'parts' to affect the smaller system, so stay on top of your testing.</p>
<p>The bacteria develop as the environment demands. As waste (ammonia) builds in a new system…</p>
<p>Ryan, it took almost 2 full months for bacteria levels to rise to desired activity in my 70 gallon system, and I added an organic booster in an attempt to speed the process. Expect sudden, drastic swings in your system since it is so small. When considering ppm in a 200 gallon system vs a 4 gallon system it takes alot fewer 'parts' to affect the smaller system, so stay on top of your testing.</p>
<p>The bacteria develop as the environment demands. As waste (ammonia) builds in a new system there are 2 bacteria that are required to convert ammonia into nitrate. One (Nitrosomonas) converts the ammonia to nitrite, and another (Nitrospira) then converts the nitrite to nitrate. In new systems neither bacteria exist in sufficient numbers. As ammonia levels rise in a new system, Nitrosomonas population grows, which in turn causes the ammonia levels to drop and the Nitrite levels to rise. In response to rising nitrite levels, Nitrospira bacteria grow and convert the nitrite into nitrate, which your plants are able to use. Once both bacteria exist in sufficient numbers your system is considered "cycled". Testing for levels tell you more than what is in the water, it indicates what may be going on with your bacteria; and it's really your bacteria that drive the 'eco' part of the eco-system. Without bacteria we just have connected aquaculture and hydroponic systems.</p> Shirley,
Thanks for the quic…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-04-28:4778851:Comment:6043382015-04-28T14:24:42.595ZRyan Thttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/3io6fmg9zh4h9
<p>Shirley,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks for the quick reply. The nitrite level seems to keep going down (and the PH level is slowly following behind).</p>
<p></p>
<p>Today's results:</p>
<p></p>
<p>PH: 7.8</p>
<p>Nitrite: 3ppm!</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm giving him a few more hours to come out of his shell, but I think the nitrites got to my snail and I was too late lowering them.</p>
<p></p>
<p>My plants also seem to be wilting a bit, although I'm thinking that this is caused by the grow pods not getting…</p>
<p>Shirley,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks for the quick reply. The nitrite level seems to keep going down (and the PH level is slowly following behind).</p>
<p></p>
<p>Today's results:</p>
<p></p>
<p>PH: 7.8</p>
<p>Nitrite: 3ppm!</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm giving him a few more hours to come out of his shell, but I think the nitrites got to my snail and I was too late lowering them.</p>
<p></p>
<p>My plants also seem to be wilting a bit, although I'm thinking that this is caused by the grow pods not getting proper contact with the water, I've reseated the pods a bit and smooshed down my filter media to try and get a better flow.</p> I have the same system but wh…tag:aquaponicgardening.ning.com,2015-04-27:4778851:Comment:6044322015-04-27T21:17:46.653ZShirley A Davidsonhttps://aquaponicgardening.ning.com/profile/ShirleyADavidson
<p>I have the same system but what they don't tell you is what the water has to be for this to work and you need more fish.</p>
<p>I have 7 baby guppies, 5 shrimp in mine and it's not quite ready. I got an aquaponic starter kit and it has been very usfull.</p>
<p>I got it at Aquaponic source .com</p>
<p>Shirley</p>
<p></p>
<p>I have the same system but what they don't tell you is what the water has to be for this to work and you need more fish.</p>
<p>I have 7 baby guppies, 5 shrimp in mine and it's not quite ready. I got an aquaponic starter kit and it has been very usfull.</p>
<p>I got it at Aquaponic source .com</p>
<p>Shirley</p>
<p></p>