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Comment by Chris " Wild Dog " S. on November 16, 2014 at 11:01pm

 Hello AP friends,

                         1 week ago i added a couple inches of black lava rock, then put my marble back on it as a top layer in My GB's. I have installed the new improved version of the "water bridge siphon pump" (wich I wish I could get a patent on for coming up with it), My water level in the koi pond is low due to the added water volume in the adjusted water levels, My rain water colIection bucket was tainted, so I have tap water "curing" in a feed barrel. The water should be ready to add tomorrow nite. These 4 GB's are only about 6 weeks old, I have a couple smaller trays that are still running that are 6 months old. I do not have the plant volume up yet, as i build, tinker, adjust, etc. then I will start adding more plants.

                      With that said, I took a sample of My water to be tested at a local fish store, and bought more rosies and a algae eater. the results were pretty good I think, esp for not using chemicals and being a NooB in AP. I am not, by any means, a NooB when it comes to fish tanks. I have had fish tanks ,salt and fresh water for as long as I can remember. at least 30 years on a hobby level. Ironicly enough I have always watered my house plants with fish water, I am shocked now that I never put 2 + 2 together n made aquaponics before. This was just to give You a quick overview of recent changes before i Post the results of the tests. I believe the reason is because i disturbed the biological media by removing the marble and adding the lava in it's place, then putting the marble back on top. I was hoping the bacteria would move from the marble to the lava fairly quickly be cause the marble on top is now much drier than before. as well as water flowing onto the marble through the lava to the drain. I fear I may have killed too much of the bacteria in this process. So I will post the results of this test and hope for responses from more exp AP's TY.

The results of the test showed: nitrates at 150 ppm., ammonia 0.50 ppm, nitrite 0.5 ppm, hardness 150 ppm, PH 7.8 

My PH is usually 6.9 - 7.0. I test this myself about once a week. the big flag to Me is the nitrate level and PH.

                      Happy Growin to ya

                                                  Wild Dog