Configuration changes

Earlier today, I recounted the cycling challenges that I was facing. In response, I made some changes to the tank configuration.

Changes

1. Replaced the 25 watt aquarium heater, which was meant for up to 6.6 gallons, to a 50 watt version with an adjustable thermostat. Because of the varying levels of the water, I had to mount it horizontally in order to keep it fully submerged. I really wanted to avoid buying one this close to warmer weather, but who knows how the weather is going to perform over the next month. It's better not to be pound-foolish.
2. Added an oxygen stone for help evening out the temperature.
3. Added a little aquarium structure. Based on what I read, the calcium carbonate needs something to adhere. It also looks better. I read that fish freak out if there is nothing in the tank except for them.
4. Added 20 drops of API pH UP to the 10-gallon tank (2 drops per gallon). I'm attempting to raise the pH of the tank to a range where the Nitrobacter will perform better. It's my hope, along with a water temperature increase, will jump-start the cycling since it's been so stagnant to me.  I will take another reading tomorrow and act accordingly. According to the original source within the aforelinked [yes, the word doesn't exist] Wikipedia entry, the two bacteria which move the nitrogen cycle along operate best in the following ranges:
• The optimum pH range for Nitrosomonas is between 7.8-8.0.
• The optimum pH range for Nitrobacter is between 7.3-7.5
5. The intake hose between the submersible pump and the growbed has been shortened. It has also been moved to the rear center of the tank.
6. As mentioned in the previous blog entry, the flow of the pump has been changed to approximately half its capacity.

Concerns

1. Could the addition of the API pH UP product have a negative effect upon the tank?
2. Is such a product safe for an aquaponics environment?

I will take a reading tomorrow and post my results in a new post.

Nitrites dropped again

Numbers

Date	GH	KH	pH	NO2	NO3	NH3/NH4	Temp °C
5-May-2016	180	80	6.5	0	20	0.50	19°

Observations

• The temperature outside dropped last night. A window was left open, which resulted in a wilting crop. As the room temperature increased, they have started to recover. 
• The water temperature of the tank also dropped to 19º C while the tank heater was struggling, and failing, to maintain a proper range. According to my thermometer, and other reading, it's two degrees below the minimum range for the basic fish I want it to hold. When water's makeup does become habitable for fish, I additionally want to insure it will be warm enough for them.
• The nitrites dropped to zero while all other values, excepting tank temperature, remained constant.
• I see additional growth in the other areas today in the thyme and cilantro areas.

Cycling thoughts

From what I understand, a spike in nitrites should be followed by a spike in nitrates as well as a drop in ammonia. Today's test showed no nitrites, but a constant level of nitrates and ammonia. Should I assume that a delay would exist between the drop of one and the spike of the other?

It's a little puzzling to me that the ammonia levels have not dropped; that no bacteria have developed to convert it into nitrites. I understand that the creation of bacteria for this first step should naturally appear. Perhaps I'm being too impatient?

Nitrobacteria and pH

I recently read on Wikipedia about Nitrobacteria where it thrives in water having a pH between 7.3 and 7.5. When I started the tank, it had a pH of 7.0. As it's been running over the past week or so, it reduced to 6.5. Based on a segment about the Nitrogen Cycle on Backyard Aquaponics site, I could add some calcium carbonate to the water and have some media in the tank for it to attach. If I do this, it would raise the pH, which would create better conditions for the bacteria to thrive. It's my hope that this increase would feed on the ammonia to kickstart the conversion process. The lower pH may be slowing the cycling process. How much to add without increasing it too much? I'll have to do my research.

Cycling continues...

Observations

• The nitrite spike I recorded yesterday has went back to normal, but the other readings, including the pH reduction, remains constant.
• The chives appear to be having the most active growth right now.
• The water itself is crystal clear. It may have been this way yesterday, but I especially noticed it today.
• The weather outside has gotten a bit colder today(54ºF(12ºC)). As a result, the tank's temperature has dropped to 20ºC and the water heater is on. I originally purchased the water heater for a five gallon tank. Although I don't recall whether it can handle ten gallons, the heater may have to be replaced.

Today's Readings (04-May-2016)

Date	5 in 1					Ammonia	Temp °C
	GH	KH	pH	NO2	NO3	NH3/NH4
4-May	180	80	6.5	0.5	20	0.50	20°C

Pics of Progress

Chive talking?	Washings from the clay?
Crystal clear

Nitrite spike?

I'm not too sure, but there appears to be a nitrite spike in my tank.  This is tentatively good news. The way I understand it, the nitrites will spike, followed by a spike in nitrates. This activity should also result in a reduction of ammonia, which is mandatory to create a hospitable home for the fish.

For the record, I think that the spike in nitrates on the 29th in the graph was caused by the addition of some water from my other aquarium.

H2Oponics

Hey folks! Welcome to my inaugural post. This blog is going to document my progress in developing a fully functioning aquaponics tank. I purchased this Aquasprouts system from a Kickstarter campaign. Hopefully, someone will comment when I'm going to do something stupid or can offer advice to yield a better crop and/or fish conditions.

Setup

I am not currently using any grow lights. The tank rests on two Ikea furniture pieces which are zip-tied at the center legs, in an upstairs room we call the Ikea Room (because it's almost exclusively furnished by furniture from there). Windows wrap 80% of the adjacent north and east walls. Thus, there's a good deal of light during the day since we don't have any curtains in it.  Because of the abundance of sunlight, the tank will be at risk for algae. The other factor to consider is the heat from the room; being in a upstairs, brightly lit location.

The 10 gallon tank has been cycling for the past seven days. I'm not putting any fish into it until the ammonia levels come down and there is a nitrate spike. I used some of the water, 5 to 10%, from an old 5 gallon aquarium that I just retired after emptying it through attrition (as fish died, they weren't replaced). It mostly held Zebra Danios and a female Guppy. I also put a minuscule bit of cat pee, for the ammonia source, to start a fishless cycle. I have read that this is okay, but chime in if you have other ideas.

The water pump in the tank, which cycles the water into the grow bed, is set to run 15 minutes every hour.

Seeds

These are the seeds for my inaugural crop. I would like to grow rosemary or mint if it is possible for this method.

1. Chives
2. Basil
3. Cilantro
4. Thyme
5. Small jalapeño peppers

The Show So Far

I noticed some very small sprouts in a few days after sprinkling the seeds onto the growth bed. Additionally, there are some seeds that made it into the tank itself that are sprouting. I’m debating whether to fish them out to place into the growth bed, or observe their development along with what is growing in the bed.

I am continuing to monitor the tank vitals in order to add fish. The ammonia reading varies between 0.5 and 1 ppm. The Nitrites are steady at 0.5, Nitrates are also steady at 20. I don’t know if I should do anything to change these numbers or just to let it ride to see if changes happen naturally. It's strange that the ammonia level is not changing, at 0.5 - 1 ppm, and I have more nitrates than nitrites. I can’t put any fish in there until the Ammonia levels are almost zero and the Nitrates spike. 

Numbers

Source	Reason	Date	5 in 1					Ammonia	Temp °C
			GH	KH	pH	NO2	NO3	NH3/NH4
Aquasprouts	Initial Test; no additives	23-Apr	180	80	7.0	0	0	0.25
Aquasprouts	After dechlorenator	25-Apr	180	80	6.5	0	20	1.00
Aquasprouts	After a fish died (too soon)	28-Apr	180	80	6.5	0	20	1.00
Aquasprouts	Cycling test	29-Apr	180	80	7.0	0.5	40	0.50
Aquasprouts	Cycling test	30-Apr	180	80	7.0	0.5	20	1.00
Aquasprouts	Cycling test	1-May	180	80	7.0	0.5	20	0.50	22º

Fish

For the fish, I may keep Zebra Danios and/or Guppies.  I hear that Goldfish are dirty for an aquarium. Any ideas for or against these breeds?