This is my first update on my mini indoor aquaponics system. Only in 3 days, the ammonia level increased to 1.0 ppm / (1.0 mg/l), compared to 3 days ago ammonia level at 0.25 ppm. I don't know at what level does the ammonia level threat the fish, and how long it will take to get the nitrification bacteria to colonize the grow bed.
I have made some adjustment to the system, instead of continue to use the flood and drain system, I change it to constant flood system. With such small pump, plumbing system and inappropriate height, siphon surely don't work right. Thanks to Mr. William Aska Lim.
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| Ph 7.6 |
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| Ammonia 1.0ppm |
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| Water outlet for constant flood system |
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| Add first plant- Aloe Vera |
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| Overall view |
Here's the thread where they reported the difference in plant growth in systems using Affnan siphon, constant flood, and timed flood & drain:
ReplyDeletehttp://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8621&hilit=byap+trials
There were many others who run their system on constant flood with good results - sometimes better! Most people concluded that the only real benefit of flooding and draining the grow beds is the automatic unclogging of the media. If the grow bed is shallow, that wont be necessary. Flood & draining also have the benefit of bringing oxygen to the deeper levels to allow earthworms to live there.
As for oxygenation, plant roots and bacteria don't need oxygen as much as fish does. Your fish will die first before the bacteria does.
Keep your ammonia at 1.0ppm or below. If it rises above that, stop feeding. Check for nitrites (NO2) too, they are deadlier than ammonia. Tilapias are very tough, don't worry too much.
Ammonia is deadlier than all other N forms. You need less ammonia to kill a fish than nitrites an nitrates.
DeleteAmmonia > Nitrite > Nitrate