We've built our greenhouse and put in the plumbing, grow beds and fish tanks for our aquaponic system - now, what's next?
"FISH" and "PLANTS" you might say!! And of course you'd be right! But first, we at Green Bridge Growers are working through a process called "Fishless Cycling." What on earth is that?
Chris gives a quick explanation on the video clip here - the first on our new Green Bridge Growers YouTube channel! Give it a look!
In aquaponics, you need to establish high enough nitrite levels for the "good" bacteria to eat from - and then nitrates are established in the system, which act as a natural fertilizer for our plants. Aquaponic farmers have the choice of creating those nitrates from the fish themselves, or building up the nitrite and nitrate levels "fishlessly" through carefully monitored introduction of ammonia to the system. "We're testing pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels every day now," said Chris. "This is a great method to use because it doesn't stress out the fish! Otherwise, fish have quite an adjustment to make coming right into a system where the pH and other factors aren't balanced."
To nail the levels we want in order to add fish and plants, we are patiently juggling test tubes and test strips several times a day. Things are gradually moving in the direction of the levels we want! It's been an exciting process observing and working with the water in our system to get everything "just so!" Before you know it, we'll be welcoming fish to our happily balanced water!
