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 Post subject: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 14th, '13, 22:26 
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Hey guys,

I first learnt about AP about a month ago and I knew it was something that I had to try!

I'm in my final year of mechanical engineering in South Africa and knew that this would be a fun project to try and make. I decided to start small with a single IBC system so that I can learn the ropes and understand all the concepts on a smaller system and then move onto a larger system where I can experiment and have fun :)

There isn't anything out of the ordinary with my system - I tried to follow the suggestions as close as possible. I did get a pump that was too big though and have had to fiddle around to get it working (I got it for a great price so decided it was worth it).

They are tons of things that I learnt what NOT to do the next time I build a system. I didn't sort out my foundation properly, so I ended up having to take out 600kgs of gravel, sorting it out, and then putting it back into the GB! The foundation is still a bit off, but it seems to be stable. I'll see how it holds, otherwise I may have to fix it again :cry: I'm busy cycling the system at the moment and will get some fish next week.

Just going to put up some photos so you can see what I've done.
Attachment:
File comment: The poles are for a clear plastic roof I am going to add to keep rain from messing with the pH.
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These are some of the vegetables that I planted this morning:
Attachment:
File comment: From back left Clockwise:
Peas
Cabbage
Red Onions
Turnips
Rocket
Leeks

IMG_7372.JPG
IMG_7372.JPG [ 167.29 KiB | Viewed 243 times ]


I also transplanted a tomato & capsicum plant that were in the vegetable garden as an experiment.

So far the pH is looking good, ammonia is on the rise so hopefully I will start to see a rise in Nitrates and Nitrites soon.

I'll keep you updated on the vegetable growth!

Just wanted to say that the abundance and quality of information I have found on here is amazing. It's such a great resource - thanks to everyone :)


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 15th, '13, 00:24 
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Welcome Dan.

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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 15th, '13, 00:26 
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Thanks Ron,

I've learnt a lot from the posts you've written up - I really appreciate them!


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 15th, '13, 08:49 
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Looking good! That is a substantial rosemary(?)... and, Welcome.

J.B.


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 15th, '13, 09:05 
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Welcome to the forum Dan :wave1:

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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 15th, '13, 09:06 
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Welcome to the forum Daniel. Hope it all goes well and brings you much pleasure.

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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 15th, '13, 12:54 
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Thanks guys! :)

J.B. - Rosemary it is, we use some almost everyday - it's probably why it's done so well!


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: Apr 15th, '13, 14:30 
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Welcome Dan!!

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PostPosted: May 4th, '13, 18:27 
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Hey all,

So I thought that I would take this lovely Saturday morning and give you all an update on how my system is coming along, grab your beverage of choice and enjoy.

So it's been about 3 weeks since I started my first system. It's almost cycled! Ammonia is 0, just waiting for the nitrites to drop off and then I can salt my water and add my fish :)

I have been adding seaweed extract to the water every week or so (when I remember) and have been checking my plants about 20 times a day 8)

First off - let me show you what a 3 week difference looks like (bear in mind it's Autumn here so no the best growing season). You can see the turnips doing very well at the front:

Attachment:
File comment: Starting off...
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Attachment:
File comment: 3 weeks later.
IMG_7443.JPG
IMG_7443.JPG [ 190.24 KiB | Viewed 147 times ]


I am very pleased at how they are coming along. At first I had some issues with the cabbage leaves going purple, so I added some iron and it seems to be fine now. Also, because of cycling the pH has dropped from 8 to 6.7 so a lot more nutrients are readily available.

Attachment:
File comment: cabbages doing well!
IMG_7446.JPG
IMG_7446.JPG [ 157.87 KiB | Viewed 147 times ]


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: May 4th, '13, 18:32 
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More pics :D

Attachment:
File comment: Peppers and peas are doing well.
IMG_7444.JPG
IMG_7444.JPG [ 142.75 KiB | Viewed 146 times ]


Attachment:
File comment: Tomato plant has done fantasically
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IMG_7445.JPG [ 161.21 KiB | Viewed 146 times ]


Attachment:
File comment: Some more seedlings to plant soon!
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I hope to add my fish soon. I got donated a whole lot of goldfish (all about 20cm) that someone had in their pond. I will add some Tilapia in spring and grow them out in the warmer summer waters.

Will keep you updated as things go by!


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: May 4th, '13, 21:04 
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Plants look very healthy Dan. Nice work.

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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: May 4th, '13, 21:15 
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Thanks Charlie!


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: May 9th, '13, 01:12 
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So today I added my fish to the FT. I have been fishless cycling and today was the day that all was ready. I know you all love pictures so I won't ramble on....

Attachment:
File comment: The fish in their new home!
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Attachment:
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Attachment:
File comment: Turnips looking great!
IMG_1495.JPG
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the water when I added the fish tested as follows:

pH: 6.7
nitrites: 0
ammonia: 0
nitrates: 50+
temp: 16C

So far I am very happy with the growth without having the fish in. Can I expect that the growth will increase now that the fish are in?


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: May 9th, '13, 01:17 
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Other plants are doing well too...

Attachment:
File comment: Peppers
IMG_1498.JPG
IMG_1498.JPG [ 179.68 KiB | Viewed 90 times ]


Attachment:
File comment: Red Creole onions
IMG_1499.JPG
IMG_1499.JPG [ 176.33 KiB | Viewed 90 times ]


And lastly the sunset in Cape Town, South Africa while I was adding the fish! Beautiful. The best place to live :headbang:

Attachment:
IMG_1520.JPG
IMG_1520.JPG [ 84.12 KiB | Viewed 90 times ]


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 Post subject: Re: Daniel's 1st system
PostPosted: May 9th, '13, 03:01 
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Nice crocks.....and crops ;)


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