I really enjoyed that explanation. I want to use more organic and mechanical solutions for my system and I feel like this brings me one step closer. I really like the botanical garden you guys have grown. Very impressive and encouraging.
Thank you for making the videos you do, it's because of people like you the world is growing more educated and humane. You can also raise pH with a 50/50 mix of potassium hydroxide & calcium hydroxide, slowly adding to bring to desired pH. This also is a source of potassium and calcium for the biology and needs to be in balance in order to be available to the plants. Also, they say a better average pH for most plants is between 6-6.4. I'm still learning and experimenting myself...
You can add any kind of aragonite rubble to raise KH levels and you can use driftwood or peat moss in a mesh bag to lower KH levels. I still can't believe that your plants are so healthy from just fish waste alone. I see the food is duckweed, that is good. I am sure some of it is decomposing. I guess terrestrial plants are different than aquatic plants. Aquatic plants can live on fish waste and trace amounts of Co2, but not very well. To get them to grow amazingly well you need tons of Co2 and plentiful amounts of micros and macros. I guess it is similar, but not the same.
Good video.With a deep water grow bed, would you add the egg shells to the inlet going into the grow bed or would hanging it in the fish tank work also?
You mentioned that you have a great filter system on your setup. Could you please do a video or provide a reference for what kind of filtering system you use? Thank you.
This is great information. I've been fighting to lower my ph down from 8. When I add a ph lowering product it goes right back to 8. It could be that it's a newer system. I'm excited to try the lime method and see how that goes. Thanks for sharing you knowledge. Mike Davis
Mike try and not use it every week at sometime it should lower on its on this is just for setup. If your pH is staying on the high side then start using rain water to top of your tanks that will keep it lowered
Thank you so much for making this video. We're in zone 8. We were of the understanding that 7.0 to 7.3 is considered too high PH for fish. It has been as high as 8.7. We are pouring 1 to 2 gals of white vinegar daily trying to keep 7.0 - 7.2 which we thought was to high. Is the vinegar harming the fish? Also our tables are not flourishing like yours is. Our tomato plants only grew one. We have 5 grow tables and they are all struggling to produce. Help!!
I noted that you keep your tilapia covered. I have heard tilapia like lots of sunlight. What is your take on this. Also have you ever put a light over the tank to attract bugs to the tank so the fish can eat the bugs as a supplemental feed?
Question what ever is alive in the eggs shell when u microwave it would it kill it? Microwaves change the matter of everything. Is boiling an better option?
Shalom-I am new to aquaponics and I've set up a 50 gallon tank, running 4 roughly 25 gallon beds (2 deep water culture, 2 ebb and flow). So, I'd estimate that there is roughly 100-120 gallons of water circulating. We got a reading of 7.8 on the pH, so I'm looking at your lime solution. How much do you suggest for this size of a system. I'm thinking a few drops will do the trick based on the ratios you provided. Is there any suggestion that you can add? Thanks.
I would not use the vinegar and would do a 30% water change to start getting out of the system asap. I have never used vinegar but I don't thinks it would be good for the plants or the fish in the system. I am not sure what you are using for grow media but that could be a problem with your pH. My beds did not start flourishing overnight it has taken a few years of research and failures to get to the stage I am. I have a Fb page I post lots of info on and working on new website that.
I'm jealous pH of 6.... When you first start system up you should shoot for 7 but very very slowly over the next year you need to bring it down to between 6.2 and 6.8. I Use Hydrated Lime and Food grade potassium Hydroxide to raise pH. Use one one week the other the next. As far as using lemons or lime to reduce pH. NOT IN MY SYSTEMS. It will kill the Bacteria that I have worked so hard to build up. Only way I reduce pH is to use properly collected Rain water, Low pH well water (tested for chemical and heavy medals of course) RO or RODI water.
I like a 6.5 - 7 pH GoforGreenliving and thanks for watching. For your comment Mr.MadMax. You had to work hard to build your bacteria how did you do that it happens naturally from fish waste. Do you really think a 1/2 spoon of juice diluted in 400 gallons of water will kill your bacteria that is funny. We could only wish you could be correct on this one then we would never need bleach or other anti-bacterial cleaning agents again. Let the plants speak for themselves.
In a 400 gallon system. It might not kill all your bacteria. Not everyone runs a 400 gallon system. Try that in a system of less that a 100 gallons and you will have a problem.... Ask me how I know... Mixing Hydrated Lime and Potassium Hydroxide 50/50 is my prefer way of raising my pH. As far as lowering pH, Start with carbonate free water that has low pH. Start with Rain water, RO water or RODI water. Start with a good water source and life is good. Use a high pH water and your life will revolve are attempting to, but not succeeding in controlling the pH of your system water. Most people either focus on the plant or the fish. My theory is to focus on what the bacteria needs. Even though you can't see those little buggers. Your a Bacteria Farmer weather you know it or not. A system with happy Bacteria, gives you happy Plants and Happy Fish. The goal is to create a complete and healthy eco system. You must stop and think, before adding anything to the system. 1. what will it do to my fish 2. what will it do to my plants 3. what will it do to my bacteria The first two you can replace... The third you have to grow your own, and that take lots of TIME. Just my two cents worth...You have a pretty neet system Richard P.S. Little heads up about using egg shells. To much calcium in your system will drive the potassium out of your system. Your plants need that to. If you have a organic solution to that? I'd be interested in hearing it. I have lots of Quail egg shells I need to find a use for.
***** I think any one watching this video can clearly see that this system is over 100 gallons. I am very aware that I am farming bacteria and I have fresh bacteria tank growing for the use of adding to a system when needed. I have a nice digital microscope and can take a peak at the " little buggers" when ever I like and and know some by name. I run about 10 systems around here have a new system under construction as we speak with 7000 plus gallons and it will have bacteria the same day the pump starts moving water. I use it a lot on our outdoor seasonal aquaponics ponds and when starting new systems. I don't know everything about aquaponics I just know what works for me in my systems over the years and try and share with others. I took a look at a few of your videos of your system. I think I heard you recommend lowering your pH with vinegar in your video. I passed on the opportunity to add a comment on that one and above you said you only do it with rainwater. Collecting rainwater is now Illegal in many states. My research found years ago vinegar to be much more harmful to a system than lime juice. But that is all you and your system. I will never say one is correct and the other is not. The best part of aquaponics THE PLANT GROWTH ALWAYS DETERMINES WHAT WORKS BEST. Thanks Richard for all of your input, your aquaponics knowledge is overwhelming
Love your video I think all farmers should do this and it's kind to the inviroment I found your video easy to understand I just want to ask could you use a lime in your fish tank say a tea spoon if your ph is up at 7.5 and your fish like it acid would that work I fance having a go with my fish tanks I have seen videos where they have tanks no filters just plants and there roots in the water and it gets rid of you nitrate nitrite and ammonia and fewer water changes by the way I like my eggs free range not in cages all day long I fined it crule
I am ask that a lot give this some thought, a few spoons of juice added to 300 gallons of water will kill bacteria? It would not be safe to drink or eat if that was true. I really wish it was true it would make for a much greener planet. NO A FEW SPOONS IN 300 GALLONS WILL NOT KILL BACTERIA.
Hi again, I really trust you'll be helpful to me as you have already posting such useful tip. :-) so, my question is How many egg shells i will need for 4500 Lts koi pond. I put from about 5 from 5 little eggs but the PH has not increased at all. it has been 6 days since i added them. would be absolutely grateful for your suggestions. :-) many thanks in advance. s
thanks a lot for getting back to me. baking soda is what i have been using for the last several months. worried if it has any side effects. they are used to with 6.4 to 6.6 but they haven't been happy since it dropped almost below 6. anyways, i will keep your suggestion. :-) . many thanks once again.. please take care.
from what I've read probably your biggest problem with vinegar is that it kills the good bacteria, so you're not having decent nitrification happening. So like the others said. stay away from vinegar.
Alex as long as its in the water it will be good. The thing is in the tank the fish good rip it then you would have shells in tank so you would loose control of pulling out if needed. And thanks for watching
Rofl Do you really think a 1/2 spoon of juice diluted in 300 gallons of water will kill your bacteria that is so funny. Let the plants speak for themselves you need to watch the video again looks like the plants and system are doing fine.
I like a pH of 7 and yes that will work to bring the pH up. Thank you for the kind words
I really enjoyed that explanation. I want to use more organic and mechanical solutions for my system and I feel like this brings me one step closer. I really like the botanical garden you guys have grown. Very impressive and encouraging.
Thank you so much. I don't like using all the PH up and Down. I feel educated!!!!!
Thank you for making the videos you do, it's because of people like you the world is growing more educated and humane. You can also raise pH with a 50/50 mix of potassium hydroxide & calcium hydroxide, slowly adding to bring to desired pH. This also is a source of potassium and calcium for the biology and needs to be in balance in order to be available to the plants. Also, they say a better average pH for most plants is between 6-6.4. I'm still learning and experimenting myself...
Yes Alex to the inlet going into the grow bed. Fish tank you may need to get something to protect it from the fish if they rip a hole.
Thank you for your informations I was looking for safe, easy and free way to raise ph. This is great! Thank you!
Excellent video,great explanation and those tilapia. WOW! Look forward to seeing more of your stuff,Sir!
Thank you Here is a newer video th-cam.com/video/N1427wOmzas/w-d-xo.html
thank you so much for this egg demo. it helped me to start a ph rise operation with confidence
You can add any kind of aragonite rubble to raise KH levels and you can use driftwood or peat moss in a mesh bag to lower KH levels. I still can't believe that your plants are so healthy from just fish waste alone. I see the food is duckweed, that is good. I am sure some of it is decomposing. I guess terrestrial plants are different than aquatic plants. Aquatic plants can live on fish waste and trace amounts of Co2, but not very well. To get them to grow amazingly well you need tons of Co2 and plentiful amounts of micros and macros. I guess it is similar, but not the same.
Yes they are lots of ways to raise and lower pH. Thanks and yes our plants do ok in just the waste
Thank you very much! Best video on ph! Explained very well and easy to follow!
Greetings from Southern Illinois
Thank you Here is a newer video th-cam.com/video/N1427wOmzas/w-d-xo.html
Good video.With a deep water grow bed, would you add the egg shells to the inlet going into the grow bed or would hanging it in the fish tank work also?
Thank you and good luck with the new system
You mentioned that you have a great filter system on your setup. Could you please do a video or provide a reference for what kind of filtering system you use? Thank you.
Thanks for educating, by chance you ever thought of giving us a tour regarding you system? Would love to see how your system works. Thanks for sharing
+Robert Madden I have an online workshop coming soon
This is great information. I've been fighting to lower my ph down from 8. When I add a ph lowering product it goes right back to 8. It could be that it's a newer system. I'm excited to try the lime method and see how that goes. Thanks for sharing you knowledge.
Mike Davis
Mike try and not use it every week at sometime it should lower on its on this is just for setup. If your pH is staying on the high side then start using rain water to top of your tanks that will keep it lowered
Thank you so much for making this video. We're in zone 8. We were of the understanding that 7.0 to 7.3 is considered too high PH for fish. It has been as high as 8.7. We are pouring 1 to 2 gals of white vinegar daily trying to keep 7.0 - 7.2 which we thought was to high. Is the vinegar harming the fish? Also our tables are not flourishing like yours is. Our tomato plants only grew one. We have 5 grow tables and they are all struggling to produce. Help!!
Thanks. Very well done and simply presented.
You are very welcome glad to help
Thank you. This is a very good video for me. Is duckweed the only food you give to your fish? How often you feed your fish?. Thank very much.
No I feed them things from the garden
I noted that you keep your tilapia covered. I have heard tilapia like lots of sunlight. What is your take on this. Also have you ever put a light over the tank to attract bugs to the tank so the fish can eat the bugs as a supplemental feed?
Question what ever is alive in the eggs shell when u microwave it would it kill it? Microwaves change the matter of everything. Is boiling an better option?
very helpful video with
natural product thanks
Nice setup, very helpful info, thanks. Just starting up. Hurst Tx. Sam
You are very welcome glad it helped.
Thoroughly enjoyed the video. What are your thoughts on using oyster shell versus egg shells? Raise chickens, so I have plenty of both.
+Charles Kiplinger Should be fine but not sure what the pH is in the oysters shells.
Very nice and informative presentation
That depends on how your system is setup. I run about 32 sq feet plus pvc pipe NFT
You are very welcome thanks for watching
Shalom-I am new to aquaponics and I've set up a 50 gallon tank, running 4 roughly 25 gallon beds (2 deep water culture, 2 ebb and flow). So, I'd estimate that there is roughly 100-120 gallons of water circulating. We got a reading of 7.8 on the pH, so I'm looking at your lime solution. How much do you suggest for this size of a system. I'm thinking a few drops will do the trick based on the ratios you provided. Is there any suggestion that you can add?
Thanks.
Great information,thanks for sharing
Thank you for this video. It was really helpful.
What is water to fish ratio. Also say on yor system of 250gal tank what would the sq ft of planting surface would you get
I would not use the vinegar and would do a 30% water change to start getting out of the system asap. I have never used vinegar but I don't thinks it would be good for the plants or the fish in the system. I am not sure what you are using for grow media but that could be a problem with your pH. My beds did not start flourishing overnight it has taken a few years of research and failures to get to the stage I am. I have a Fb page I post lots of info on and working on new website that.
Yes it is pretty funny when I go in the Dollar store and buy them. I find they work good in aquaponics lol
What PH do you recommend for starting up my well water is about 6 ph?
I'm jealous pH of 6.... When you first start system up you should shoot for 7 but very very slowly over the next year you need to bring it down to between 6.2 and 6.8. I Use Hydrated Lime and Food grade potassium Hydroxide to raise pH. Use one one week the other the next. As far as using lemons or lime to reduce pH. NOT IN MY SYSTEMS. It will kill the Bacteria that I have worked so hard to build up. Only way I reduce pH is to use properly collected Rain water, Low pH well water (tested for chemical and heavy medals of course) RO or RODI water.
I like a 6.5 - 7 pH GoforGreenliving and thanks for watching. For your comment Mr.MadMax. You had to work hard to build your bacteria how did you do that it happens naturally from fish waste. Do you really think a 1/2 spoon of juice diluted in 400 gallons of water will kill your bacteria that is funny. We could only wish you could be correct on this one then we would never need bleach or other anti-bacterial cleaning agents again. Let the plants speak for themselves.
In a 400 gallon system. It might not kill all your bacteria. Not everyone runs a 400 gallon system. Try that in a system of less that a 100 gallons and you will have a problem.... Ask me how I know...
Mixing Hydrated Lime and Potassium Hydroxide 50/50 is my prefer way of raising my pH. As far as lowering pH, Start with carbonate free water that has low pH. Start with Rain water, RO water or RODI water. Start with a good water source and life is good. Use a high pH water and your life will revolve are attempting to, but not succeeding in controlling the pH of your system water.
Most people either focus on the plant or the fish. My theory is to focus on what the bacteria needs. Even though you can't see those little buggers. Your a Bacteria Farmer weather you know it or not. A system with happy Bacteria, gives you happy Plants and Happy Fish. The goal is to create a complete and healthy eco system.
You must stop and think, before adding anything to the system.
1. what will it do to my fish
2. what will it do to my plants
3. what will it do to my bacteria
The first two you can replace... The third you have to grow your own, and that take lots of TIME.
Just my two cents worth...You have a pretty neet system
Richard
P.S. Little heads up about using egg shells. To much calcium in your system will drive the potassium out of your system. Your plants need that to. If you have a organic solution to that? I'd be interested in hearing it. I have lots of Quail egg shells I need to find a use for.
***** I think any one watching this video can clearly see that this system is over 100 gallons. I am very aware that I am farming bacteria and I have fresh bacteria tank growing for the use of adding to a system when needed. I have a nice digital microscope and can take a peak at the " little buggers" when ever I like and and know some by name. I run about 10 systems around here have a new system under construction as we speak with 7000 plus gallons and it will have bacteria the same day the pump starts moving water. I use it a lot on our outdoor seasonal aquaponics ponds and when starting new systems. I don't know everything about aquaponics I just know what works for me in my systems over the years and try and share with others. I took a look at a few of your videos of your system. I think I heard you recommend lowering your pH with vinegar in your video. I passed on the opportunity to add a comment on that one and above you said you only do it with rainwater. Collecting rainwater is now Illegal in many states. My research found years ago vinegar to be much more harmful to a system than lime juice. But that is all you and your system. I will never say one is correct and the other is not. The best part of aquaponics THE PLANT GROWTH ALWAYS DETERMINES WHAT WORKS BEST.
Thanks Richard for all of your input, your aquaponics knowledge is overwhelming
muy bueno e instructivo el video, saludos desde argentina...
Hello-Will the lime juice harm duckweed? If so, can I ask what you do to condition your water for growing duckweed?
Thank you for the free education sir.
Can you use men's panty hose or must it be ladies?
Ok thank you. I'll give that a try. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with everyone.
Mike :-)
Thank you just what i needed to know.
Love your video I think all farmers should do this and it's kind to the inviroment I found your video easy to understand I just want to ask could you use a lime in your fish tank say a tea spoon if your ph is up at 7.5 and your fish like it acid would that work I fance having a go with my fish tanks I have seen videos where they have tanks no filters just plants and there roots in the water and it gets rid of you nitrate nitrite and ammonia and fewer water changes by the way I like my eggs free range not in cages all day long I fined it crule
anthony pope Rainwater is the easy way to lower your pH
Ok thanks for that
hi,
is it true to lower ph with
lemon will kill the bacteria??
I am ask that a lot give this some thought, a few spoons of juice added to 300 gallons of water will kill bacteria? It would not be safe to drink or eat if that was true. I really wish it was true it would make for a much greener planet. NO A FEW SPOONS IN 300 GALLONS WILL NOT KILL BACTERIA.
Thanks,
yaniv turgeman
ISRAEL. (-:).
Very educational, thank you!
can I add lime or egg shells to my 75 gallon freshwater aquarium?
Yes in small amounts
will this work for raising just fish like putting it in the water
+RxAxH Yes use only a little
Thank you
as ammonium nitrate is converted into and removed from the water, not to kill or injure fish????
Fish safe cycle and works great
nice one thanks
Thanks
I'm learning!
Is it possible for me to soak in the chicken egg shells into my fish tanks?
I would not add them to the fish tank only the grow beds
Thanks
Why do you only recommend using baking soda in extreme circumstances?
Because it swings the pH very fast
Thank you sooo much for the video.
+Saru Nakarmi You welcome
Hi again, I really trust you'll be helpful to me as you have already posting such useful tip. :-) so, my question is How many egg shells i will need for 4500 Lts koi pond. I put from about 5 from 5 little eggs but the PH has not increased at all. it has been 6 days since i added them. would be absolutely grateful for your suggestions. :-)
many thanks in advance.
s
+Saru Nakarmi For a Koi pond that size I would just add a little baking soda, then keep adding egg shells to help maintain the pH
thanks a lot for getting back to me. baking soda is what i have been using for the last several months. worried if it has any side effects. they are used to with 6.4 to 6.6 but they haven't been happy since it dropped almost below 6. anyways, i will keep your suggestion. :-) . many thanks once again.. please take care.
+Saru Nakarmi you are very welcome. Here is a link to a latter video about pH with more info. th-cam.com/video/N1427wOmzas/w-d-xo.html
what about using lime for 55 gallon tank
+jewel coleman Sure just add a little and wait a few days and check pH again
Dear sir. Thank you for the PH explanation.
No I always keep my tanks covered aquaponics system don't like algae so the best way to keep it out is no sunlight
Thank u.
from what I've read probably your biggest problem with vinegar is that it kills the good bacteria, so you're not having decent nitrification happening.
So like the others said. stay away from vinegar.
Alex as long as its in the water it will be good. The thing is in the tank the fish good rip it then you would have shells in tank so you would loose control of pulling out if needed. And thanks for watching
Kim if I can ever help feel free to contact me on Facebook or email
You use women's panty hose quite regularly? Lol. Great video.
Rofl Do you really think a 1/2 spoon of juice diluted in 300 gallons of water will kill your bacteria that is so funny. Let the plants speak for themselves you need to watch the video again looks like the plants and system are doing fine.