Starting second system (55 Gal glass tank)

Well the 55 gallon tank we were going to use originally in the first system is finally going to be put to use. I have it filled up and starting to cycle. Shouldn't take as long since I am going to add a little water from the established system to it every day. The new system will hopefully be getting some fish after I find a local fish farm. I have not made up my mind what kind but I want to stick with something that is a local fish. This system will be a raft style aquaponics system. I will build the rafts over the top of the tank. I did not take pictures since its just a tank with water in it right now. As soon as something goes in it I will update with pictures.

As suggested we added some Koi

After being told the PH was too low at 6.2.  Even though everything I had read about goldfish had said anywhere from 5.8 to almost 8 could be handled by them. We have had it at 6.8 the last couple days and guess what, the ones that were alive seem a little livelier and seem to be breathing easier. Go figure. On a suggestion from a few forum members at different Aquaponic forums we picked up some Koi. We were told the Koi would be a little more hearty and tolerant  of water conditions than the cheapo feeder goldfish. We got a couple black Koi and platinum Koi. After leaving them in the bag about 30 min I introduced our water into there bag slowly a little more every few minutes. After about 15 min of this I released them and they seem to love it so far. I even got them on sale. I will give this a while and see how it goes. I still want to get some Trout or Tilapia but until then my plants still need food.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Aquaponic Basement Garden Video Update

Another video update for you guys. There is also a little update on my raised bed garden at the end of the video.

Frustrated over fish dying

Just can't seem to figure out the problem. My levels all seem great in the fish tank. I have tons of aeration. I am lost now. Maybe the city water is just poison here or something. I don't know how to test for anything else though. My Nitrites and Nitrates are 0 now. PH is 6.2 I have no ammonia at all.

Down to 4 fish out of about 80 we have bought all together. Not 80 at once.
Any Ideas please help?

Video update of the Aquaponic Basement Garden May 15, 2011

Thought I would just link to my latest video instead of uploading all the pictures. Lots of growth and everything seems to be cycled and running smooth now.

First salad from the aquaponics.

Well I wish I had taken pictures but we harvested enough lettuce for a nice salad to go with the lasagne my wife made for mothers day dinner. We had 3 types and it was perfect. My mom was impressed by the aquaponic lettuce and the growth the system has had. I can't wait to plant some more in the grow beds.

Another update. Nitrite levels coming down but still a little high.

My Nitrite levels are beginning to come down. I believe the lack of fish my be part of it with only 4 left. The grow bed running is helping as well though I believe. I have added some of the Swiss Chard seedlings to the NFT system and moved some plants around. In this update notice the tomato roots pictures. They are going crazy.