Ironing out the Aquaponics Chemistry

Since connecting up the growing towers over the past week, the algae bloom in the pond has dissipated, thanks to the plants taking up the nutrients. Now you can see the fish again! The water is reddish-brown, however, because Chris added chelated iron to satisfy an iron deficiency for the plants. The brown color will eventually clear as the water is replaced with water from the roof water catchment system. These fish are tilapia, but they look more like goldfish in the reddish water. Starting a new pond is always a challenge, getting the ecosystem in balance.