Hi,

We run a medium size aquaponics system for our own use.

To reduce solid residues and to prevent filter clogging, we drain our transit tank each morning. A further 24H rest gives us a thick sludge residue.

We use it diluted for fertilizing some plants but the quantity (a couple of liters per day, before dilution) far exceeds our needs.

As a result, we now have a few hundreds liters of this sludge stored for later use.

I noticed the product passes through several stages: fresh sludge / active phase (lids pop-up and fly under pressure in the storage containers) / stabilizing phase with sedimentation and change of color (turning black)

My question is:

If I want to make the most of this sludge, should I use it as soon as possible after collecting or is it still beneficial after long term storage?

Does the active phase and the subsequent stabilization reduce its properties or are the main nutrients preserved after that?

Thanks for any insight

Add it to your compost pit to make some fantastic pui!

You're right

Not being sure it keeps its properties, I think I will both try to speed up my planting schedule and spread the extra on the compost area