Water ball (Photo credit: @Doug88888)
It is expected that with any system, there will be hiccups and problems along the way. Even though the aquaponics system is a hands off system once it has been setup, every now and then, some problem might occur and require your attention.
Being able to diagnose the problem will help you deal with the situation effectively. Since the aquaponics system is an ecosystem that is a delicate balance of plants, fish and bacteria, if you neglect the problems, the entire system may collapse.
This article will highlight a few common problems and remedies that will be extremely helpful to you if you face such problems in the future. Being prepared is the key to running a successful aquaponics system
One common problem is when the plants start to die. The first thing to do is check the plants for any bug infestation or disease. If none are present, check the pH value of the water. You are aiming for an ideal pH value of 6.8. If your pH value is off, correct the situation.
Another reason could be a lack of nutrients. This happens during winter time when the fish are more sluggish and eat less. This results in less waste and that means less nutrients. You can correct the situation by using a heater to heat up the water the fish are in. This will encourage them to eat more. Another way would be to just decrease the number of plants in the system to maintain the balance.
If the plant leaves are not healthy or the plants are discolored, these are indications of a lack of nutrients. If your plants take ages to grow, that suggests a nutrient deficiency too. You may increase the amount of fish in your setup or use a commercial nutrient additive. Ideally, you should try to balance the system by adding more fish or using fewer plants.
If your fish are dying, there could be a few reasons for this. The water might not be aerated properly. See if the fish keep coming to the surface of the water to gasp for air. This is extremely stressful for them. Add a strong pump that will aerate and agitate the water to dissolve more oxygen into the water.
Another reason could be that ammonia levels in the water are too high. That means the waste matter is not being broken down effectively. This could be due to improper cycling or too many fish in the system. Remove some of the fish and place them into a separate tank. Allow the water some time for the ammonia levels to drop. Do a nitrates test to see if your system is cycling properly. Gradually, add more fish till balance is achieved.
If your water is cloudy, dirty or green, you will need to check if it’s due to uneaten food or algae. If it’s due to uneaten food, you are overfeeding the fish. Reduce the amount of feed and filter the water. If it’s due to algae, you’ll need to shade the tank and try to block the sunlight from hitting the sides of the container. Use boards and darken the sides of the container.
These are some of the common problems most aquaponics systems will face. There are many more problems. Each problem has a solution no matter how exasperating it seems. You will need to discover for yourself what the cause is and remedy it. You may research online or speak to someone experienced in aquaponics. With time, you will be an expert in your own right.
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