Aquaponics How To

Questions and Answers about Fish in Aquaponics

What do I do if the water in my system starts to smell and becomes 'cloudy'?
Firstly test the water. If you can not do that or you get a very high reading of Ammonia or Nitrite then we suggest you release about one-third of your water and top up your system up again. If you have tested it and the Ammonia and Nitrite are not too high then stop feeding the fish for a couple of days. They will survive without feeding for a few days and the water should clear. After either of the above review how much you are feeding your fish as you are probably overfeeding them. Remember that when the water temperature drops the fish will eat less.

How much should I feed my fish?
The amount will vary depending on the type of fish, the temperature of the water and the type of food you have. The general rule in warm weather with commercial fish food is about 3% of their body weight when they are small fingerlings and about 1% of their body weight once they are no longer fingerlings. Most people grossly overfeed their fish so please weigh your feed when you first start. This will give you a good idea of how much you are feeding the fish.

How often should I feed my fish?
In a home system we feel that you should feed your fish morning and night. As close to 12 hours apart as possible.

Why can't I use anti-bacterial treatments on the fish?
Anti-bacterial treatments will also kill the Ammonia-oxidizing-bacteria and the Nitrite-oxidizing-bacteria. Obviously this is not good as it will stop the nitrication process.

Photos are of aquaponic systems built and/or maintained by Martin and Kerri