Trouble shooting fish problems in aquaponics

   Well, we all hope to the perfect Aquaponics system, and usually, we only have to worry about the  nutrient intake for our plants.

   But sometime our fish have issues too. It is up to us to prevent them or treat them as soon as
possible.

   Fish are prone to bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections and most fish problems are human induced.

  First off before we go through the common problems, lets just say if you have a choice, make sure you get your fish from a reputably fish supplier, not saying that getting fish from someones back yard off of craigslist is bad, I do it all the time, but do note that it is a better possibility to get infected fish that way.

  So now to the point of it all...STRESS! There are not that many diseases your Aquaponics fish can contract. Stress is the number one problem for fish.
 
   Lack of oxygen is the first  that we should prevent. Rolling the water over is key. Plenty of aeration from the BOTTOM. Having the air bubbles on the top of the surface doesnt help as much.

    High volume of fish solids and food is a big concern. This will lead to high levels of ammonia and low levels of oxygen.  Pumping the settlement from the bottom of the fish tank into a swirl filter or a medium bed will help, but more importantly is watching the food intake. If there is food left then slack on the feed next time.

   Excessive handling is not a good idea, just because you want to show all your friends and family whats in the tank, its not good for the fish. So put the net away until harvest time.

  Water quality should be steady. If it fluctuates or has a bad source, the ph levels can spike up or down causing issues and of course if you get your water from town supply, it will have to be dechlorinated.   Keep a supply of rain water in a drum to use when water levels drop.

   Keep your algae levels low. Algae will give off oxygen during the day, but will starve it during the night. Keeping your fish tank covered or if its plastic, you can paint it or cover it in plastic. This will keep the sunlight from growing excess algae.

   If there is a bulling fish, it should be removed. Some fish will push other fish, or rob feed from them. It isnt very common, but it does happen. if so, it needs to be removed.

   Water temperature should be checked regularly. Place a digital thermometer, ( I use an auto in and out thermometer) where is is easy to see If your fish or cold natured  fish then keep it that way, and if your fish like warm temps, then expose them to the adequate heat and put a heater to keep the water maintained. Grow your vegetables accordingly. Some veggies like cold temps and some like warmer temp, use this to your advantage!

   Detection:

• Fungal infections: Fungal infections are can be seen as white botches on your fish’s fins and or body.
• Ammonia Toxicity: Fish are gasping for breath; fish have red and inflamed gills; fish appear lethargic; fish doesnt like to eat; and fish have red streaking on the fins or body.
• Low dissolved oxygen: Fish die in quick succession; fish are seen gasping for oxygen; hot weather is current; or fish die overnight and algae is present.