Aquaponics by John Mason

BY J O H N M A S O N & S TA F F O F AC S D I S TA N C E ED U C AT I O N
CONTENTS
CREDITS 5
PREFACE 6
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND NATURE OF AQUAPONICS 7
What grows well in aquaponics? 9
Home systems 10
Commercial farms 11
Advantages of aquaponics 11
Aquaponics is about balance 12
CHAPTER 2 THE AQUAPONICS SYSTEM 13

What media is best for your grow beds? 18
What else do you need to consider? 21
CHAPTER 3 GROWING FISH IN AQUAPONICS 22

Key facts for growing fish in aquaponics 22
Feeding fish 25
How many fish? 26
Monitoring fish 26
Common problems and their symptoms 27
CHAPTER 4 FISH SUITED TO AQUAPONICS 28

Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) 28
Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) 28
Jade Perch (Scortum barcoo) 30
Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) 30
Barramundi (Lates calcrifera) 31
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) 32
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) 33
Carp 34
Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) 34
Catfish 34
Eel Tailed Catfish (Tandanus tandanus) 35
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) 36
Silver Cobbler (Neoarius midgleyi) 36
Lake Argyle Catfish (syn. Arius midgleyi) 36
Eels (Anguilla) 36
Tilapia 37
Freshwater Crayfish 38
Marron (Cherax tenuimanus) 38
Red Claw (Cherax quadricarinatus) 38
Yabbies (Charax destructor) 39
CHAPTER 5 GROWING PLANTS IN AQUAPONICS 40

What system? 40
Planting guide 41
Planting 42
Herbs 43
Some herbs to grow hydroponically 44
Basil (Sweet) (Ocimum basilicum) 44
Mint (Mentha spp.) 45
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) 46
Vegetables 46
Cabbage (Brassica oleraceae capitata Group) 46
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 48
Pak-choi and Bok-choy (Brassica rapa ‑ pekinensis Group) 50
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) 50
Other 52
Iris Species (Iris spp.) 52
Nutrients and deficiencies 54
Mobile and immobile nutrients 54
Plant nutrition 54
Nutrient deficiency 55
Control of water quality 57
Measuring pH and EC 57
EC Meters and EC Controllers 57
pH Controller 59
Plant pest and disease problems in aquaponics 59
Pests 59
Diseases 60
Damping-off disease 60
Grey mould 60
Powdery mildew 60
Wilt 61
APPENDIX 62
Distance learning and online courses 62
E-books by John Mason and ACS Staff 63
Printed books by John Mason 64
Useful contacts 65
ACS Global Partners 65
Social media 65
> BACK TO CONTENTS PAGE
CREDITS
© Copyright: John Mason The information in this book is derived
from a broad cross section of resources
Written by (research, reference materials and
Written by John Mason Dip.Hort.Sc. personal experience) from the authors
FIOH, FAIH, FPLA and editorial assistants in the academic
& Staff of ACS Distance Education department of ACS Distance Education.
It is, to the best of our knowledge,
Photos: composed as an accurate representation
John Mason of what is accepted and appropriate
Leonie Mason information about the subject, at the
time of publication.
Layout
Stephen Mason The authors fully recognise that
knowledge is continually changing,
Editorial Assistants/Contributors: and awareness in all areas of study
Adriana Fraser is constantly evolving. As such, we
Barbara Seguel encourage the reader to recognise
Gavin Cole that nothing they read should ever
Leonie Mason be considered to be set in stone.
They should always strive to broaden
Published by their perspective and deepen their
ACS Distance Education understanding of a subject, and before
acting upon any information or advice,
P.O. Box 2092, Nerang MDC, should always seek to confirm the
Queensland, Australia, 4211 currency of that information, and the
admin@acs.edu.au appropriateness to the situation in which
www.acsbookshop.com they find themselves.
P O Box 4171, Stourbridge, DY8 2WZ, As such, the publisher and author do not
United Kingdom accept any liability for actions taken by
admin@acsedu.co.uk the reader based upon their reading of
www.acsebooks.com this book.
ISBN: 978-0-9925878-6-4
PAGE 5
PREFACE
Aquaponics involves growing fish, Aquaponic farming allows individual
crustaceans or something else in water; families to grow a much wider range of
and then taking that water and using it produce, in a much smaller space. They
to grow plants. It is an intensive way of can provide the protein needed for their
producing food, that can be used on a diet (from fish), as well as the vegetables
small scale at home, or on a large scale and fruit they need. Aquaponic systems
for commercial farming. can be as small as a few cubic meters;
or as large as many acres. They are an
The level of sophistication involved in ideal way of improving productivity on a
aquaponics can vary from low to high. hobby farm; can be used by restaurants
The biggest challenge is to ensure that to produce the freshest produce on site,
when the same water is used to grow two or established inside buildings, in big
different things, the characteristics of the cities, for urban farming.
water needs to be compatible for both.
This book explores some of the more
The type of water required to grow some important considerations, and aims
types of fish, for instance, can be quite to inspire and inform you about the
different to the type of water needed to possibilities for aquaponics, in whatever
grow some types of plants. Success is circumstances you may consider using it.
achieved by both choosing plants and
animals to grow that are compatible with
the system you set up; and choosing
a system that is compatible with the
plants and animals you are growing.
When you get these compatibilities
aligned, you can then move forward, and
provided that you manage the system
appropriately, the potential for success
can be staggering.
PAGE 6
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND NATURE

OF AQUAPONICS
Aquaponics is a way of combining aquaculture or fish farming, with

hydroponic growing. This is typically achieved by using the waste
from fish tanks to fertilize plants, and waste water from plants to
top up water in the fish tanks. The tricky part is to ensure that
water taken from plants to fish, is chemically suitable for the fish,
and that water taken from fish to plants is chemically appropriate for
growing plants.
The nutrient-rich waste from fish ammonia) are the result of excrement
tanks can be valuable as plant food from the animals, and others may result
to vegetables and herbs grown in from decomposition of dead animal
hydroponic beds. Chemicals (including tissue or left over food. As a result of its
nutrients) naturally increase in any water nutrient composition, water that is used
in which fish or other aquatic animals for aquaculture is a useful source of
live. Some of these chemicals (such as nutrition for growing plants.
Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua) is one of a number of freshwater fish species that
have been grown successfully in aquaponics.
PAGE 7
In hydroponics you don’t use soil to grow into specifically designed, channel-like
plants - instead materials like gravel, beds (usually raised at a convenient
perlite, river pebbles/stones, lava rock height). Water (with dissolved nutrients
(e.g. pumice stones), clay pebbles or added) constantly reticulates through
rockwool may be used to anchor plants the beds.
Floating Gardens are the simplest form Floating gardens of any size can be used
of aquaponics. Rafts are created to in large ponds, dams or lakes; to grow
hold a growing media. Plants grow in certain types of plants.
the media. Provision must be made for
water to either be absorbed through the This photo illustrates a small one, growing
bottom of the raft, up into the root zone; “Impatiens”. Large floating gardens were
or for the root mass to penetrate through established and used hundreds of years
the bottom into the water. Example. A fly ago, by native people in Mexico; growing
mesh bottom, and a media above that is food crops on floating Islands. With fish
mostly peat moss or sphagnum moss. in the water below, these were perhaps
Moisture will be absorbed up into the early examples of “aquaponics”.
moss, keeping the roots wet.
In aquaculture fish is farmed under Aquaponics can be used on a small

controlled or partly controlled conditions. scale or large and either commercially,
Water quality needs to be carefully or to grow food for your own use
managed (e.g. faeces from fish might be at home. Either way, both fish and
filtered out and/or dissolved and passed plants benefit each other by creating
through a tank or tanks where bacteria a symbiotic relationship to produce a
can convert any excessive ammonia to sustainable and integrated aquaponic
nitrites then nitrates, before applying the system, which can yield produce all
nitrate rich solution to the plant roots). year long as long as it is in a suitably
controlled environment.
PAGE 8
WHAT GROWS WELL Generally speaking, plants that

IN AQUAPONICS? don’t demand such high nutritional
levels will survive and thrive best
in most aquaponic systems. These
■■ Plants such as leafy green include: common house plants;
vegetables, vine plants, fruit leafy crops such as kale, lettuce,
and fruit trees, flowers, grasses pak choi; and herbs such as mint,
and seaweed all grow well in basil, watercress, among many
aquaponics. others. However, all others can grow
strongly and vigorously too if the
■■ Freshwater fish and other aquatic aquaponic system is well established
animals (e.g. crayfish) can be grown. and accurately monitored.
■■ The easier plants and animals to It is advised that the variety of plants and
grow will be the ones that are less fish you choose to grow meet similar pH
sensitive to variations in water and temperature standards in order to
conditions (e.g. pH, nutrient levels). benefit from a more successful production.
An example of small scale hydroponics. If you add fish into the black tub that contains
nutrient solution, this would become “aquaponics”. It becomes tricky though when
choosing a compatible species of fish, and maintaining an appropriate level of plant
nutrients in the water. Overcoming incompatibilities is the challenge of aquaponics.
PAGE 9
HOME SYSTEMS as well as to provide a reasonable

space for adequate plant growth and
Although a relatively recent idea, home development.
aquaponics is becoming increasingly
realistic for the home garden. Systems
can be small enough to fit in even a
small courtyard, or large enough to fill
any amount of space you have available.
Aquaponics systems are usually made

up of grow beds (similar to a corrugated
iron raised garden bed), a water pump,
an air pump and a filtration system.
You can now buy everything you need
to get started; kits are readily available
and these vary from very simple and
inexpensive to quite complex and
costly. Before you jump in at the deep
end and go for an expensive system it
may be best to start small and then add
on to the system as your experience
and confidence increases. All types
of aquaponics kits are now readily
available online – try a quick Google
search.
If you like the idea of aquaponics but A simple aquaponics tank system.
are not interested in eating the fish
- aquaponic grow beds for plants can A sturdy plastic fish tank should be
be hooked up to existing ornamental placed partially underneath the stand,
fish ponds, as goldfish and other `non- over which will rest the grow-bed
edible’ fish species, work just as well as container. The pump placed inside the
sources of organic plant nutrients, as fish tank provides two functions:
edible species.
- It firstly serves to aerate the water in
A very basic aquaponic system simply the fish tank, along with the assembled
composed of a fish tank, a filter bed or PVC tubes and valves.
growbed (for the conversion of nutrients
and wastes, as well as a growbed -Secondly it carries the nutrient rich
media, a stand, a water pump and a water from the fish tank into the
couple of PVC tubes and bell siphons growbed. A drainage system by another
assembled accordingly. set of assembled and fitted PVC tubes
and siphons will also be necessary
The minimum area required to carry out for the recirculation of water from the
this basic system should be of at least filtering gravel grow bed setup (plants/
1.5 square metres - this way it will be vegetables) back to the fish tank.
possible to move around the system
PAGE 10
COMMERCIAL FARMS and, packaging etc.). Because you

don’t need as much land, you can
Being very intensive - you may not grow produce on more expensive
need more than a few acres to contain properties, closer to larger
a commercially profitable aquaponic population centres.
farm. The costs associated with setting
up and running an aquaponic farm can ■■ It optimises the use of water
be significantly higher than other forms resources.
of farming though. Typically, you can
save money on your land purchase, ■■ Aquaponics is environmentally
but what you save may then need to friendly. Apart from growing your
be invested in materials, equipment own food and fish, aquaponics
and construction. can also help the environment - it
conserves water (because we are
recycling it and only topping up as
the levels fall). This uses a lot less
water than irrigation and, due to the
constant recirculating water, there
is a notable reduction in ‘water loss’
within each system. You are not
using chemicals that can harm the
environment and soil life, because
Large scale hydroponic farm growing you are using fish waste instead.
acres of lettuce; established by a Plants grow faster too and are not
former student of ACS Distance as susceptible to disease as soil
Education. grown plants.
■■ Many of the farming practices can

be automated, reducing labour costs
ADVANTAGES and/or the use of large machinery.
OF AQUAPONICS
■■ Being self-contained, it is not as
susceptible to variations in weather
■■ It optimises the use of land; it is an (e.g. drought, sudden temperature
intensive way to grow produce. variations, if kept in a controlled
climate environment such as a
■■ You can grow more produce in a greenhouse or indoors).
smaller space than what is possible
with conventional farming methods. ■■ Greater control over production:
systems can be set up inside
■■ It reduces food miles: ‘Food Miles’ environmentally controlled buildings,
is how far your food travels from water and air temperatures as
paddock to plate - by reducing well as light conditions can be
these ‘miles’ you can help save controlled, and it is thus possible to
the environment (e.g. by reducing create a farm that is productive all
fuel usage, vehicles on our roads year round.
PAGE 11
■■ Systems that are enclosed in a

building and with environmental
control have an ability to exclude
contamination of animals and plants
by pests and diseases that may
impact on productivity.
■■ It is a more healthy and innovative

way to create organic produce.
AQUAPONICS IS ABOUT
BALANCE
In an aquaponics system you must
grow a combination of fish and plants in
separate tanks/beds.
The ratio of fish and plants must be

compatible to the size of the system, if
you have too many fish you will overload
the plants with too many nutrients.
This can trigger lush growth that is
susceptible to disease. Excess nutrients
may then cycle back to the fish tank, and
this can promote disease in the fish.
Not enough fish means that your plants

will starve and not do well. This makes The roots of a lettuce grown on a thin
them prone to insect attack, however a film of nutrient solution flowing along
minimum amount of fish living in a tank an NFT channel.
will still allow a large amount of plants
to thrive (it is important to find out which
kind and ratio of fish/plants are most
suitable for your type of system).
Through careful monitoring though you

can regulate and avoid nutrient over-
load, or under-load; it is all a question
of balance. This is discussed in more
detail later.
PAGE 12
CHAPTER 2 THE AQUAPONICS SYSTEM
Aquaponic systems can vary greatly in size. They can be as small

as an indoor fish tank or a large scale commercial aquaponics
system. The type and size of aquaponics system you choose will
affect the components and features that you will need to run it.
Expanded Clay balls, used as a hydroponic media to grow capsicum.
The hydroponic growing area may be large plastic or fibreglass tanks, or ponds
either beds filled with a solid media or made with concrete or liners. Earth ponds
NFT Channels. are probably inappropriate, because soil
can contaminate and complicate efforts
The tanks or ponds that grow fish may be to maintain water quality.
PAGE 13
There are two types of systems - open by commercial growers for example NFT
or closed: (Nutrient Film Technique) or DWC (Deep
Water Culture).
■■ Closed systems recirculate the
water – plants feed on a nutrient
solution and the runoff then makes
its way into ponds with fish (often
being treated on its way). Water is
then moved from the pond back
to the plants. This system keeps
reusing the same water.
■■ Open Systems do not reuse the

waste water.
An effective recirculation system needs

to be able to treat the water in any way
necessary so it can be used on plants;
then take it from the plants and treat it
appropriately in order for it to be used
with fish.
These treatments may involve removing

organic wastes, neutralizing ammonia,
removing pathogens, de-gassing carbon
dioxide, oxygenating water, etc.
Example of a simple two tiered system.
A recirculation system offers the

possibility of increasing stocking rates, There are several types of systems that
decreasing growing times, improving are used in commercial aquaponics but
productivity and profitability. It makes the most common system for a backyard
more efficient use of limited water is the CRS, which also sometimes
resources. It also requires more costly referred to as flood and drain cycles.
infrastructure, and a more sophisticated Water flows through the gravel beds at
operational management intermittent times (controlled by a timer)
to provide a more aerobic environment
For the plant growing part of the system for the plants (i.e. providing greater
the most commonly used and effective access to oxygen) and prevent the
system used in the backyard is media chance of root waterlogging and rot.
filled beds in a Closed Reciprocating
System (CRS) - in single, two or three A typical Closed Reciprocating System
tiers, or even as a vertical system has the following components:
with plants growing on vertical grow
beds rising above the fish tank . ■■ Tank (ponds or tanks) for growing
Other systems are available, but are fish, crayfish or other species.
complicated and more likely to be used
PAGE 14
■■ Hydroponic system for growing For example:

vegetables, fruits or other plants.
The filtration system may include various
■■ Collection tank or sump - lowest mechanisms such as:
point in a system that collects
runoff from the hydroponics before ■■ A biofilter to remove things like dead
pumping back into the aquaculture animal tissues, uneaten fish food etc.
growing tank or pond.
■■ A settling tank or compartment where
■■ Filtration systems for removing solids can be extracted from the water.
unwanted components in water.
■■ A biofilter to convert toxic ammonia
in water to useable nitrates.
Example of a commonly used single tiered CRS system.
PAGE 15
Example of a vertical system.
PAGE 16
Three tiered systems are also popular as they save space and offer more growing
space - here is an example of a typical three tiered system
Example of a three tiered system.
PAGE 17
WHAT MEDIA IS BEST may ‘open doors’ to unwanted organisms

FOR YOUR GROW to build up in your system.
BEDS? One commonly used media is scoria – it

is cheap, readily available and does not
Choosing the best media for your affect the pH of the water.
growbeds is one of the most essential
things to consider when starting up an Crushed local rock is another option but
aquaponic system as it is an important make sure that you avoid limestone or
means for growth, aiding in the those known to be high in minerals as
temperature balance and attachment this will affect the pH and the possibility
of the roots of plants/vegetables. of nutrients locking up as a result.
Growbed media also serves as a home
for beneficial bacteria to develop, as Expanded clay is a light, effective media
well as a mechanical filter for solids and but it is also quite expensive; it works
other wastes. great for plants with sensitive roots and
its neutral pH will not alter the chemical
composition of the water.
Lava rock, such as pumice stone, is

generally of low cost and also broadly
used, however, its irregular shape might
harm the roots of some plants. Also, as it
is of volcanic origin, it is good to keep in
mind that its chemical composition might
bring unwanted impurities to the system.
Coarse sand, often used

in hydroponic beds.
There are several options but for most

types of media, particle size should be
8-16mm - no bigger or smaller. Smaller
media doesn’t allow enough oxygen
around the plant roots and could cause
the system to clog as well as to prevent
the water to flow freely through your Scoria, a red volcanic rock, can
growbed. Larger media is very difficult be suitable for hydroponics, if it is
to plant your plants into. It is important available locally.
to find out which growbed media may
decompose throughout the time as this
PAGE 18
Example of an aquaponics CRS system using gravel beds.
Hint: Once you have your system

in place, run it for a few days before
introducing fish – that way you can
check for leaks, test to make sure the
water is right for your fish, or make any
changes if they are needed before you
start introducing fish or plants.
Hint: In order for ammonia wastes from

fish (not useful to plants in this form) to
convert into nitrates (that can be used by
plants as nutrients), you need beneficial
bacteria in the water of your aquaponics
system. This is called nutrient cycling.
If you have access to an aquarium filter
(used) or some fish-pond or aquarium
water then put a bucket of this into your
tank to get the system started. Another
way to get bacteria started is to throw
some fish feed into the tank and let it
sit for a few days before introducing the
fish – bacteria will start to feed on the
ammonia it produces and to multiply in
the system. Bacteria will establish of A simple system with vegetables in a
their own accord of course, but it takes a tray above, draining into a tank below.
bit longer.
PAGE 19
Pumps that are not submersible Tanks that are designed for water
come in all shapes and sizes. Some storage or other purposes are often
are suitable for aquaponics, and used for growing fish in an aquaponic
others may not be. Consult an expert system. Be sure that they are clean
on pumps who also understands though and do not contain anything
aquaponics if you want to avoid that may impact the water quality or
potential problems. fish health.
A submersible pump under the water is used to move water out of this old bathtub as
fresh water splashes back into the tub from the hose on the right.
PAGE 20
Concrete tanks, ponds or even disused swimming pools can be suitable for aquaponics,
provided they are clean and do not contaminate the fish. Remember, fresh concrete can
leach out chemicals; and swimming pools that have used salt or chlorine for a long time,
may have residues of chemicals in places as well.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU ■■ Make sure that your tanks are not
contaminated with leaf drop from
NEED TO CONSIDER? nearby trees – it makes it harder to
keep them clean.
■■ You need at least 6 hours of
sunshine for your plants to grow well. ■■ Make sure that your children or pets
cannot fall into the fish tanks. Fish
■■ Fish do not need sunlight – sunlight tanks should be covered with mesh
on tanks encourages algae (locating to stop birds and cats preying on fish.
your growing beds over the fish
tanks can help eliminate this) or grow ■■ If fish require treatment with salt
floating plants on your fish tank. water or other medications they
should be removed from the system
■■ You will need access to power for for this purpose as plants do not
your water and air pumps. grow well in saline conditions and if
any treatments used for fish health
■■ You will need easy access to should be kept out of the growing
harvest your plants – don’t make system too (i.e. put the fish into a
beds too wide and make sure you separate ‘quarantine’ bucket/tank as
have access from all sides. long as required).
■■ You will need easy access to tend to Hint: Solar water heaters are a very
your fish and to harvest them. effective and cheap way to heat the
fish tanks.
PAGE 21
CHAPTER 3 GROWING FISH

IN AQUAPONICS
By keeping aquaponic tanks under cover, it is easier to manage water quality and
temperature. Too much light can cause algal blooms, too much rain can change the
water chemistry, and extreme weather can increase or decrease water temperatures to
levels that impact on the animals in the tanks.
■■ Your choice of fish should depend

KEY FACTS FOR upon both what your system is suited
GROWING FISH IN to, and what you want to harvest. If
growing fish for your own use, you
AQUAPONICS may consider what you like to eat.
If growing to sell, you may consider
■■ Different fish species have what is going to be easiest to sell
different requirements: some (e.g. what is in demand at the time),
tolerate impurities or lower levels and what will bring the best price.
of oxygen in the water than others,
while some survive best within a ■■ Low oxygen level in the water is a
specific temperature range; but as common way that fish are killed in
a rule, you will have faster growing, aquaponics. Pumps must continue
healthier fish, when you manage the running to keep oxygen levels up. There
water more carefully, irrespective of are many reasons why pumps may not
what type of fish you are growing. run for a period; and provision needs
to be made to manage and avoid
■■ Generally, don’t mix species of fish any situation where the pump stops
in the same tank. Choose something (e.g. power failures, disconnecting a
that suits your needs then manage pump for repair, unplugging a pump).
conditions for that species. You may consider having a battery or
petrol powered pump as a back-up.
PAGE 22
■■ Over feeding fish is another ■■ Smaller tanks are more prone to

relatively common way fish are variable conditions; and as such this
made sick or killed. Any food that is makes it easier to grow fish in larger
not eaten by fish within 3-5 minutes volumes of water. If you start with
should be removed. Uneaten food a small system, keep it in a place
decomposes in water, causing an where temperatures are more stable
increase in ammonia which can (e.g. a veranda or inside a shed, out
poison fish. of the sun), and understock the tank
rather than overstocking, so you
■■ pH levels need to be stable. Many have better control over water quality.
fish species can adjust to gradual
changes in water pH, but may be ■■ Aquatic animals commonly grow
killed by fast changes. better when the water contains
higher levels of oxygen (i.e. DO or
■■ Water temperature should not Dissolved Oxygen). Colder water
change rapidly. Some fish can hold more oxygen than warmer
species will tolerate higher or water however water temperature
lower temperatures than others, can also be a factor in growing fish
but most do not respond well to or crustaceans. Warm water animal
quick changes. species have often evolved to cope
better with lower levels of dissolved
■■ Don’t put too many fish in a body oxygen. Water can only hold a
of water. Overstocking makes it certain amount of oxygen though,
far more difficult to maintain water and animals living in the water are
quality and control disease. constantly removing and lowering
oxygen levels. This makes it critical
for you to continually replace the
oxygen that is being removed.
You do this by aerating the water.
Dropping water into a tank from a
return pipe can help and bubbling
air from an outlet at the bottom of a
tank can also.
■■ Ammonia build up in water can be

a problem, particularly in warmer
water. Levels of 1ppm are dangerous.
Any level of total ammonia above
0.5ppm can be considered
dangerous for many species.
Different species can have different
Fountains, cascades or water wheels levels of susceptibility. Bacteria in
are a simple way to increase oxygen the water do convert ammonia into
levels in water; but can also increase nitrate which feeds algae; but there
or reduce water temperature faster in needs to be a balance in this cycle
extreme weather. so ammonia doesn’t build.
PAGE 23
■■ Productivity is affected by stocking such, some animals need harder

rated. Overstocking can reduce water than others. Fresh and
growth rates. saltwater crayfish, for instance, tend
to need hard water at a higher ppm.
■■ Water hardness is a factor that can
affect the ability to grow animals. ■■ The water pH required for growing
Hardness may have originally plants needs to have a level of
been a term used to refer to how compatibility with the pH require for
well soap lathers up in water - growing fish (or other aquaculture)
which is essentially related to – around pH 6.8 - 7.2 is ideal for
the concentration of calcium and fish and most plants will tolerate
magnesium. In aquaculture it that range too. Keep in mind
refers to the total concentration that the water pH may also be
calcium carbonate in terms of changed by the system as it goes
parts per million (ppm). Soft water from hydroponics to aquaculture
is 0-55ppm. Hard water is 200 to or aquaculture to hydroponics.
500ppm. Calcium is needed for Some types of growing bed media
bones of fish and the shells of may also affect the pH in the
crayfish. Some types of animals recirculating water.
need it more than others and as
If water is allowed to drop through the air when it returns to a pond or tank, it will
oxygenate the water; but if the return pipe is below the water surface, there will be no
significant increase in dissolved oxygen.
PAGE 24
Feeding Fish protein, plant protein and grains. The

danger is if you don’t get your formulation
Fish generally need a high protein food. right, you will cause an increase in levels
Fish may well gain a certain amount of of ammonia. So, apart from considering
food from algae and organisms that occur the protein content ratio your fish
naturally in the ponds, but supplementary should be eating, it is also important to
feeding is the norm as well. differentiate these ratios with the stage
of maturity your fish is in, as well as their
When growers will produce their own ‘seasonal diet’ (some fish require different
supplementary food, they have the nutritional values at certain times of the
advantage of controlling impurities. What year, so it is helpful to find out the natural
they produce on their own property is feeding cycle of the fish you are farming
more likely to be clean: free of diseases as if it was in the wild).
or pollutants that might be introduced
unwittingly in food they buy in from A great advantage of making your own fish
outside the property. food pellets is that you have total control
of what your fish eat, which, in turn, can
Proprietary fish rations produced by considerably lower your overhead costs
reputable manufacturers for aquaria as opposed as if you were to be buying
and commercial aquaculture should commercially manufactured pellets.
normally be safe, and such products are
normally properly formulated and well Foods that you might consider
balanced foods with the correct nutrients growing are:
for healthy fish growth. They are also an
added cost though. Some people also like to give their
fish alternative feeds such as worms,
Always feed the fish as much as they maggots and saw fly larvae but use the
can eat in 3-5 minutes, at a considerable pellets as a base for their feed.
proportion, and then remove the excess
so it prevents ammonia levels from ■■ Black Soldier Fly larvae (Maggots)
accumulating too much (from decaying - High quality food, will grow in food
food on the bottom of the tank) – scraps from the kitchen; will crawl
remember decaying food also consumes out of the compost up a ramp (if
oxygen needed by your fish! provided) and drop into a container
of water when ready to harvest as a
Chose the pellets to suit the type of fish fish food - you can then collect from
species you are growing because protein the water and then feed the fish.
requirements for healthy growth changes
according to the species; carnivorous ■■ Duckweed - High quality fish
species such as bass, perch or trout food (dry weight can be up to 40%
(for example) need higher protein levels protein), has an added advantage in
than omnivorous species (e.g. carp (koi), that it will reduce ammonia levels in
tilapia, silver perch). water and it grows fast - can double
its mass every 1 to 2 days.
Making your own fish food pellets: make
them out of a combination of animal ■■ Snails - Crunch and drop into tank.
PAGE 25
■■ Earthworms - Very important part

of an aquaponic system if the final
goal is to feed your fish a varied diet.
However, although worms have plenty
of protein content, they are also high
in fat, which many fish would not
specifically require (the age of the
fish is also important to consider, for
instance, in some species, juveniles
will require more fat/protein content
for growth and development than a
more mature fish).
■■ Mosquito larvae - They may be

found around the tanks. Bubbling air through a tank or pond
will oxygenate the water. Fish may be
attracted to where the bubbles rise
How Many Fish? because oxygen levels are higher in
the water at that point.
Like the amount of plants you can harvest,
the amount of fish you need also depends
on quite a number of factors including: MONITORING FISH
■■ How often they are fed. In order to grow healthy, disease free
fish the following all need to be within
■■ The water flow. appropriate levels. Many aquaponics kits
will also come provided with testing kits, so
■■ The oxygen levels. you can effectively monitor these issues.
If not then buy yourself a test kit that tests
■■ The pumping rates pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate is best.
■■ And also the number of plants you ■■ Water temperature and quality -
want to grow. Temperature is vital to the survival of
fish. Temperature fluctuations outside
You can grow quite an amazing array of the normal range for fish species
of plant produce with relatively few fish. can induce shock in fish and possibly
For example: for every 250 litres of lead to death. The climate of your
(25cm deep) bed media you use - you region will influence the heating and
need about 10 fish. And in a 500litre cooling you will need. Water quality is
tank you can very easily grow about 10 also important and water sources need
fish - in this system you can expect to to be tested. Tap water for example will
harvest good sized table fish. need to be de-chlorinated, tank water
too can be problematic especially if the
Remember: If you want more grow materials they are constructed of are
beds then you will need more tanks and leaching toxic chemicals. Bore water
more fish. has a high pH and this will also need
PAGE 26
to be adjusted. When adding new Note: Some people install a settling

water to the system you should do so tank or swirl separator to remove the
in small quantities to allow the fish to larger particles of solids from their
adjust. tanks, such as fish manure and uneaten
food, so that there is not an over load
■■ pH - Measure of how acidic or basic of ammonia or nitrites. This is not
(alkaline) the water is. The pH level is totally necessary though as long as you
usually higher at the beginning of a monitor your system carefully; some
cycle and then gradually decreases people think that removing the solids
once a system has cycled completely. removes fertility from your plants.
In general the pH should be between
6.8 and 7.2 – but tolerances can vary Algae – tanks in sunlight can experience
slightly outside of that. problems with algal growth – this is
detrimental to health of your fish, the
■■ Dissolved oxygen - Dissolved oxygen bacteria in your tank or the plants you
is required by all fish to survive. are growing; place your tank out of
The water properties and stocking sunlight to avoid algae.
densities will affect its ability to hold
oxygen. For example, warmer water Common Problems and Their
will hold less oxygen. As discussed
earlier, in order for fish to survive, the
Symptoms
water must be aerated.
Fungal Infections
■■ Ammonia - This is the first product Symptoms: often show as white blotches
of the nitrogen cycle. There are on the skin and fins.
two forms of ammonia. Unionized
ammonia is most toxic to fish. Remedy: you can minimise this problem
by adding potassium carbonate to your
■■ Nitrite - This is the second product system, or chose resistant fish species
of the nitrogen cycle. Nitrite is such as Silver Perch.
produced by the oxidation of ammonia
by bacteria and is highly toxic. An Ammonia Toxicity
increase in ammonia concentrates will
be detrimental to fish health. Remove Symptoms: loss of appetite, fish gasp,
excess feed to prevent this. This red inflamed gills plus red blotches on
problem can be avoided by installing skin and fins.
a plumbing off-take from the main
pump line. This ensures good water Remedy: filtration, dilution with fresh
circulation by feeding into the top of water, pH management, settling tank.
the fish tank. Circulating water keeps
the food particles floating and these Low Dissolved Oxygen
can then be more easily removed
by the pump and filtered back into Symptom: fish die overnight, gasping fish
the grow beds. Adding more fresh – more prevalent in warm temperatures
water and reducing the pH also limits and in the presence of algae.
problems with ammonia excess.
Remedy: aerate the tank more effectively.
PAGE 27
CHAPTER 4 FISH SUITED

TO AQUAPONICS
■■ Fingerlings can grow to between

Silver Perch 400 and 600gm in one year.
(Bidyanus bidyanus)
Australian native fish ■■ Murdoch University developed an
effective closed system treating
water from a silver perch tank, with
a biofilter to convert ammonia to
■■ Relatively easy to grow; fast nitrate; then recirculating into NFT
growing. channels using the nitrates to feed
plants.
■■ Used widely in Australian
aquaponics - adapts well to ■■ Some have been known to reach as
recirculation systems. much as 6kg.
■■ Needs a medium protein diet: Eats ■■ Subtle taste to eat, but flavour can
duckweed, pellets and yabbies. vary, it can carry through the flavour
of the pond in the fat in the flesh.
■■ Tolerates higher temperatures than
trout (ideal 22 to 28°C).
■■ Does not tolerate above 35°C., won’t

Golden Perch
feed below 10°C. (Macquaria ambigua)
Also called Yellow Belly
■■ Requires a water pH of 6.5 to 8.
■■ Water hardness 50 to 200ppm.

■■ Farmed in both dams and
■■ Can be sensitive to noise and light. recirculating systems.
■■ Breeding is induced with HCG ■■ Water temperature 15 to 25°C.

(human chorionic gonadotropin).
Once eggs hatch young feed on ■■ pH 6.5 to 8.
zooplankton and algae; then are
weaned onto artificial feeds. ■■ Water hardness 50 to 200 ppm.
■■ Can be bought as fingerlings in ■■ They tolerate a broad salinity range,

Australia (Narrandera Fisheries however, the higher the salinity
Research Station in NSW, began a levels, the less chances of spawning
hatchery in the 1970’s). to occur.
PAGE 28
■■ Carnivore preferring live food; which should be kept dark. Eggs take
can make feeding difficult. Needs a between 1-2 days to hatch.
high protein diet. Main food sources
include yabbies, shrimp, insect ■■ Larger ponds tend to be needed.
larvae and other fish
■■ Their common weight is around
■■ Particularly hardy in captive 4-8kg but can weigh up to 20kg in
environments. captive environments.
■■ Not as aggressive as Murray cod or ■■ Good demand for this fish in

Barramundi. particular in Jewish and Asian
communities.
■■ Needs clear water.
■■ Fast growth rate, reaching up to 500
■■ During their breeding period, tanks gr in 18 months.
Golden Perch
PAGE 29
■■ Water hardness 50-200 ppm.

Jade Perch
■■ Needs a medium protein diet.
(Scortum barcoo)
■■ Can grow to 500gm in one year.
■■ Needs warm water: tropics or sub ■■ Farmed in re-circulating systems

tropics (20 to 30°C). It won’t feed at and static ponds.
temperatures below 15°C.
■■ Generally not as profitable as
■■ Water pH 6.5 to 8. Golden or Silver Perch.
Murray Cod
■■ Provide lots of different hiding

Murray Cod places to cater to territorial
(Maccullochella peelii peelii) nature, so each fish can create its
own territory.
■■ Needs a high protein diet.

■■ Can be aggressive and territorial,
making management difficult in ■■ Do not take to feeding with pellets
smaller tanks. as readily as perch.
■■ Water temperature ideally between ■■ Has been farmed in re-circulation

15 and 25°C. systems.
■■ pH 6.5 to 8. ■■ Existing market may be limited, but

potential is good.
PAGE 30
■■ Water pH 7 to 8.5 is optimum.

Barramundi
(Lates calcrifera) ■■ Water hardness 50 to 100ppm
(Some authorities suggest to
Also known as Asian Sea Bass
400ppm).
■■ Water filtration is important.

■■ Will grow in either fresh or salt
water; Barramundi breed in ■■ Needs high protein food.
saltwater, young fish are males and
move inland to fresh water, as they ■■ If fish bioload is high, ensure plant
grow they turn into females and bioload is also high.
swim downstream toward the sea.
Their adaptability to salt and fresh ■■ Growth rate depends partly on feeding.
water makes them very useful in A 2 to 1 growth rate is possible (i.e.
aquaculture and aquaponics. eating 2kg of food can increase the
body weight by up to 1 kg.
■■ Adult fish can grow as large as
almost a metre. ■■ Well suited for aquaponics provided
water quality, food and water
■■ Farmed in dams and tanks. temperature are appropriate.
■■ Aggressive nature. ■■ Commercial supply is relatively well

catered for, particularly for smaller
■■ Requires high temperature 25 to (plate size) fish. There is a greater
30°C. (Optimum 28°C). Avoid below market for larger fillet size fish
22°C. (around 3kg at harvest, which takes
about 18 months to grow).
Barramundi
PAGE 31
■■ Do not tolerate above 26°C.

Brown Trout
■■ Feeding is as for Rainbow Trout.
(Salmo trutta)
■■ Main commercial value (in Australia
and some other places) is as an
■■ Not as hardy as some other trout angling fish.
species.
■■ You may consider growing for your
■■ Needs good aeration. own use; but harvesting and selling
as a food may be limited.
Brown trout, gutted and ready for sale or freezing.
PAGE 32
■■ Feed should be high in protein.

Rainbow Trout Trout do not digest carbohydrates
well, but they do digest fats. They
(Oncorhynchus mykiss) are sometimes fed fish offal and
slaughterhouse by products.
Alternatively they may be fed pellets.
■■ One of the hardier species of
salmonoids. ■■ Dried feeds reportedly increase
growth and productivity. Commercial
■■ Tolerates higher water temperatures feeds prepared specifically for trout
than some trout (ideally 10 to 22°C). are available in some countries.
■■ pH 6.5 to 8. ■■ The type of feed can affect the

taste.
■■ Feed 3 or 4 times daily. Feed fry
■■ Grows in fresh or salt water. more often.
■■ Farmed commercially but ■■ Profitability is not high - easy to

normally in flow through systems grow but no more so than salmon,
(open systems). which can bring a far higher
price per kg. Can grow 500gm in
18 months.
Rainbow Trout
PAGE 33
Carp macroinvertebrates, benthic insects

and detritus when juveniles.
■■ Can survive large temperature

Common Carp ranges: between 3°C - 35°C,
(Cyprinus carpio) however, their optimum growth
is the most widely grown of temperature is best between 23°C -
many species of carp. 32°C.
■■ Optimum pH levels: 7.0 – 7.5,

■■ Carp is a pest in some places however they can still survive if pH
(banned in some states in Australia); levels reach as low as 6.5 and as
but globally, it is perhaps the most high as 9.0.
widely farmed type of fish.
■■ Can tolerate oxygen levels as low as
■■ Very hardy and adapts to a diverse 0.5mg/l up to saturation.
variety of water conditions.
■■ Average length is from 25 - 35cm.
■■ They survive over a cold European
winter so long as the pond is deep ■■ The can commonly reach 3 – 5 kg in
and there is not too much organic weight.
material on the bottom of the pond
(decomposing organic matter takes ■■ They can live more than 20 years
oxygen from the water which is if adequate living conditions are
detrimental to fish. present.
■■ Common carp will breed all year

round if water is kept warm. Ideal Catfish
hatching temperature is 20 to 25°C
(Indian and Chinese carp like There are over 1200 different species,
slightly higher temperatures). Eggs most are freshwater animals some are
hatch in about 3 - 5 days. saltwater.
■■ Have been used as a food fish for a ■■ Many species are scale-less; all
long time in both Europe and Asia. have feelers around the mouth.
Popularity as an eating fish has
been in decline in Europe. ■■ Farmed in aquaculture a lot in the
USA.
■■ Used commercially as a fish based
fertilizer for plants. ■■ Many species have a tasty white,
sweet flesh.
■■ Common carps are considered to
be benthivores (they feed off bottom ■■ Low fillet recovery per kg is a
sediments). Some food sources restrictive factor in commercial
include microcrustacens, mollusks potential.
and plant matter when adults, and
PAGE 34
■■ Many are very hardy, and can be Catfish) are considered a pest.
rapidly growing. Some (e.g. Bullhead
There are over 1,200 different species of catfish; some of which are important in
aquaculture and well suited to aquaponics.
■■ Average length varies between 50

Eel Tailed Catfish and 90 cm.
(Tandanus tandanus) ■■ Their life span can be up to 8 years,

if kept in a healthy environment.
Native fish in the warmer parts of the ■■ Optimum range of temperature is

Murray Darling basin in Australia; also between 17°C - 23°C +2°C.
found in the smaller lakes of North-
Western Victoria and Western NSW. ■■ Desired pH levels should remain
between 6.5 and 7.5.
■■ A bottom dweller, often fed with
sinking pellets, however, they will ■■ Often found solitary in the wild, so
reach the surface for food is it communal tanks are not advisable.
available (e.g. flakes). One or two per tank is preferable
but if it is a reasonably large tank,
■■ Carnivores. Main sources of food Murray Cod, Silver Perch and
include molluscs, yabbies and Golden Perch are suitable. Avoid
shrimps. Will also eat worms, insect keeping them with smaller fish.
larvae, snails, and even frogs and
toads. ■■ They tend to reproduce in the
warmer seasons (between
■■ Can weigh approximately between late spring and early summer
1.5 and 6.8 kg. months). If breeding is in mind,
it is recommended to provide a
PAGE 35
gravel bed for them, as they tend to ■■ While most catfish aquaculture
build their nests from this material. has been in large ponds or dams,
Protect the eggs from predators some has been successful in
(including other fish) – eggs should large rectangular or round tanks;
hatch in approximately 7 days. which can be incorporated into an
aquaponics system.
■■ Males and females can be
distinguished by their protuberance
behind their vent: males have a Silver Cobbler
long and round-shaped papilla,
(Neoarius midgleyi)
while females have a triangle-
shaped papilla. Also known as:
■■ White and firm flesh and no scales. Lake Argyle Catfish

It is said to have a delicious and (syn. Arius midgleyi)
delicate flavour.
■■ Beware of their spines when

handling! And do not try to approach Popular with anglers in northern
them during their nesting period; Western Australia.
they will feel threatened and will
attempt to attack.
Eels
(Anguilla)
Channel Catfish
(Ictalurus punctatus)
Have been farmed successfully in

freshwater re-circulating systems
Several other species of Ictalurus are in Europe
also farmed in the USA.
■■ Young eels are susceptible to many
■■ Fry are reared in a trough or pond at different diseases, but as they age,
24 to 29°C, with dissolved oxygen a resistance becomes much stronger.
minimum of 6 ppm.
■■ Grow in water pH 6.5 to 8, and at
■■ Fingerlings are then transferred to least 15°C (but ideally 20 to 23°C).
larger ponds.
■■ Young eels (called “Elvers”), 5cm
■■ Water should be around 29 °C, pH or longer, are caught in the wild, for
6.3 to 7.5 and dissolved oxygen growing in aquaculture.
levels around 4 to 5 ppm.
■■ Eels are cannibalistic on smaller
■■ An indication of low oxygen levels is animals hence need to be sorted
fish coming to the surface gulping air. according to size.
PAGE 36
■■ Young eels can try to leave pods or ■■ Eels can be harvested in Japan at
tanks, particularly in rainy weather, 100 to 120gm after one year, but
so sides need to be vertical with more commonly they are grown to
water level well below the rim to 200gm, taking up to 2 years.
prevent then getting out.
■■ Popular in European and
Asian markets.
Tilapia species from Mozambique
■■ Have been grown successfully in the

same water as other fish including
Tilapia channel catfish, mullet and carp.
■■ Different species have different

optimum requirements (e.g.
Popular for aquaculture in many parts temperature, food, stocking density,
of the world, but banned in some places salinity tolerance, etc.), so it is
(e.g. considered a noxious pest in important to select the right species
Australia). for the situation at hand.
There are many species, From ■■ A potential problem can be

Africa, and the middle east; farmed overstocking. If fish spawn in a
commercially in some countries, grow-out pond or tank; this can
including the USA, India, Philippines and result in too many fish and stunted
Taiwan. growth. This problem is sometimes
controlled by introducing predatory
Three of the more important species for animals such as catfish or eels that
aquaculture are Tilapia aurea, Tilapa will feed on the young fry.
mossambica and Tilapia nilotica.
PAGE 37
Red Claw
Freshwater Crayfish
(Cherax quadricarinatus)
Predators can be a major problem. A freshwater crayfish from northern

Netting is often hung above ponds to tropical Australia.
prevent birds taking animals.
■■ Does not tolerate low winter
Stress is another big influence on temperatures.
production. If you can minimize stress to
animals, your productivity is likely to be ■■ Fast growing at high densities.
far higher.
■■ Normally grown in dams or pods,
but may be able to be adapted to
aquaponics.
Marron
(Cherax tenuimanus) ■■ Tolerates warmer water
temperatures than Marron.
A freshwater crayfish from south west

Western Australia.
■■ Can be relatively slow growing but

eventually reaching around 1kg.
■■ Has been farmed successfully in re-

circulating systems; and may have
potential for aquaponics
PAGE 38
■■ Feeding depend on water

Yabbies temperature. In cold water, during
winter, feeding may be rare, but
(Charax destructor) when water temperatures are good
feeding can be as often as two or
three times daily.
An Australian freshwater crayfish,
hardier than Marron and Red Claw. ■■ Grows mostly in static ponds
and dams; but may be able to be
■■ They can survive in poorer quality adapted to aquaponics.
water than some other aquatic
animals, but for good production, ■■ pH levels between 6 and 9 are
you need good water quality. acceptable. The optimum pH is 7 to
8.5.
■■ They are detrivores (eating
microbes rotting vegetable matter in ■■ Can get to 350gm, but commonly
the water). not more than 150gm.
■■ They also feed on phytoplankton

(algae) and small animals (e.g.
insect larvae and worms).
■■ Grows across a wide range of

climates.
■■ In the wild, females carrying

fertilized eggs appear in late winter.
■■ Breeding may be triggered by

increasing day lengths combined
with improving temperature and
food supply.
■■ Optimum water temperature is 22

to 26°C.
PAGE 39
CHAPTER 5 GROWING PLANTS

IN AQUAPONICS
The plants you choose to grow need to be compatible with the

aquaponic system you are using.
Water returning to fish tanks at a commercial farm.
WHAT SYSTEM? that are inserted into holes along

the top of the pipe. This is normally
There are lots of possibilities - here are a “closed” system, with a constant
just some: flow of nutrient solution. The
solution flows through the channel,
■■ Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): providing water and air to the plant
water, which includes nutrients, roots; and is collected in a tank at
flows constantly (film) over the the bottom of the channel, from
plant’s root system – this is usually where it is pumped back to the
done through a channel or series top. This type of system has been
of channels such as PVC pipe used satisfactorily for aquaponics
or guttering. Plants may be held - but it is critical that you choose
in perorated/net pots (baskets) compatible species of fish and
containing growing medium (e.g. plants, when there is a constant flow
scoria, pebbles, clay pellets etc.), of water like this.
PAGE 40
■■ Gravel Bed Culture: a tray or bed is Herbs and leafy vegetables are the
filled with a mixture of aggregate, most commonly grown edible plants
which plants are planted into. The in aquaponics. They grow faster and
bed is irrigated with a nutrient produce more leafy material than the
solution periodically (perhaps once same plants grown in soil. There is less
daily), and excess solution is drained stress, especially in the hotter weather,
off into a sump or pond. If the water as plants have constant access to
is appropriate for aquaculture, you moisture; this also encourages fast and
might grow something in that pond; lush growth. Many leafy vegetables
but if it isn’t appropriate, you may and herbs are ready within 5 weeks of
treat that water first, before passing planting. A range of other plants have
it onto another pond, for aquaculture. been successfully grown in hydroponics
including cut flowers such as roses,
■■ Ebb and Flow: plants in containers carnations and chrysanthemums, and
(e.g. perforated/net pots) filled with berry plants such as strawberries and
aggregate or rock wool cubes) raspberries are also commonly grown in
are placed into a tray. The tray is aquaponics.
situated above a tank or pond that
holds water and nutrients which is
pumped to the tray at intervals using
a timer. The tray fills with the nutrient
rich water, as the timer switches in,
and then drains the solution back
through a filter, or via another tank,
into the aquaculture tank.
■■ Capillary Systems: nutrient solution

is supplied to some sort of absorbent
material below the plants. It soaks
into the material and is absorbed
upwards to the root zone. This way
the roots (in theory) never get too
wet or too dry.
PLANTING GUIDE
What can you grow in aquaponics?
Almost any vegetables can be grown
successfully in aquaponics - and
although root vegetables do pose
problems it is possible (with adaptions) to
also grow potatoes in aquaponics. Sweet
potatoes on the other hand do very well.
Strawberries growing in an NFT system
PAGE 41
Here is a list of plants that may be appropriate:
Basil Chinese cabbage Pumpkins

Beans Chrysanthemum Rose
Beetroot Cucumber Rocket
Belgian endive Coriander Salad onions – red or
Broccoli Dill white
Bok Choy Eggplants Silverbeet
Cabbage Ginger Snow Peas
Cauliflower Impatiens Spinach
Capsicum Iris Spring onions/shallots
Carnation Kale Sweet potatoes
Celery Lettuce Tomatoes
Chervil Parsley Water cress
Chilli Peas Zucchini
The Easiest Plants ■■ To prevent transplant shock add

some sea weed emulsion (e.g.
Some of the easiest crop plants to Seasol) to the bucket of water, hold
consider for aquaponics may be plants the seedling gently by the leaves and
that thrive in wet conditions, such as cut swish the roots around in the water
flower Iris, water chestnuts, water cress.
■■ Again holding the seedlings by its
leaves move aside some of the
PLANTING growing media in the planting beds
and insert the seedling – then gently
push the media back around the
The aquaponics system is constantly roots system.
producing nutrients so because of
this you need to make sure that your ■■ Some people also scatter seeds
grow beds always have plants in them onto the grow beds rather than plant
– accordingly plants will be at various seedlings – the scattered seeds fall
stages of development i.e. seedlings, half between the growing medium and
grown and full grown plants should be in germinate in situ. Smaller seeds
your grow bed at all times. As you harvest (e.g. lettuce, spinach, silverbeet
or remove mature plants you should etc.) seem to work better than larger
immediately replace them with seedlings. seeds. You can pre-germinate larger
seeds (e.g. beans, peas, cucumbers,
■■ Wash the soil off the roots of pumpkins etc.) on tissues or paper
seedlings before planting so you don’t towels placed in ziplock bags and
contaminate your grow beds with then transplant the germinated seeds
fertiliser, potting soil and sand. Just into the grow beds once they have
wash off the soil in a bucket of water. sprouted a 25mm or so root. This
PAGE 42
also allows you to better position HERBS

these larger seeds (as they produce
larger plants). The only herbs that do not seem to
thrive in hydroponics are woody herbs
■■ Plant quite densely – a lot closer such as rosemary, savory and thyme.
together than you would in a Rosemary is grown hydroponically
vegetable garden bed i.e. about though, but it may not live as long
twice as close. However you must or produce as well as it would in the
make sure that there is still enough ground, so if you want to grow it -
air circulation around your plants to you are best to choose a variety that
prevent fungal problems. produces lots of flat prostrate new
growth such as Rosmarinus ‘Huntington
■■ When plantings climbing beans, peas, Carpet’. This is also the case for thyme,
cucumbers etc. plant the seedlings it will grow hydroponically, but you may
at the edges of the tank and insert a not get a very big harvest; rhizomes
climbing frame before planting – you such as ginger and bulbs such as garlic
may need to encourage your plants are best avoided – but most other herbs
onto the frame. will thrive.
HINTS: Some herbs will grow better than others

if nutrition is variable, provided they are
■■ Keep plants away from the auto- kept moist (e.g. mint).
siphon in your system – roots grow
strongly and can clog up the system The pH is the acidity or alkalinity of a
in a matter of days. solution or growing most herbs is best
at neutral or below. The optimum pH
■■ Use a greenhouse to extend your for most herbs is between pH5.8 – 6.5.
growing season. Most fish however do not like the pH
below 6.5 but will cope best with a
■■ Make sure your grow bed/s is in a range of pH 6.8 – 7.2, which is within
sunny position – however in summer the tolerance range of most plants; to
you may need to cover your vegetable achieve the best pH for both fish and
beds with 20 - 40% shade cloth. herbs requires keeping the water within
a relatively narrow pH range.
■■ Plant pumpkins on the edge of the
bed; pumpkins can easily overwhelm Controlling the pH is important for
a bed so keep a close eye on it and healthy plant growth – if the pH is wrong
encourage the plant to spill over the then the plant will show signs of nutrient
bed and downwards onto the ground deficiency; nutrients become available to
where it can ramble at will. plants (i.e. able to be absorb through the
roots system), at certain pH levels and
■■ Check all purchased seedlings for become unavailable if the pH is wrong.
insects (and remove) before planting
– never plant obviously diseased, In hydroponics systems pH is usually
stunted or otherwise unhealthy regulated through the addition of buffers
seedlings. e.g. phosphoric or nitric acid (in dilute
PAGE 43
amounts) to lower the pH and potassium ■■ Needs good light conditions,

hydroxide to raise pH. In aquaponics you although some shade may be
can also add buffers to regulate your pH needed in summer
but pH regulation can be quite difficult
to maintain – this is discussed in more ■■ The ideal media is scoria or pebbles
detail later this chapter. and they do well in NFT, media
beds or DWC (Deep Water Culture)
HINT: when you set up your system you systems
will need to buy a pH water test kit or an
electronic pH monitor. It is important that ■■ Requires good nitrogen uptake – so
you test the pH daily but always at the watch out for nutrient depletion in
same time of the day because pH does the water.
tend to fluctuate during daylight hours
when photosynthesis is at its greatest. Planting
pH will rise then drop again once the
plants start to respire at dusk. Seed germinates in 4 to 7 day at 21°C;
plant out in clay-balls, rocks or pebbles
HINT: for hard water (with a high pH) an once the seedlings have 4-5 sets of true
alternative is to buy a RO filter (Reverse leaves at 15 – 25cm spacing in early
Osmosis) – this works to filter out all spring in warm areas early summer in
impurities from the system including cooler regions.
carbonates which raise pH.
Trellis support may be needed.
SOME HERBS TO GROW Harvest

HYDROPONICALLY Start harvesting before flowering starts
this also prolongs the life of the plant –
just pinch out new growth often. The plant
Basil (Sweet) will continue to send out new growth (and
flowers) until about mid-autumn when the
Ocimum basilicum
plant should be removed.
Problems:
A kitchen must! Basil grows well in
hydroponics producing lush and tasty ■■ Vigorous roots can clog NFT
leaves. channels after a while.
Growing Conditions: ■■ Whitefly
■■ Temperatures of 20-24°C are ideal ■■ Planting too early – in cooler

and a pH range of 5.5 – 6.5 climates this can cause plants to sit
and sulk rather than grow; it also
■■ Needs continually moist but well makes them more prone to insect
aerated root environment attack. Early December is the best
planting time in cooler areas.
PAGE 44
■■ Aphis and mites can also be a

Mint problem.
(Mentha spp.) ■■ Vigorous root system can block

NFT channels or block your filter
system. Plants should be replaced
There are several species of mint periodically.
available for culinary purposes (usually
Mentha x piperita or Mentha x spicata Harvest:
or forms thereof – some have a coarser
taste than others. Those with lighter ■■ Like basil pinched out growing tips
green leaves are tasty and strong – (use in the kitchen) as this keeps
darker leaves are hairier and coarser. It young growth occurring.
all does depend on your taste too. You
may need to try before you buy! ■■ Mint is usually dormant in winter re-
emerging in spring.
Growing Conditions:
■■ Mint likes wet conditions and

medium aeration around the roots
system. It grows best in milder
temperatures (15°C to 20°C). NFT
has been very successful for mint.
■■ pH 5.5 to 6.0 – this is quite low for

the fish in aquaponics, but it will
tolerate a slightly higher pH.
Planting:
Plant cuttings or divisions in late winter

– wash any soil or media off the roots
system thoroughly, especially if you
are using divisions, but also for cutting
grown plants.
Problems:
■■ The main problem with mint is

rust – it is almost unavoidable and
although difficult to control if you cut
back the first growth showing signs Mint is a herb that can thrive in wet
of rust right back to media level the conditions; and that characteristic
new growth which appears a bit may be an advantage for using it in
later in the season tends to be rust aquaponics.
free.
PAGE 45
VEGETABLES
Parsley
Leafy vegetables have been relatively
(Petroselinum crispum) successful for growing in aquaponics.
Parsley is another stalwart in the kitchen Cabbage

– versatile and nutritious so well worth
(Brassica oleraceae ‑
trying aquaponically.
Capitata Group)
Growing Conditions:
Growing Conditions:
■■ Parsley is tolerant of cold
temperatures.
■■ Aeration should be very high
■■ It needs good aeration, but constant
moisture in the root zone and does ■■ Constant moisture is important
exceptionally well in aquaponics.
■■ Ideally temperatures above 13°C
■■ Parsley does not do well in NFT as should be maintained at all times –
roots can tend to rot - so media bed ideal temperature being 15 - 20°C.
culture (scoria or pebbles) is best.
Nutrient Requirements:
■■ pH 5.5 – 6.0
■■ High levels of nitrogen, phosphorus
Planting: and potassium are particularly
important, plus iron.
Space seedlings at 10 to 20cm intervals
for optimal growth. ■■ Has a higher than average boron
requirement
Problems:
■■ Ideal pH is 6.2 to 7.2.
Few pest and disease problems
but some insects can mark foliage Suitable Growing Methods:
occasionally.
■■ Gives excellent results from
aggregate culture.
Harvest and Post-Harvest:
■■ Not suited to newly established
You can start harvesting parsley once aquaponics units – allow 4 months
they are well branched this can take before planting into a new system.
about 10 weeks from planting. Parsley is
a biennial plant which means it flowers ■■ 20% shading with shade cloth in the
and seeds in its 2nd year. It is best to warmer months to prevent bolting.
grow it as an annual in a hydroponic
system.
PAGE 46
Planting: ■■ Other pests can include aphids,

flea beetles and maggots – careful
■■ Smaller varieties can be sown at a monitoring is required to prevent
distance of 30cm x 30cm between infestation.
plants once they have 6 or so true
leaves. ■■ Cabbage can be attacked by several
fungi including fusarium, downy
■■ Larger varieties will need to be mildew, and alternaria leaf spot.
spaced 45cm x 45cm apart.
Harvest and Post-Harvest:
Problems: Harvested cabbages can be stored for a

month or more after harvest at 0 to 3°C
■■ Cabbage white butterfly grubs must and low relative humidity.
be controlled. Exclusion fabric is
very suitable in aquaponics (to Varieties:
exclude the moths).
There are varieties available to crop at
all times of the year.
Cabbages and other brassicas are vegetables that grow better at a higher pH than most
other vegetables; a factor that may make them more compatible with aquaculture.
PAGE 47
Planting:
Lettuce
Germinate seed in vermiculite, perlite
(Lactuca sativa) or rockwool propagation blocks, then
transplant into system at 6 to 8 leaf
stage.
Growing Conditions:
Sow direct into aggregate beds then thin
■■ Growth needs to be fast and at an out.
even rate (will mature in 40–85 days
depending on variety). Special Cultural Techniques:
■■ Shading may be needed in hot Remove marked or damaged outer

conditions. Some varieties (e.g. leaves.
leafy types) are slower bolting,
reacting more slowly to higher Problems:
temperatures. These are most
suited to growing in warmer months. ■■ Irregular bursts of growth can cause
decreased quality or quantity of
■■ The root zone should never over- produce.
heat making aquaponics an ideal
growing method. ■■ Rapidly-grown lettuces are relatively
free of disease.
■■ Most varieties prefer temperatures
between 12 and 22°C. ■■ Excess water or poor aeration
commonly causes yellow or rotting
■■ Temperatures over 27°C can affect of the lower (outer) leaves.
quality and cause flower stalk
development. ■■ Some will burn on the leaf tips if
exposed to too much sunlight – light
Nutrient Requirements: shade cloth can prevent this.
■■ Lettuces require moderate nutrient ■■ Pests include aphids, flea beetles,

requirements too strong or too weak crickets, springtails, leaf hoppers,
can lead to irregular growth. caterpillars, whitefly, slugs and
snails.
■■ Ideal pH is 6.0 to 7.0.
■■ Aphids are of particular concern
Suitable Systems: because they transmit viral
diseases.
■■ Vertical columns, Media bed, NFT
or DWC. Modified NFT with gravel in Other disease problems include
gullies is also very successful. damping off (pythium), sclerotinia,
downy mildew, powdery mildew, botrytis,
■■ Coarse aggregate culture gives excellent rhizoctinia, and anthracnose.
results in any medium 10cm deep.
PAGE 48
Harvest and Post-Harvest: ■■ Lettuces are ready to pick after four

weeks in summer.
Salad Greens growing in NFT.
PAGE 49
Pak-choi and Bok-choy Spinach

(Brassica rapa ‑ Pekinensis (Spinacia oleracea)
Group)
Growing Conditions: Growing Conditions:
■■ Requires a lot of moisture, but also ■■ Plants prefer cool, shaded positions.
reasonable drainage.
■■ Plants thrive best in temperatures
■■ Growth ceases at temperatures between 15 and 19°C.
below 10°C.
■■ Nitrogen is most important.
■■ Ideal pH is 7.0
■■ Plants are sensitive to a lack of
■■ Otherwise similar nutrition and manganese, copper, molybdenum
conditions to cabbage. and iron.
Suitable Growing Methods: ■■ Ideal pH is 6.0 to 7.0.
As for Cabbage. Suitable Systems:
Planting: ■■ Most aggregate media at 10cm deep

will give excellent results.
■■ Can suffer transplant shock.
■■ Also NFT pipes and DWC.
■■ It is preferable to germinate in its
permanent position. Planting:
Problems: ■■ Sow seed in sand or perlite and

transplant into the aquaponic system
As for cabbage. at the 6–8 leaf stage.
Harvest and Post-Harvest: ■■ Space plants 8-10 cm apart.
Harvest 70 to 80 days after planting. Problems:
Chewing insects, slugs and snails can

be a problem.
PAGE 50
Suitable systems
Water Chestnut
Aggregate; DWC.
(Eleocharis dulcis)
Planting
Small corms are planted in spring.

Growing conditions: Loose media is appropriate for Water
Chestnuts
Chinese Water Chestnut grows as a
semi-submerged plant and so is highly Harvest and post-harvest
suitable for aquaponic production.
Large corms are harvested after leaves
Nutrient requirements: die off in autumn. Corms will reach
about 50 mm in diameter.
Nutrient requirements may be fairly small.
Where space is limited, the hydroponic component of your system can be a vertical
garden like this.
PAGE 51
OTHER Problems:
■■ Overwatering will cause bulb or

rhizome rot.
Iris species
(Iris spp.) ■■ Pest and disease problems include
snails and slugs, aphis, thrip, bulb
flies, viral diseases, leaf spot, ink
Growing conditions: spot and iris ruts.
In high humidity, plant rhizomes or bulbs ■■ Frost can be a problem with some
close to the surface of the media. In hot types.
dry air conditions, plant deeper (2-5 cm
below the surface). Harvest:
Nutrient requirements: Cut when flower begins to appear in the

flower.
Little specific information available.
Varieties:
Suitable systems:
Irises are classified as follows:
Depends on the type of iris; some types
require very little aeration and will grow Bulbous types:
completely submerged in water, others
do not. ■■ Xiphiums (Dutch, Spanish, English)
- these are popular as cut flowers
Iris laevigata needs to be in extremely worldwide.
wet conditions to thrive. It would be best
suited to (DWC) deep water culture. ■■ Early flowering and small
Reticulatas.
Iris germanica requires a very well
aerated situation. Dutch, Spanish and ■■ Junos varieties.
English irises generally like a drier,
better-drained medium than average. Rhizome types:
These would be best tried in gravel or
scoria beds. ■■ Bearded - have fleshy rhizomes
and large wide bladed leaves.
Planting: These generally prefer warm, dry
conditions.
Plant bulbs or rhizomes direct into the
media. ■■ Beardless have narrower leaves
and smaller fibrous rhizomes. These
Special cultural techniques: prefer wet situations.
Some support system is necessary. ■■ Crested – have thin rhizomes.
PAGE 52
Irises can be grown as valuable cut flowers, even in submerged planters as shown here,
with fish in the same pond.
PAGE 53
NUTRIENTS AND PLANT NUTRITION

DEFICIENCIES Plants require different nutrients in
different quantities; the quantity of
Plant nutrient deficiencies are common nutrient required by a plant will vary from
in the first 6 months of setting up your one plant to another and from time to
system (it takes time for the bio-filter to time throughout different stages of its
fully establish) – to overcome nutrient growth.
problems it is common to add a liquid
seaweed emulsion (this is quite safe, as Plants will usually display definite
long as toxic chemicals have not been deficiencies if required nutrients are not
added, as may be the case with some present in adequate concentrations. The
seaweed based fertilisers). following symptoms (see table below)
may occur if the level of one mineral
nutrient is not high enough to be within
MOBILE AND IMMOBILE the range needed for best plant growth.
NUTRIENTS A plant may exhibit a particular symptom
for reasons other than a nutrient
Nutrients are known as mobile or deficiency. However, if one of the
immobile depending on the nutrient. deficiency symptoms occurs, a lack of
the proper nutrient may be suspected.
Deficiency symptoms related to mobile
nutrients occur in the older leaves first Some nutrient elements are needed
because mobile nutrients move from by the plant in very large quantities
older leaves to newer leaves in order to while others are only needed in very
assist health and growth. small quantities. Those used in large
quantities are called major (macro)
Deficiency symptoms related to elements; ones needed in small
immobile nutrients occur in newer quantities are called minor elements.
leaves first because (being immobile) Macro and minor elements are both just
these nutrients do not move from as important to healthy plant growth
older leaves to newer leaves - they are despite the differences in the quantities
fixed so cannot assist the health and which the plant uses. Nitrogen,
development of newer leaves. phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, iron,
calcium, magnesium, manganese and
Mobile nutrients include: nitrogen, boron are all major nutrient,
phosphorus, magnesium, potassium,
chloride, molybdenum. Plants can grow with limited nutrients;
however this will affect their appearance
Immobile nutrients include: Iron, calcium, and flavour. They may also be more
copper, zinc, sulphur, manganese, and susceptible to disease without adequate
boron. nutrients.
For low nutrient requiring plants such

as leafy vegetables and salad greens,
PAGE 54
nutrient deficiencies are usually not a the pH is incorrect).

problem once the aquaponic system is
mature, however heavy feeding crops And remember that you must think
such as tomatoes often need additional about the fish as well as the plants when
calcium, potassium and iron for good altering pH levels.
yields and fruit quality.
Note: Plants that are either underfed
or overfed are prone to disease and
insect attack. For every 80 grams of fish
food (added each day) you can grow
approximately 1 square metre of plants.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY
The general yellowing of leaves is

known as chlorosis and this is a
common problem in aquaponics.
When the veins remain green but

leaves yellow between the veins – this
is termed as interveinal chlorosis and
Trout fingerlings being raised for
often a symptom of an iron deficiency.
sale to be used in aquaculture or
Iron deficiency is common in aquaponics
aquaponics.
because it isn’t adequately present in fish
food. Iron chelates can be added to the
water if the pH is right for your fish (over
Adding Nutrients pH7) but plants are showing signs of
chlorosis (iron is locked-up in a high pH
Where the pH in the system is falling, and then it is not available to your plants).
potassium and calcium hydroxide can
be added as they will help maintain a If you need to add iron chelates
stable pH level. Where the pH is higher, (available in liquid form) – the usual
potassium sulphate is a useful source of dosage is 2mg per litre of water (but
potassium. Iron can be supplemented check the product you buy and follow
with iron chelate, the best type being the instructions) every 3 weeks.
Fe-DTPA which is most suited to the pH
levels aquaponic systems typically run at. To test your water for iron deficiency you
can also buy a testing device – that way
Remember to always check the you can pre-empt the symptoms before
pH before adding any nutrients - in they appear in your plants. The target
aquaponics pH is more likely to be range for iron in the water should be
the problem behind nutrient deficiency between 2-3 parts per million (ppm), and
(i.e. plants are unable to uptake nutrients anything below 1.5ppm will show up as
because they are not accessible when chlorosis in the leaves of your plants.
PAGE 55
DEFICIENT NUTRIENT SYMPTOM
Nitrogen Leaves are small and light green; lower leaves

lighter than upper ones; not much leaf drop; weak
stalks.
Nitrogen toxicity can also occur in aquaponics –

this is where the plant is getting too much nitrogen
– symptoms include dark green leaves that
eventually turn black and fall off the plant.
Phosphorus Dark-green foliage; lower leaves sometimes

yellow between veins; purplish colour on leaves or
petioles.
Potassium Lower leaves may be mottled; dead areas near

tips and margins of leaves; yellowing at leaf
margins continuing toward centre.
Calcium Tip of the shoot dies; tips of young leaves die; tips
of leaves are hooked-shaped.
Magnesium Lower leaves are yellow between veins (veins

remain green); leaf margins may curl up or down
or leaves may pucker; leaves die in later stages.
Sulphur Tip of the shoot stays alive; light green upper

leaves; leaf veins lighter than surrounding areas.
Iron Tip of the shoot stays alive; new upper leaves turn
yellow between veins (large veins remain green);
edges and tips of leaves may die
Manganese Tip of the shoot stays alive; new upper leaves

have dead spots over surface; leaf may appear
netted because of small veins remaining green.
Boron Tip of the shoot dies; stems and petioles are

brittle.
Note: Many of these nutrients may be supplied to plants via food fed to your fish, after
bacteria have converted chemicals for plant use. Fish food can be a useful plant plant
fertiliser.
PAGE 56
CONTROL OF WATER the growth of these “ammonia

QUALITY converting” bacteria (e.g. scoria or
expanded clay are both excellent for
promoting this good bacteria).
It is possible to monitor and control
water characteristics automatically, If ammonia levels do increase too much,
but to do so can become complex and it is possible to lower them quickly by
costly. For a commercial operation it using zeolites (a type of rock dust). If
may be very worthwhile. For a small you place zeolites in water for no more
scale amateur aquaponic system, it may than 12 hours, the zeolites will extract
be more viable to just avoid the more ammonia; but if left longer than 12
difficult species of plants and animals. hours, the ammonia can start to leach
back into the water (hence remove after
One key thing is critical though – any 11 or 12 hours).
changes that occur should occur
gradually (eg. sudden changes in pH
can cause shock and kill fish, but the MEASURING PH AND EC
same change made gradually, may be
tolerated.)
The pH can be measured with a pH
As fish and plants are constantly taking meter – they are not too expensive and
chemicals from the water to use, they a tool that is mandatory for successful
are also leaving other components aquaponics.
or unused chemicals behind. The
concentration of what is removed is The total salts concentration can be
decreasing, and at the same time, the determined by measuring electrical
concentration of what is left behind is conductivity (EC) of the water in your
increasing. aquaponic tanks).
Recapping on previous chapters - there Electro conductivity needs to be

are three things that are of particular monitored closely as the nutrient
concern i.e. residual components will concentration will be continually
over time: dropping due to nutrients being taken
out and used by the plants growing in
1. Change the pH (acidity). the system.
2. Increase the concentration of EC Meters and EC

unwanted salts
Controllers
3. Cause a build-up of ammonia.
An EC meter (Electrical Conductivity
As discussed earlier ammonia can be meter) is a device which measures the
converted to less toxic nitrite by bacteria, flow of electricity between to electrodes.
but this is a process that can take time If the concentration of salts in the
(about 6 weeks in fresh water). Some solution is stronger, there will be a
types of growing media will encourage stronger flow of electrons. An EC meter
PAGE 57
won’t tell you the type of nutrients in should be undertaken every two weeks.
your water just the total EC.
There is much and varied information

and advice on the use or effectiveness
of EC meters in aquaponics however
they can be a useful tool for measuring
total EC.
A salinity controller monitors and shows

the EC level in the solution at all times,
and operates injection pumps which
add concentrated nutrient solution to
the solution in the system when the
level falls.
EC will increase if temperature

increases. Because of this, it is
necessary to provide temperature
compensation in the salinity control
system. This is usually calculated on the
basis of 2% per degree centigrade.
A salinity controller automatically

compensates for EC drop bringing it
back to a predetermined level, thus
maintaining optimum nutrient levels at all
times.
Over a period of time, there can be a

build-up of unused salts (i.e. nutrients
which are not used). This can create
an inappropriate EC reading which Electoconductivity (E.C.) meter
will make adjustments to the setting
on your salinity controller necessary.
Alternatively the solution needs to be
replaced with a fresh solution.
Although salinity controllers can maintain

nutrient solutions for periods at optimum
levels, it is advisable chemical analysis
of the nutrient solution (for nitrogen,
potassium, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus and iron) also be carried out
from time to time. In large commercial
operations, such a chemical analysis
PAGE 58
pH Controller PLANT PEST AND

A pH controller is a device linked to
DISEASE PROBLEMS
an electrode in the catchment tank. IN AQUAPONICS
The electrode measures the pH of the
nutrient solution and relays the reading
to the controller. The controller can be PESTS
programmed to inject predetermined
amounts of acidic or alkaline solution Slugs, snails, aphids, white fly and
into the catchment tank if the pH thrips are all common pest problems
reaches an upper or lower limit. This in aquaponics, white cabbage moth is
way, the pH of the solution can be also a pest of members of the cabbage
brought back to a level which is suitable family:
for the plants being grown. White
vinegar is often used to reduce pH in ■■ Use organic methods so as to
aquaponics, and bicarbonate of soda to not affect the fish in the system
increase pH. - handpick caterpillars or use a
product such as DiPel (Bacillus
If the pH drops below 6.0, there are thuringiensis, a natural soil borne
likely to be serious problems with many bacteria), or use IPM (integrated
types of fish; and below 5.0 can cause pest management) and introduce
corrosion in parts in the pump. natural predators such as ladybugs
and lacewings (can be sourced
In pure hydroponics (no fish) nitric or online).
phosphoric acid are used to correct
high pH in nutrient solutions; but in ■■ Use potassium bicarbonate as a
an aquaponic system you must also spray for fungal problems.
consider how any additives might affect
any fish you are growing. They are pre ■■ Wash off aphids etc. with the hose.
mixed in 1:10 or 1:20 with water and
injected into the catchment tank as ■■ Set sticky yellow traps for aphids,
required, allowing maximum mixing to whiteflies and thrips.
occur before the adjusted solution is
delivered to the plants. ■■ Check for snails and slugs daily and
set saucers of beer to attract them
When mixing concentrated acids: always (they die in the beer).
add the acid to the water. It can be very
dangerous adding the water to the acid. ■■ Use exclusion fabric over your beds
to prevent white cabbage moth.
Note: Only some organic methods are

acceptable in aquaponics (as above),
others will harm the fish. In particular
organic soap/oil sprays for pest control
should not be used in aquaponics as
they are toxic to fish.
PAGE 59
DISEASES Botrytis cinerea. Lesions appear in the

first instance on the leaves and stems.
The most common disease problem
in aquaponics is fungal disease – lack Cause:
of air circulation is usually the culprit;
make sure your plants have good air ■■ High humidity
circulation. If symptoms are severe
you may need to remove your plants, ■■ Lack of airflow
sterilise the growing medium and start
again. There is little control you can use ■■ Contaminated tanks
without affecting the health of your fish.
Remedy:
Damping-Off Disease Improve ventilation.
This is common in humid environments ■■ Practice good hygiene; clean out tanks
– newly emerged seedlings rot off at the and sterilise the growing medium.
base. This disease is caused by various
species of spore producing pythium. ■■ Remove affected plants, do not
compost them.
Cause:
■■ Contaminated sediment tanks Powdery Mildew

■■ Insufficient light White spots appear on the leaves followed
by brown lesions and white powdery
■■ Insufficient ventilation growth caused mainly by Leveillula taurica
or Oidium neolycopersici.
■■ High humidity
Cause:
Remedy:
■■ Lack of ventilation
■■ More light
■■ Humidity
■■ Improve ventilation
■■ Contamination
■■ Clean out tanks
Remedy:
■■ Sterilise growing medium
Carefully monitor air flow and humidity.
Grey Mould ■■ Remove and destroy affected plants

– do not compost.
This is very common in aquaponics and
hydroponics especially when grown in a ■■ Sterilise growing medium and clean
greenhouse and is caused by the fungus out tanks.
PAGE 60
Wilt
This disease is common in both
aquaponics and hydroponics. The older
growth is affected first and the disease
then spreads to younger leaves; the
plants wilt and eventually die. Plants are
also often stunted and chlorotic. The
fungi Verticillium dahliae or Fusarium
oxysporum are usually the culprits.
Cause:
Lack of ventilation
■■ Humidity too high
■■ Infection from contaminated tanks
Remedy: Improve ventilation and

humidity – clean out tanks sterilise
growing medium.
PAGE 61
APPENDIX
DISTANCE LEARNING AND ONLINE COURSES

The authors of this book have developed a large variety of distance learning
courses, (online, on CD or by correspondence), which are available through
various colleges that are part of the ACS Global Partners Network.
There are over 600 different courses offered by ACS Affiliates, through
colleges across seven different countries. Short courses are generally 100
hours in duration. A range of qualifications such as certificates and diplomas
are also available.
These courses cover a wide range of disciplines, including Business,

Management, Marketing, I.T., Biological Sciences, Health, Fitness, Nutrition,
Psychology, Counselling, Writing, Photography, Hospitality, Tourism,
Education, Construction, Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Management
and more. See www.acs.edu.au/about-us/affiliates.aspx
Courses that may particularly helpful to readers

of this book include:
■■ Home Hydroponics ■■ Marine Studies
■■ Aquaponics ■■ Water Gardening
■■ Hydroponic Supply & ■■ Irrigation

Consultancy
■■ Horticulture
■■ Hydroponics I, II & III
■■ Vegetable Production
■■ Certificate in Hydroponics
■■ Permaculture
■■ Aquarium Management
■■ Farm Management
■■ Aquaculture (Freshwater)
■■ Mariculture
PAGE 62
E-BOOKS BY JOHN MASON AND ACS STAFF

INCLUDE:
Starting a Business Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm
Project Management Aerobic Fitness 2nd edition
Business Operations Aquafitness 2nd edition
Psychology Dictionary Nutritional Therapy
Counselling Handbook Human Nutrition
How Children Think Animal Health
Farm Management 2nd edition Horse Care
Profitable Farming 2nd edition Dogs –Caring for Dogs
Working in Horticulture Marine Animals
Commercial Hydroponics 3rd edition Professional Writing
Trees and Shrubs for Warm Places English Grammar
Organic Gardening Getting Work in a Modern World
Climbing Plants What to Plant Where
Growing Conifers 2nd edition Psychological Profiling
Roses Getting Work in Horticulture
Herbs Scented Plants
Trees and Shrubs Modern Marketing
What to Plant Where Poultry
Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs Growing Ferns
Growing Tropical Plants 2nd edition Human Biology Dictionary
The Environment of Play 2nd edition Leadership
Garden Design Part I Palms
Garden Design Part II Creative Writing
Tropical Landscaping Weeds
Starting a Garden or Landscape Medical Terminology
Business 2nd edition Food Preserving
PAGE 63
PRINTED BOOKS BY JOHN MASON

John Mason has been writing books since the 1970’s and has over 40 titles published,
some as printed books, others as ebooks. Some titles are out of print, and now
only available as secondhand books or e books. If you have difficulty finding
any of Mr Mason’s titles, you can enquire by email to admin@acs.edu.au
Print Books by John Mason include:
Fun and Fitness Trails, Victorian Dept. of Sport and Recreation, 1978
Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm, Night Owl, 1983 (revised 1994)
The Environment of Play, Leisure Press, New York, 1982
Herb Review, self published, 1987
Landscaping with Herbs, self-published, 1988
The Native Plant Expert, self-published, 1989
Let’s Grow Gardens, self-published, 1990
Growing Ferns, Kangaroo Press, 1990
Commercial Hydroponics, Kangaroo Press, 1990, 2007
Growing Vegetables, Kangaroo Press, 1991
Growing Herbs, Kangaroo Press, 1993
Nursery Management, Kangaroo Press, April, 1994
Tropical Gardening, Bay Books, October, 1994
Yates Guide to Pests & Diseases, Angus & Robertson, February, 1995
Growing Pelargoniums & Geraniums, Hyland House, 1996
Farm Management, Kangaroo Press, 1996
Growing Australian Natives, Kangaroo Press, 1997
Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm (Revised ed), Kangaroo Press, 1997
Sustainable Farming, Simon & Schuster (Kangaroo Press) Spring, 1997
Growing Tropical Plants, Simon & Schuster (Kangaroo Press), 1997
Starting a Landscape or Garden Business, Kangaroo Press, 1998
Aqua Fitness, Kangaroo Press, 1999
Growing Conifers, Kangaroo Press, 1999
Profitable Farming, Kangaroo Press, 1999
A Beginners Guide to Orchids, Hyland House
Aerobic Fitness, Kangaroo Press
Trees & Shrubs for Small Places, Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster, 2000
Propagating from Cuttings, Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster, 2002
Growing and Using Vegetables and Herbs, Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster, 2007
PAGE 64
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Aquaponics by John Mason

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Aquaponics by John Mason

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BY J O H N M A S O N & S TA F F O F AC S D I S TA N C E ED U C AT I O N

CHAPTER 2 THE AQUAPONICS SYSTEM 13

CHAPTER 3 GROWING FISH IN AQUAPONICS 22

CHAPTER 4 FISH SUITED TO AQUAPONICS 28

CHAPTER 5 GROWING PLANTS IN AQUAPONICS 40

CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND NATURE

Aquaponics is a way of combining aquaculture or fish farming, with

In aquaculture fish is farmed under Aquaponics can be used on a small

WHAT GROWS WELL Generally speaking, plants that

HOME SYSTEMS as well as to provide a reasonable

Aquaponics systems are usually made

COMMERCIAL FARMS and, packaging etc.). Because you

■■ Many of the farming practices can

■■ Systems that are enclosed in a

■■ It is a more healthy and innovative

The ratio of fish and plants must be

Not enough fish means that your plants

Through careful monitoring though you

CHAPTER 2 THE AQUAPONICS SYSTEM

Aquaponic systems can vary greatly in size. They can be as small

Expanded Clay balls, used as a hydroponic media to grow capsicum.

■■ Open Systems do not reuse the

An effective recirculation system needs

These treatments may involve removing

A recirculation system offers the

■■ Hydroponic system for growing For example:

Example of a commonly used single tiered CRS system.

Example of a vertical system.

Example of a three tiered system.

WHAT MEDIA IS BEST may ‘open doors’ to unwanted organisms

BEDS? One commonly used media is scoria – it

Lava rock, such as pumice stone, is

Coarse sand, often used

There are several options but for most

Example of an aquaponics CRS system using gravel beds.

Hint: Once you have your system

Hint: In order for ammonia wastes from

CHAPTER 3 GROWING FISH

■■ Your choice of fish should depend

■■ Over feeding fish is another ■■ Smaller tanks are more prone to

■■ Ammonia build up in water can be

■■ Productivity is affected by stocking such, some animals need harder

Feeding Fish protein, plant protein and grains. The

■■ Earthworms - Very important part

■■ Mosquito larvae - They may be

to be adjusted. When adding new Note: Some people install a settling

CHAPTER 4 FISH SUITED

■■ Fingerlings can grow to between

■■ Does not tolerate above 35°C., won’t

■■ Water hardness 50 to 200ppm.

■■ Breeding is induced with HCG ■■ Water temperature 15 to 25°C.

■■ Can be bought as fingerlings in ■■ They tolerate a broad salinity range,

■■ Not as aggressive as Murray cod or ■■ Good demand for this fish in

■■ Water hardness 50-200 ppm.

■■ Needs warm water: tropics or sub ■■ Farmed in re-circulating systems

■■ Provide lots of different hiding

■■ Needs a high protein diet.

■■ Water temperature ideally between ■■ Has been farmed in re-circulation

■■ pH 6.5 to 8. ■■ Existing market may be limited, but

■■ Water pH 7 to 8.5 is optimum.

■■ Water filtration is important.

■■ Aggressive nature. ■■ Commercial supply is relatively well

■■ Do not tolerate above 26°C.

Brown trout, gutted and ready for sale or freezing.