Chapter Nine: Maintaining the System

Management of your aquaponic system is vital. Fish management involves everything from fish selection to harvesting your crops and (if desired) your fish.

This chapter will outline a daily, weekly, monthly schedule to make sure your aquaponic system is managed successfully.

The first matter of management is to make sure everything you do is within a clean environment. Not introducing anything to your fish or plants that would harm them is vital. This includes not sharing materials from one aquaponic garden to another.

Air pumps are vital – on this one, it's better to aim higher rather than lower when it comes to oxygen, but just make sure the aeration of your fish tank and plants is adequate. 

Alarm systems help – for an aquaponic system that is so co-dependent, having an alarm system on pumps can make all the difference.

Know your fish food – because fish food is one of the only things you will add to your tank, you want to be sure the food you add is of the highest quality.

Proper nutrient levels are a must – could be considered the silent killer because it can't be seen, so it's hard to know, which is why testing is vital.

Proper resources – like everything else in life, aquaponics has its issues, and issues need to be resolved. Books like this, consultants, aquaponic friends, and acquaintances help. Pest control – make sure what you spray on your plants to help them, does not turn around and harm your fish. For the most part, the system takes care of its own, yet some issues can arise. In the aquaponic system, all systems are connected, so when handling one issue, consider how this will affect the entire system to be safe.  

Quality of fish – make sure you know a reputable place for acquiring your fish. 

Here is the breakdown for managing your aquaponic system:

Daily Management

Fish Tank:

• Add a fish if needed, and as ready to be added.
• Adjust pH, if necessary
• Check aeration. Make sure the air stone/pump is working well.
• Check for any leakage
• Check the temperature, adjust if needed
• Check to make sure water level is correct, add water, if needed
• Check to make sure the water pump is working. Water is moving
• Check water for water quality, remove any objects, food remnants
• Examine fish for any irregularities – stress, disease
• Feed fish (2 to 3 times a day)
• Remove any fish as needed for harvesting or other reasons.

Plants

• Check airflow in the area
• Check humidity
• Check plants for and changes in color, the health of foliage
• Check plants for pests: caterpillars, aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew
• Check Roots
• Check the temperature
• Make sure the drainage system is functioning correctly
• Remove any plants necessary for harvesting or other reasons

Lights

• Burned out bulbs
• Distance from the plants
• Heat factor

Weekly Management

• Clean out any waste from the bottom of the fish tank and biofilter.
• Harvest fish add new ones as needed.
• Harvest plants, replant with new ones as needed.
• See if any plant fertilizer is needed for plant deficiencies.
• Siphon (vacuum gravel), if needed.
• Test pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Make necessary adjustments as needed.

Monthly Management

• Add new fish, if needed
• Check all the systems to make sure they are working properly
• Clean all aspects of the fish tank and media bed that should be cleaned
• Clean biofilter and all other filters
• Take a sample fish and examine it for disease and weight gain or loss

It is one thing to build your system, and it is another to manage your system and keep it up to its highest quality. Your robust garden can be a prideful project to share with your family and friends .

Chapter Nine Checklist

• The maintenance of the system should take place daily, weekly, and monthly
• Alarm systems can help alert when issues arise
• Only purchase fish from a reputable source
• Check fish, plants, lights, aeration, temperature, pH daily
• Clean the gravel in fish tank weekly or every other week
• Clean the biofilter and all other filters monthly
• Assess one fish thoroughly