Root Problems

[Jacob]

Aloha,

I've been having problems with plants that have previously done very well for me. It looks like something is eating the roots. Can anyone give me some advice?

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I have platty's for mosquito fish.
There are tons of small snails.
There of lots of small shrimp (I believe Gammarus sp.)

A few troughs had talapia in them accidently, but some troughs with no talapia are showing the same problems with the roots. Could the snails be eating them? Could the little shrimp be eating them? Could the mosquito fish be eating them?

I'm hoping it's not the shrimp because they are really helpful in breaking down the fish feces and other decaying material.

If you think the snails are a problem, any suggestions on controlling them?

Thank you in advance for any help.

The Snails:

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(Strawberry leaf that had fallen in the water)

The Shrimp:

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Jacob Tuft
Kalani Oceanside Retreat
Big Island, Hawaii
http://aquaponics.totallytuft.com

[GaryD]

Hi Jacob,

I'm not sure what the root problem is.

Given what the snails did to the strawberry leaves, I'd be getting rid of them as the first order of business.

I believe that the University of Virgin Islands Aquaponics Research Centre has used Redear Sunfish (http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/bream/redear/) to control snails.

Gary

[Jacob]

Thanks Gary.

Does anyone know if chinese catfish would eat the snails and not damage my plant roots? I was thinking of throwing a couple in each trough with the added benefit of stirring up the stuff on the bottom and keeping any anaerobic pockets from forming.

Aloha,

-Jacob