Anyone in Texas?

[Asot Scott]

Hello,
Is there anybody out there in the Houston Texas area? We would like to speak with a local fellow Aquaponicist.
We have been working with Aquaponics since March of 09. Our system is fairly sophisticated and is working well. However we are experiencing lime green growth. We feel that we are missing some element.
Also, we are experiencing a white-fly epidemic. We have used safers, Neem, pyrithrum spray, cedar oil. Still can't seem to get a grip on it. Are there any sure fire methods of control that we are over looking?
Thank you,
ASOT Scott

[GaryD]

Hi,

Welcome to APHQ.

Have you considered integrated pest management (IPM) where beneficial insects are encouraged to live around your system with a view to having them eat pest species?

You would have to abandon some of your existing remedies because they would harm the beneficial insects. I'm a bit surprised that your fish haven't already succumbed to substances like pyrethrum.

GaryD

[Asot Scott]

Mr. Donaldson,
It was a pleasure to get a response from you.
We are currently enclosing our greenhouse with vent-able walls. Until now it was only an awning. We are thinking that after completion we'll be able to better contain the beneficials.
We have used ladybugs for aphids, lacewings for everything, Encarsia formosa for the white flies, and praying mantis for the fun of it. We feel that soon after their release they left the area. I will try again after completion.
The pyrethrum is used extremely sparingly and only as a last resort, as we too are intolerant of its use. When forced to use biological controls, we tend to reach for the cold pressed neem oil first. Reasons being, it is fairly benign, breaks down extremely fast, it's organic, it can be used as insecticide, miticide, and fungicide. Have you any thoughts on the use of this product?
We have some other questions that we will pose to you at a later time, for now must run.
ASOT Scott
PS. got your book-it's great!

[bunya boy]

Hi Asot,
Don't use Neem oil anywhere near Fish or Crusties, kills 'em!

Pyrethrum is OK in small doses, but can also kill fish. Breaks down very quickly in air, so must be re-applied constantly to be able to control caterpillars etc.

The thumb and finger squashing method is most effective!! and fish like eating the disturbed physiollogy of the victims!!!

Cheers IanK

[GaryD]

Hi,

Pyrethrum is OK in small doses, but can also kill fish. Breaks down very quickly in air, so must be re-applied constantly to be able to control caterpillars etc.

DIPEL (Bacillus thurengiensis) is a safer control method for caterpillars.

Gary

[Ravnis]

I ain't exactly in the houston texas area, I'm about 4 hours north of you near dallas. But will be happy to compare notes with you.

[Asot Scott]

Hey Ravnis,
Are you having to supplement your system with any organic nutrients in order to get deep lush green growth? If so, what are you using?
ASOT Scott

[Ravnis]

I have been supplementing with potash(potassium chloride), epsom salt(magnesium sulfate), and pickling lime( calcium hydroxide... be very careful with this one, you will kill fish and plants quick with an overdose or too quick of an addition).

This is not so much for deep green growth as it is for fruiting plants such as my tomatoes, peppers, and stawberries. I have been tinkering with lowering the PH over time. I will be starting a new thread about my initial findings in aquaponics ideas.