Aquaponics System on a Fish Farm

[vseah38]

Hi,

I'm currently testing a floating platform which I built on an existing fish farm as an experiment. However, the results have not been good, am hoping to get some advice here.

Here are the details:
Size of platform: 2 meter sq (less than 1% of the entire coverage)
Plants used: Mint, basil, dill, red cabbage and various ornamental flowers
pH level: varies between 6-8 depending on time of day
Ammonia level: minimal
Nitrate level: minimal
Types of fish: Ain't sure about this but the owner did assure us that there are a variety of fishes in it
Temperature: 28-32 degrees Celsius
Growing media: soil
Climate: Tropical throughout the year

Symptoms:
Yellowish leaves
Slow growth
Stunted growth

Have been testing this for 3 months but can't seem to figure out the problem.

Please note that the fish pond is in an open area and there are subjected to every environmental conditions.

[Mean and Green]

Easy fix, you have an iron deficiency!!!!!! Whenever you see your leaves turning yellow and a major cut back in growth and produce production, you have an iron deficiency. So the solution to this is you need to buy some chelated iron.....but make sure it doesnt contain any copper or itll kill your fish....also some magnesium would help too.

[jobney]

Do you have the plant roots on the floating platform just hanging down into the pond?

[GaryD]

Hi vseah38,

How big is the pond? It sounds to me, based on the pond owner's vague comment, like you may have far too few nutrients.....of any kind.

Gary

[vseah38]

Just like to ask, might be a dumb question, how do you insert the iron into the pond? Here are some of the pictures for your reference, hopefully it will paint a better picture. The roots are sticking out into the water as you can see, and the algae are actually now nesting on the roots.IMG_1792.jpgIMG_1791.jpgIMG_1793.jpgIMG_1788.jpgIMG_1786.jpgIMG_1789.jpg

[Mean and Green]

Well the chelated iron is in a powder form so you just pour a bit into the water.....but i dont know how many gallons your pond is soooo yeah im lost on that. As for the algae growing on your roots/////thats not good news at all. The algae will slowly but surely deprive your plants of oxygen and die. That why floating raft systems need to have inclosed bottoms and sides so that light does not penetrate into the water. The UV from the sun rays increase the algae grow rate....less sun...less algae.

[Pugo]

vseah38
I see you have net pots from Taiwan along with floating rafts. How do you like them so far ??

[Cecil]

I don't have any practical experience with aquaponics yet but shouldn't you have more nitrates for the plants?

[Josh615]

I don't have any practical experience with aquaponics yet but shouldn't you have more nitrates for the plants?

I agree with this statement. yellowing of leaves could also mean there is a nitrogen deficiency. sounds like you might need more fish. also, is there a fountain of any kind in the water? Anything that will help agitate the water will help improve plant growth by oxygenating the water more.

I also am not a fan of growing in dirt for aquaponics...its a little too messy for me lol.

[vseah38]

Sorry for the late reply, yea i talked to the owner, i kinda like this. It's simple and flexible good for both indoor and outdoor.

I have build many small systems at my backyard using this and it worked out well