MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULES

Aquaponic Parameters

Water pH

pH – Power of Hydrogen Fish: 6.5 to 8.0

Plants: 5.0 to 7.0

Bacteria: 6.5 to 8.0

To Increase pH (<6.6) Calcium Hydroxide (Hydrated Lime) Adds Calcium

K or Ca, Hydroxide or Carbonate

Nitrification over time releases more radical H ions

To Decrease pH (>7.4 ) Add Nitric or Phosphoric Acid (0.5 cap per 1000 L)

Anaerobic Pockets causing De-nitrifying bacteria to flourish

Temperature

Fish Feeding and Temperature

Species Dependant

High temperature = More Fish Food = Nutrients

Too Low = Fish stop eating + Bacteria stop reproducing

Root zone temperature = 22 °C

Bacteria and Nitrification = 25 to 30 °C

Dissolved Oxygen

Critical for Fish and Nitrifying Bacterial Activity

Supports healthy root development in DWC

Minimum for fish = 4 mg/L

Minimum for plant roots = 2.5 mg/L

Minimum for bacteria = 2 mg/L

Ideal DO = 5 mg/L to 10 mg/L

System Cycling

Process of establishing the beneficial bacteria and stabilizing the water quality in a new system

Fishless cycle

2 weeks – warm climate

4-6 weeks – cold climate

Water Quality

Stabilize pH

Treat for Cholramine

Sea Weed Extract – Ammonia Source

Nitrifying Bacteria Pond Culture