The toughest part about running successful aquaponics systems is setting them up. Most enthusiasts face the greatest difficulty when they are first starting out to build their system. Once a system is built and completed, it pretty much runs itself and you can take a well-deserved rest and wait until your plants and vegetables begin to grow.
However, if you make mistakes at the initial stage of the construction, then the problems will rear their ugly head later on. In some cases, rectifying the problem can be a huge hassle and may even jeopardize the whole system, so, it really is best to do everything right in the beginning.
This article will highlight some of the most common mistakes people make when setting up their aquaponics systems. You should understand, however, that this list is just a primer and you will need to do as much research as you can on setting up an aquaponics system before you start. You can always grab an aquaponics book from Amazon.com or even view the online video course at www.aquaponics4you.com.
So, lets look at the list of the most common mistakes…
1. pH levels wrong
This one mistake causes so many problems ranging from plants not being able to absorb nutrients properly to your fish not growing as well as they should or even dying. Ideally, you want your pH levels to be in the 6.8 to 7.0 pH range. This will ensure that the plants, fish and the whole ecosystem functions properly.
2. Unsuitable pumps
The whole aquaponics system can function without any human interference as long as the pump works properly. Many people skimp and buy low quality pumps or even install too many weak pumps. The fact is, you only need 1 strong pump to pump the water. This will save you money and your system will run better. Simple and effective.
3. Not keeping an eye on pests and diseases
Parasites and diseases can affect both the plants and fish. Neglecting to check your fish and plants on a daily basis can lead to a spread of disease. However, if detected in time, the problem can be nipped in the bud. You will be able to use biological control to remedy the situation immediately and save the system from collapse.
4. Using pipes that are too small
Pipes that are small are neater but they get clogged more easily. Use pipes that are large enough for smooth water flow. When bacteria grows and clogs the pipes, this is known as bio-fouling.
5. Failure to clear leftover food and solid waste
Always clear leftover food and solid waste. A portion of the fish’s feces will usually be dry waste. When accumulated, this waste will become much heavier and a potential problem. Use filtration methods to clear these solid wastes before they cling on to the plant’s roots and decrease oxygen levels in the water as they start to decompose.
There are several other factors that people may make mistakes with. These could be feeding rate ratios, not supplying nutrients in the first 6 months of setting up a system, failure to ensure good aeration, being careless with the aggregates, etc.
The only way to avoid all these issues will be to have a very thorough understanding of the whole setup and system. You will need to decide on the scale of your aquaponics systems and its goals. It could be a hobby or a commercial operation. Whatever the case, the fundamentals will apply and you can only learn those with proper research or guidance from someone experienced. Do what you can to learn whatever you can.