Although growing plants in an aquaponics system is a low maintenance process, there are a few things which should be monitored on a regular basis. One of these is the pH level of the water. This is important because there is a specific pH range for the plants and one for the fish. The pH in the water will not stay at the same level, it will always tend to go down.

In an older aquaponics system the pH level tends to lower over a period of time. This can be unhealthy for the fish, as the pH could go below the level acceptable for them to thrive. Lower pH levels in he water means the water is more acidic and this could damage the protective mucous membrane on the outside of their bodies. This damage could result in their death. So the pH of the water must be monitored to ensure it is not low. This should be done on a regular basis, at least once or twice a week. If adjustments have to be made, they should be done in small increments over a period of time.

A high pH level in the water means the water is more alkaline than it should be. However it is not necessary to make any adjustments, as the nitrification process will cause the water to become more acidic and lower the pH level.

Although the pH range for the plants is different, what is acceptable for the plants does fall inside the acceptable pH level range for the fish. In an aquaponics system there needs to be a compromise between the pH level for the fish and the plants. The lower end of the pH range for the plants is much more acidic than for the fish. Having the pH of the water reach the lower end of what is acceptable to the plants, should never happen, if you are monitoring the pH of the water with the fish in mind.

Aquaponics requires less labour than traditional soil based gardening. But knowledge of how the chemistry of the water effects your fish and the plants you are growing is necessary. Having access to a reliable aquaponics resource to give you guidance in this area would be helpful.

Best Regards.