I was quite surprised to discover that, apparently, there are many people that use salt in their aquaponics systems, and, according to one of the farmers I spoke to recently, you might want to consider doing the same.
The technique of using salt in Aquaponics has both advantages and disadvantages, but if you decide to use salt, you should definitely proceed with caution.
Why Add Salt to an Aquaponics System?
When it comes to Aquaponics, the primary reason for adding salt is to control disease because salt functions as a natural anti-bacterial agent.
Also, a modest amount of salt helps to enhance the mucous covering on a fish’s body, which increases the fish’s resistance to infections and parasites. Salt may also be beneficial in the prevention of fungal infections. However, if you decide to use salt, make sure you use pure sea salt rather than table salt and, if you are unable to locate pure sea salt then swimming pool salt can serve as an acceptable substitute.
Adding too much salt, on the other hand, will kill the fish and hinder plant growth.
So, when adding salt, make sure you use a carefully controlled amount. When it comes to salt to water ratios, a decent rule of thumb is 1 to 2 ppt (parts per thousand).
Some plants and fish will be able to withstand larger concentrations, but if you are a beginner in aquaponics, you should stay to the recommended amount and, it’s important to remember that the concentration of salt in the system will change over time.
The evaporation of water, the uptake of water by plants, and other factors will all contribute to an increase in the concentration of salt. As a result, it is critical that you monitor the salt content on a frequent basis, which you can do with the help of an instrument known as a refractometer. it’s possible to buy refractometers for as little as a few dollars, and they will perform the necessary functions so it doesn’t mean you need to blow your budget on this piece of kit.
Should I Add Salt to a Quarantine Tank?
Some farmers have a tiny separate tank that they use to keep sick fish, sort of like a quarantine tank for their fish.
When you isolate sick fish and administer treatment to them individually, you are not medicating the entire system. That’s a problem because it’s a good idea to add salt to the entire system because, as I mentioned earlier, this prevents sickness from spreading to other fish. If you keep a tank like this, salt can be really beneficial because it helps to strengthen the fish’s immune system. It is possible to utilize a higher concentration of salt in your tank – up to 10 parts per million (ppm) for a few hours to a couple of days but make certain that the tank is properly oxygenated.
In aquaponics, the water is recirculated between the fish tank and the grow bed. As the water flows, it picks up waste products from the fish, which are then used as nutrients for the plants. In order to maintain optimal water quality, it is important to use the right type of salt.
What kind of salt is used for aquaponics?
Aquarium salt is a good choice for most aquaponics systems, as it dissolves quickly and does not contain any harmful chemicals. However, if you are using a high-flow system, you may need to use a more expensive instant Ocean salt mix. Sea salt or rock salt can also be used. Rock salt contains almost no sodium chloride, which is what makes it a very good salt for aquaponics. However, no matter what type of salt you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully to avoid harming your fish or plants.
Can you add Epsom salt to aquaponics?
Yes! Epsom salt is an excellent addition to the nutrient solution for your fish tank. You can use it for any type of fish tank, even a hydroponic or aquaponic system. It is used primarily as a buffer, helping the water absorb the other nutrients more efficiently. But it also increases water hardness and improves the clarity of the water.
What Kills Fish in Aquaponics?
As we know, fish are an essential part of any aquaponics system, providing nutrients for plants and helping to regulate water quality. However, they can also be susceptible to illness and disease. One of the most common problems is fishKill, which can occur when fish are exposed to high levels of ammonia or other toxins.
Another cause of fishkill is oxygen depletion, which can happen when the water in an aquaponics system is not properly aerated. If fish are not given adequate oxygen, they will suffocate and die.
In addition, extreme changes in temperature can also lead to fishkill. Sudden drops in temperature can shock fish, causing them to become ill or die, and similarly, if the water in an aquaponics system becomes too hot, it can lead to thermal stress, which can also kill fish. As a result, it is important to maintain proper water conditions in order to keep fish healthy and prevent fishkill.
Wrapping Up
As previously said, different species of fish have varying levels of salt tolerance, so to be on the safe side, check with your local fisheries department to determine the levels of tolerability of the species you intend to cultivate before proceeding.
In addition, keep in mind that even if the fish you are raising is extremely salt-resistant (for example, tilapia can be grown in water with a salt content of up to 20-30ppt), the plants will not withstand high salt concentrations in their environment. It is preferable to limit yourself to 1-2ppt.
So, care is the watchword when it comes to salt in an aquaponics system. make sure to constantly monitor the levels and be sure not to add too much salt as this can damage both plants and fish. However, if done correctly adding salt to your aquaponics system can bring significant benefits so, on balance, its’ worth doing as long as you don’t mind a bit of extra work.