Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Dang: landlord and Chris decided to feed lightly and we have 3 more deaths over 4 days. I do not know if the feed has anything to do with the deaths, but things are not good. Anyway, all feed is off for now. Specs: ammonia and 'ites are under 0.25, temp is about 74degF (23degC). So far 1 of 4 goldfish, 0 of 3 catfish, and 9 of 25(roughly) tilapia have died. I am not happy.

Drip

Drip

Drip

Two more......

So it seems to be affecting the warm water fish by far the most....

True. Interesting.

Perhaps I should bite the bullet and drop in a 200w heater to raise temps another 5degF (2 or 3degC) for a few weeks. Well worth it if it helps...

Just did a little googling and found this on Streptococcus in Tilapia:
Hopfully Chappo will weigh in on this.
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/tilapia ... coccus.php
"Lower the water temperature
In aquariums and recirculation systems, it is often possible to control the water temperature. Streptococcus spp. thrives in warm water and it is therefore a good idea to lower the water temperature, if possible. A high water temperature is not only beneficial for Streptococcus spp., it is also stressful for the fish. "

All pathogens thrive in warmer water/conditions...

That's why hospital operating theatres are cold...

Here is a site with some treatments although some strong warning of it killing the nitrofying bacteria is also in it. Bad thing about it if its bacterial it's hard to treat.
http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/20 ... tions.html

Yep... a high dose salt bath for 30 mins (max).... with mucho air... might help....

And a UV lamp might help as well.... otherwise... oxytetracycline might be the only answer...

Not at all easy to pull the fish and give them a bath. It would probably take an hour or so and two people and that is not is not available. It would also stress all the fish.

Perhaps the tilapia, being adapted to about 86degF (30degC) are stressed by sitting between 70 and 75degF (say 25degC and under) all summer and are finally succumbing. If this is true, then warming might help. Adding salt to 3ppt or so wouold also help, but might harm the plants (since I am not sure what current salt levels are). I think I will get Chris to add some salt (another ppt) and leave the heater out on the theory that the heat might harm the other fish (though I wonder if it might help, as I said in earlier post). I'll also maximize aeration.

Thanks for the thoughts.

I must to have missed the 70F degree post. If you are dipping to there it may be something simple as ick.
http://www.bbpetstop.com/Ick.pdf
It mentions spring and fall time of most temperature fluctations.

Actually, I built the system with constant temperature as the number one priority (something I now regret): the temps never vary by more than 2degF (1 degC) per day and in the last three months have stayed between 70degF and 76degF. Fluctuations are not the problem, but perhaps stress from low temperatures...

One odd fact: one of the recent dead fish actually had eggs in its mouth...

Today's system inspection: no more dead, ammonia/'ites <.025, temp about 74degF (23degC). No feeding, as far as I know. I wonder if they can hold out without food for a couple weeks until I get home?

Had trouble communicating with Chris re var changes I wanted as I was out sailing with the dw and my dad at the time and was busy for several minutes running aground, dodging seals, and watching the dog (and dw) slide off deck toward the water as we heeled over in some nice gusts, all with phone in hand. He does not seem to have much patience with long-distance management, either: perhaps I should tell him I'm stuck indoors, working on bids, with rain drumming on the roof? I won't tell him about the excellent clamming, either.

Do you plan on raising the water temps?

Uncertain. If I were there do handle it I would do so, but getting someone to get the correct heater, run extension cord, etc is problematic. If someone has more info on tilapia disease it would help me decide. My fry source says raise temps....

OK, news of the day: 2 more dead, on of which expired as lifted from the water. Symptoms were redness around base of fins and in gills. That is about half my tilapia, about a third of the fish in that system. At least the deaths may be slowing....

Next time Chris comes over I will have him add another 10lbs of salt. I know it will not hurt the fish and may well help. I am guessing it will take salt levels to the 3ppt to 4ppt range. Crossing fingers that they will last until I get home and will either be on path to recovery or will respond well to a good dose of salt once I get there.

One option I am considering for salting would be to dump most of the water, dose the remainder to 10ppt or so, then refill the system to bring levels back to 3ppt.

Troubles!


In other news, I hear I will need a machete to deal with the tomato plant when I return. That sort of trouble I can deal with!