Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

First time post on any forum.
I designed this system in hopes of minimizing maintenance. I first cycled my tank in Oct '13. I did not do any math in figuring out ratios of plants:fish. I stocked my tank with 20 Blue Tilapia and 2 koi. I've been growing successfully for 7 months with no issues. Today (05-07-14), I found one dead tilapia and I believe she was pregnant. All of my readings are within acceptable levels. No other fish seem affected.
System stats:
IBC 275 gallons (half filled)
25 3" baskets filled with clay pellets
No filter
Greenhouse enclosed
Plenty of aeration (2 small pumps)

Video of my system can be seen here



I've attached a pic of the Tilapia
Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

can you post your readings please?
the water in the video looks very, very cloudy from ammonia.

+1... Ammonia, pH and water temp in particular, Nitrite too if available.

20 Tilapia would require 400L of wet gravel to get them safely to plate size.

The red around the gills and base of the pectoral fin suggests you may have an issue with your levels.

Thanks for your reply.

Ammonia .25
Nitrites less than .25
PH 7.6 (My PH has always been this high as my well water's PH is the same)
Water temp is 81 degrees (I live in Florida)

I just noticed today that I have a few tiny (1/8" long) white looking worms swimming in my water, so now I'm thinking I have a parasite issue. I'm going to add an additional grow bed with worms (vermiculture) and a filter to see if that will help.

Also, just took this video today
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfJl3hhpWEM[/youtube]

Are your fish flashing,rubbing themselves, dead give away for parasite infection, as Damage said either your water condition or parasite infection, did you look at the gill membrane? was there any of these worms on the body ?
Your filtration will improve your water conditions but won’t do anything if you have a parasite infection,in fact it will just give them more places to hide.

Thanks for responding.
No, my fish are acting normal and no others have died. In fact, I noticed that I have 9 babies. Maybe the dead fish died during giving birth... lol
I did not notice any worms or spots on the dead fish.

Sometimes shxxt happens and we loose the odd fish,I’m glad all is well with the rest...

Yes, that it was I'm hoping. Keep fingers crossed!

Love your set up!!!