Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Firstly I want to mention that strawberries have absolutely no impetus to grow to the size of driscolls (or whoever the big strawberry brand where you are is). Thumbnail size strawberries are the norm. Strawberries are probably one of the most chemical intensive crops Ive ever done commercially. Now, they dont absolutely NEED these things to grow, but to get the big red, sweet berries you may be used to they go a long way. Strawberries prefer a much more acidic medium than most vegetables and actually require a period of cold to really develop their sugars. Beyond that you have fungus which hits the berries hard, and of course thrips and gnats. Thats alot aligned against you. I imagine in the aquponic system you could modify the ph of the water (we kept ours at 5.6/5.7) by increasing the number of fish, though that may be problematic. Also consider covering your beds with plastic (or fabric) and making plug holes so that you can spray a baking soda solution on the leaves very liberally to combat fungus. The thrips you'll have to control mechanically (just put your palm under a flower and shake it to check for them). Basically you want to eliminate any stress the plant may have so that it develops oversize fruits with excess sugars. No idea how you could work out the cold period without harming the fish, though there are varieties that are more suited to warm climates. You may also consider extensive grooming, runners (the side shoots) diminish berry production. Any brown stem can be removed. (be sure to leave the crown intact). Also, consider that in many places strawberries are gown over the course of two seasons, so it may not be stunted so much as in the in between periods of growth. Sorry to write a book..lol, I love strawberries (hate growing them though). Good luck.

isn't that too acidic for the other plants rythumcs?

Very informative this thread has become, great input from everyoene.
Well done guys