Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Guys,

I have a 275 gallon tote based system with 4 half barrels and two 4x4 trays as grow beds.

I recently removed some plants that were done flowering and now I'm seeing odd fish behavior-my tilapia (who are normally gregarious and come to the top of the tank at the slightest hint of food) are hugging the bottom under their shelter and if I try to lean over the water to see them, they FREAK out trying to get away. It's like they're scared stiff of something.

The water temp fluctuates between 75 and 82 depending on the solar system and the nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia are all very low as usual. PH is around 6.8 like normal.

The only thing that has changed recently is the plant removal- is there any reason besides just nitrate build up (which I've ruled out) that removing plants would change that would affect the fish?

Thanks!
Max

Hey Max, I'm reasonably new to aquaponics but I had a similar experience with my goldfish in my tank last week.

I had an automatic feeder on the system and I hadn't checked on it in a few days when I did the feeder batteries had gone flat and I noticed the fish bottom hugging like you said AND freaking out when I went near them or fed them. I'm assuming one of two things has happened - either they started nipping at each other from hunger OR I've got a bird/predator nearby.

After a couple of days of regular hand feeding they seem to be returning to their normal self. Hopefully yours will too.

Tell them to stop watching the news.

Maybe something is spooking them when you're not around? Coons fishing in the tank? Something tapping/banging it?