Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi,

My Koi fish are flashing every now and then and most of time are bottom sitting.

No white spots are found on any of them and no traces of Ammonia or Nitrite in water. Nitrates are between 20 - 40 PPM.

I have 3 Power filters and 2 air pumps. I also have a water fall. No fish are gasping for air so it does not seem to be low oxygen problem.

Water temperature is between 80 - 85 F.

Fish are eating really well.

What do you think why are they behaving like that?

Might be a parasite. You could salt the water to treat for this -

For Parasites - 3-6ppt

1ppt = 1KG per 1000L or 1gm per L

It could also just be stress - 1ppt of salt is usually a good treatment that helps with this and helps the fish build it's slime coat.

Will 6 PPT salt harm my tomatoes as they are fruiting right now.

Don't know, it might though. My guess is it wouldn't kill the plants but they might drop some blooms. It's been a long time since I had to run at 6ppm. Someone who's done this more recently could probably tell you about the tomatoes. I do remember that some of the plants were struggling at this higher salt content.

Tomatoes will be fine.

Something like strawberries won't though.

Thank you all. I guess bottom sitting is because temperature is lower in bottom and presently water level is just 1 feet high in my tank. i will add more water after I test TDS.

And flashing may be due to parasite but I don't see any white or red spots on my fish so i guess 1 PPT salt should work.

How much salt do you guys recommend?

See my earlier post for the salt amounts.