Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

HSM alert!
Long time no post - my bad.
Anyway

I have fish gulping for air at the surface again - last time it was because the system wasn't cycling - this time - heat, lack of filtration/ algae in tank - don't know.

So
In perth we have had a few warm days recently, the water in tank has moved up to around 29Celcius. Probably sitting in the very low 20's a few weeks ago. So it has had a fairly rapid rise to 29C. Could it be that the fish are climatising to the new temp.

The system is cycling every 2 hours - no change from winter, and there doesn't appear to be any problems with the cycling process. Maybe with the warmer temp, I need to cycle more often perhaps? Does the level of DO in the water have a negative relationship to water temp?

The system is now a year old (yippee 1 year!) and there is a decent amount of algae buildup on walls of galv tank. Could this be sucking the oxy out of the water?

Haven't tested the water for a long time, but will do shortly.
I have harvested a few vegies recently, ie reducing the amount of filtration, but only gradually over the last few months, getting ready for tommies and cukes to be planted next week - but only as seedlings.


Any thoughts on what could be the reason?

fizzyJ

Lack of oxygen Fizzyj..... at those temps DO is depleted....

Id suggest uping your cycle to at least once an hour.... more cycles.... more water returning to the tank.... more splashing... more oxygen

Happy fishies

Have put in bonus pump just to airate for time being, fishies look happier and I can no longer catch them with my hand!!!

that was close Fizzyj

I tell you though, it was the best view of the fish that I have seen in a year!

How big are they Fizzy??? .... and why didn't ya take some pics huh??

yep, O2

consider a few airstones running 24/7 during the summer.

Yep, airstones and running the pump alot more often

The capacity of water to hold oxygen is reduced as temp increases. Tis one of the reasons why trout for example don't like high temps, as they have a genetic requirement for very high DO. Buy a bigger pump and put a return ball valve in line to aerate ur fish tank water without overflowing ur gbs. Close call.

Algae will cause pH swings and problems with early morning DO. Can you get it out?

Don't think he has an algae "bloom" problem as such Janet..... just a heavy/healthy buildup on the sides of the tank

Add Talapia...... bet ya too it Janet

Fish look fine this morning - must have been the DO.
Wish I had some pics. I think there could be just one that is ready to be eaten - soon...