Fisheries AquaRanch™
Helpful Hints

1. If your water is moving too fast, you can install a ball valve above the pump or direct the water flow into the side wall of the tank.

2. You should obtain water quality test kits. These kits contain step-by-step instructions for their proper use. By keeping a written record of the tests, the test kits will become your best teacher.

3. If your pH drops below your desired level, you may want to use calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to bring it up. Your local feed store can get it for you in a 50 lb. bag very economically. In most cases, we have observed that the fish we have raised can handle naturally higher pH levels. Most of the time, your problems will come as the pH levels drop. The better the Biofilter works, the more the pH will drop. We keep our pH between 6.8 and 7.4. When running aquaponics off of an aquaculture tank it is best to keep the pH closer to 6.8.

4. To patch your liner, you can obtain HH 66 or vinyl glue from your local swimming pool store. Use fish grade vinyl for the patch. Clean the area with acetone thoroughly. Cut the corners off the patch to make them rounded. Apply glue to the liner and the patch. Then use a roller, like a wall paper roller, to press and roll the patch until it sticks completely.

5. If your unionized ammonia is too high, simply lower your temperature as low as you can safely go, and then lower your pH to around 7. Then as you get control of your ammonia, you can gradually raise your parameters to normal levels. It also helps to reduce the amount being fed until the problem has been overcome, then gradually increase to normal levels. A commercially available bacteria will quickly increase bacteria levels and help to reduce ammonia.

6. Before you harvest your fish, you should purge them. When we purge, we withhold feed for 3-5 days prior to harvest. We then change about 1/3 of the culture water daily until harvest time. This will help the fish to taste much better. If your fish still taste too fishy, then next time, you may have to wait another day and change a higher percentage of culture water.

7. Purchase and use the FFA curriculum guide for aquaculture. It has a lot of good information.