Worm Tea

[Jonathan Farrand]

Hello Everyone, I have a small aquaponics set-up 20 gallons, what does everybody think about me adding my worm tea into the mix.  My five gallon composting set-up is working well by producing more worms and decent amount of tea. Thanks, Jon

 

 

 

[TCLynx]

Before adding anything to an aquaponics system, it is generally best to know how the aquaponics system is working.

Water tests to know about pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.  How many fish do you have, is the food high enough quality to provide the needed nutrients?  Is there plenty of filtration to handle the extra load that worm tea would put on the filters?  Is there any need to add worm tea to the aquaponics system?

Also, aeration to the system can be affected by adding things to it since anything organic that may need to break down can also use up dissolved oxygen.

[Jonathan Farrand]

Seems like if things are going well than  it's not necessary to add the tea by what you are suggesting.  I just started with seaweed extract too. I have other plants in soil that I'm sure would like the tea. My system is running pretty clean. I have a decent amount of aquarium plants helping to filter as well.  This system was as simple as it could be. As far as aeration I think I have enough. One large stone running constantly and the bell drain that adds oxygen.   I was and still am an aquarium keeper which converges into AP nicely.  I just need some time, space, and some cash and I will be off and runnning.  

TCLynx said:

Before adding anything to an aquaponics system, it is generally best to know how the aquaponics system is working.

Water tests to know about pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.  How many fish do you have, is the food high enough quality to provide the needed nutrients?  Is there plenty of filtration to handle the extra load that worm tea would put on the filters?  Is there any need to add worm tea to the aquaponics system?

Also, aeration to the system can be affected by adding things to it since anything organic that may need to break down can also use up dissolved oxygen.

[TCLynx]

Yea, if the plants are doing well, then the worm tea would not be needed and even if the plants are not doing well, you want to make sure you don't go killing your fish by adding too much of an excess load, so when adding "extras" always go very cautiously.