Production Lacking

[Rich Koehler]

I have had my system operating over a year.  I get a lot of growth and very little production out of my crops.  My fish are doing fine, I feed them once a day.  My PH is usually between 6.8 and 7.2.  My Nitrates are between 80 and 100.  Nitrites and Ammonia are nil.  I add aqua Essentials on a regular basis, usually once a month.  I have three grow beds that use the bell siphon.  My system is in my basement with adequate ventilation and I use a HPS light source on a traveling rail.

Right now it seems I may also have a fungus problem, because my bean leaves show a mottled appearance.

I know I must be missing something, but have been unable to figure it out.  Any suggestions?

[Jeff S]

Iron is needed in your system but be prepared for your water to get darker so be careful how much you use.

[Clark E. Fullwood]

Probably a iron deficiency. They make some liquid iron chelate, but I only use the powered type. I put about a tablespoon full about every month or so. With the volume of water and the amount used don't  think you need to worry about cancer. As far as production if you are inside and using no manual pollination methods you might be having pollination issues. Some things self pollinate, but many don't. Sometime all you have to do is just go around and shake the plants to do it, but some need to be hand pollinated such as squash and the like.

[Michelle Tonkinson]

I am having some mottling and yellowing in my leaves too.  After researching some, I think it is low nutrient level.  Particularly iron.  Anyone have any good organic solutions for adding iron and nutrients.  I have bought a couple iron chelates online, but then read that they cause cancer!  I read somewhere that molasses works.  Can this be used in an aquaponic system?

[Jeff S]

I had the same issues with outdoor gardens....low production. My first year too and even though I used 100% garden soil I think I needed to add more nutrients. My aquaponics grows great greens but not so good on fruits except tomatoes.