Water+Quality

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** What sort of water can I use **
As with all water used in Aquaponics systems, it has to be free of toxic chemicals, and if possible, have little or no suspended solids (clay). Water that is clear will make it easier to observe the fish, giving you a clear view of what is happening in the fish tank. Clear water allows you to monitor any buildup of wastes at the base of the tank, as well as letting you see that the fish are eating all of the food given to them. If using chlorinated water, chlorine must be removed before water can be added to the system. Chlorine can be removed from water by either using a filtration unit, exposing the water to air and sunlight for several days, or using water additives that neutralise the water such as sodium thiosulphate available at either you local aquarium or some pool shops Rain water or dam water are the ideal sources – however zinc and other metal ions are toxic to fish and often a build up of zinc from galvanised or zincalume coated roofing may build up in the water – where possible use inert materials to catch rainwater such as PVC The importance of water quality **

A lot of aquaponics enthusiasts make the common mistake of underestimating the importance of monitoring and maintaining the water quality of the aquaponics system. Fish are totally dependent upon the environment in which they are kept and if water quality is allowed to deteriorate below optimum ranges then problems will occur. ** Examples of problems are: ** There are many water quality parameters that are of importance in aquaculture and aquaponics however, the following parameters need to be monitored and maintained are: **T****here are many water quality parameters that are of importance in aquaculture and aquaponics however, the following parameters should be regularly monitored to maintain a healthy system:** Next
 * reduced feeding
 * poor growth
 * an inability to reproduce
 * increase in disease
 * stock mortality.
 * ** Dissolved oxygen **
 * ** Temperature **
 * ** pH **
 * ** Ammonia **
 * ** Nitrite **
 * ** Nitrate **
 * ** Turbidity **
 * ** Alkalinity **
 * **Salinity**