EC = Electrical Conductivity

Electrical Conductivity is a good way to measure the nutrient concentration in your Aquaponics System. That is a measure of the water borne nutrients available to the plants. It should be noted that it is not a complete measurement of nutrient in an Aquaponics System, as there are organic nutrients present that an EC meter will not measure. However, over time, the overall measurement is a very useful one.

Conductivity helps you to determine if you are getting the balance between the fish food given or placed in the system, to plant growth.

The range of Electrical Conductivity can be as low as 0.2 and as high as 2.0
In my newest system the reading is 0.5 and is increasing weekly as the system matures and the fish grow.

In another of my Aquaponics Systems that has 126 Sleepy Cod, the EC reading is 1.8. This is a very mature system. The high reading and the maturity of the system indicates to me that I can easily add another grow bed or two.

The same number of fish and feeding regime will easily support more grow beds and produce more vegetables. The EC reading would gradually drift down and find a new level after the grow beds are added and planted out.

Keep in mind that not all the nutrients present in an Aquaponics System will be measured by an EC meter. As an example of that, in the newer system (Patio Duo) that has an EC reading of 0.5, that system is enjoying good plant growth. This is evidence that there are organic nutrients present in an Aquaponics System. If we were relying solely on added nutrients such as commonly available hydroponic nutrients, plants just would not be doing very well at all with an EC reading of 0.5
Obviously this Aquaponics System will continue to improve over time and be even better.

EC Truncheon

You should not attempt to drastically correct low EC readings in your Aquaponics System by adding non organic nutrients. Slow and steady is the way. A good variety of fish food is required for the system to be well balanced in nutrients. Make sure your fish are happy and the rest will take care of itself.

As your system matures, if your EC readings are remaining low, you possibly have too many plants or two few fish. Aquaponics is all about balance.

What to feed your fish is the subject of another discussion.

Overall, a good quality EC meter is a valuable tool in maintaining a good Aquaponics system.

Sales information can be found here.

"EC Meter. Very easy to use and provides useful information."

Posted By Murray Hallam on Monday 12th December 2011 @ 06:02:35

Updated : Sunday 6th October 2013 @ 10:49:48 | Words : 451 | Views : 2114 | Comments : 3

COMMENT

Posted By Ivaylo Vladimirov on Tuesday 6th March 2012 @ 18:06:43

Posted By Murray on Tuesday 6th March 2012 @ 17:40:24

Posted By Ivaylo Vladimirov on Monday 5th March 2012 @ 15:05:54