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.

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 12th December 2011
Updated : 6th October 2013 | Words : 451 | Views : 2498 | Comments : 3
3 Comments
Thanks :) I'll bulding my own home greenhouse system :) Soon i'll show you my project. Can I use a fish (fresh water ) inhabiting at our geografical place , our climate is medium -continental with four seasons . We have a rich diversity of many many spicies of fish and great nature :) You are my guru Murray and i'll study everething for aquaponics , because these is THE FUTURE :) Thanks once again and nave a good day :) In Bulgaria is night ...
Posted By Ivaylo Vladimirov on Tuesday 6th March 2012 @ 18:06:43
Greetings from Bulgaria :) Are you delivery to Bulgaria some ot these AP kits :) I'm new in Aquaponics World ,these wonderfful world of fresh, healthy food and fish :) Soon I'll post my idea for my aquaponics project in greenhouse :) Thanks Murray
Posted By Ivaylo Vladimirov on Monday 5th March 2012 @ 15:05:54
Hi Ivaylo,
We do send kits all over the place, but sea freight and import duties at your end will mount up and you are possibly better off building your own home system.
Posted By Murray on Monday 5th March 2012 @ 15:05:54
Comments
Blog Categories
Learn About Aquaponics
Aquaponics Made Easy
Aquaponics Secrets
Aquaponics Systems
CHOP System
Floating Raft System DWC
Commercial Aquaponics
Fish Talk
Tech Talk
General News
Workshops & Field Days

Is the Pipe Poisonous?
Many ask the question about PVC pipe, should I use it in my home or commercial project. Most folk us . . .
Posted By Murray Hallam on 31st July 2015
Views : 61317 | Comments : 21
Tech Talk Introduction Video
Tech Talk Introduction video. Secrets1 from Murray Hallam on Vimeo. Join now to see Tech Talk vi . . .
Posted By Murray Hallam on 18th May 2015
Views : 60268 | Comments : 0
Tech Talk Video Collection
Cotton Wool Disease in fish. Secrets from Murray Hallam on Vimeo. I want to start a farm. S . . .
Posted By Murray Hallam on 18th May 2015
Views : 60208 | Comments : 10