Why is my Aquaponics Water Going Amber?

Many newcomers to aquaponics get worried when they begin to notice their water colour changing from that clear transparent look of fresh water to a more aged and darker shade of amber-gold.
Some people worry that some odd tanin or colour agent has leached into their tank and altered the pristine colour of the fish water.
What caused their water to change colour?
Was it the compost worms they added to their growbeds?
Or some other sinister force?
Relax - this is nature telling you that your system is in good condition.The amber-gold shade is normal in all good aquaponics systems. There are two types of bacteria. Autotrophic and Heterotrophic bacteria.

Most autotrophic bacteria can synthesize their energy needs or food nutrients from substances like hydrogen sulphide. This process is called chemosynthesis and involves the use of chemical substances for the production of energy. In an aquaponics system a different group of bacteria are responsible for the amber colour of the water.
Heterotrophic bacteria cannot synthesize their own energy and must consume organic matter for energy.
These bacteria convert the fish waste into Nitrates that the plants enjoy. A side benefit is that as your system matures - the water turns a deeper darker richer amber colour.
See it as Nature giving you a big tick for maintaining a quality mini eco-system.
Posted By Murray Hallam on 11th December 2011
Updated : 6th October 2013 | Words : 253 | Views : 2618 | Comments : 2
2 Comments
New to AP. Could someone please help with the placement of the pump in a bath tub. On the floor or higher up? Thanks.
Posted By shahid siddiqi on Sunday 15th July 2012 @ 20:22:02
On the floor of the tub is fine.
Posted By Murray on Sunday 15th July 2012 @ 20:22:02
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 : 61906 | 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 : 60801 | 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 : 60743 | Comments : 10