Best Plants Most Suitable for NFT Nutrient Film Technique Aquaponics

There are a number of helpful tips and tricks you can utilize to optimize your nutrient film technique NFT aquaponics setup. But perhaps the best piece of advice would simply be to monitor, monitor and monitor, a few essential parameters. These are the things that are most likely to give you problems when growing plants in NFT aquaponics.

Essential factors you’ll want to keep a close eye on when growing plants in NFT aquaponics include:

Daily monitoring and maintenance
Whilst not a parameter, it’s the number one aim of the game so deserves its own listing. Always perform regular checks ups to look for any problems. Some parts you’ll want to check daily, others multiple times per day, at least until you’re highly experienced and know exactly what can and can’t be more relaxed on the monitoring.

To monitor essential parameters of your aquaponics system you can use:

• 6 in 1 test strip; this measures nitrates, nitrites, water hardness, chlorine, alkalinity and pH level
• DO meter/Oximeter: measures DO concentrations
• The colorimetric method: uses a color meter to indicate DO concentrations
• Temperature: a thermometer can be used to measure water temperature.
• Also consider using modern devices placed inside/outside the system, which can provide consistent, digital monitoring of all the essential parameters and in many cases can send these readings to your smart phone, laptop or computer. These devices are now more affordable than ever, especially the more simpler versions.

Smooth water flow
Ensuring the water keeps flowing is key to the efficiency of your NFT aquaponics system. Check for any clogging or blockages, which typically occurs around the roots in these types of setups.

pH scale
As with all aquaponics systems you’ll need to keep a careful eye on the pH levels. Of course, each different mix of plant and fish species will have its own optimal pH level, however the generally accepted range for aquaponics is 6.8-7.2.

You can expect levels to rise as more fish waste is produces, and in turn fall again after nitrification has converted the ammonia into nitrites. However, if these levels fall out of safe operating ranges for long, you’ll need to adjust as necessary.

To increase the pH level you can calcium carbonate or potassium carbonate; to lower pH levels you can use muriatic, phosphoric or nitric.

Dissolved oxygen (DO)
DO is extremely important for the fish, and therefore, your plants too. You’ll likely be pleased to hear that you can never really have too much DO, and that the higher requirements from the fish means that if they’re happy, your plants will be too.

The generally accepted DO concentration for aquaponics is around 3PPM, however it’s common for fish to require more, so be sure to check prior to starting.

To increase DO concentrations you can install an air pump with an air stone, or a waterfall, fountain, cascading steps/water feature that agitates the water’s surface to create more DO.

Plant health
You’ll also want to check plants for signs of stress, disease and/or pests. Remove any dead leaves as soon as you spot them. Check the roots are receiving adequate water flow, together with nutrients and chemical concentrations, and remember to act quickly if you see any levels fall out of safe range.

Fish health
Same as the plants you’ll want to regularly assess the fish for signs of stress, disease and/or pests. Should you notice any potential issues then act to resolve them ASAP. Depending on the problem you may also need to clean the system thoroughly prior to restarting the cycle.

Location
As noted the placement of your NFT system should leverage as much natural light, shade and climate temperature as possible. It’s always best to go with a system that’s suitable to the climate of your location, so instead of fighting against mother nature, it will be much easier to harness her power then accent it with grow lights, and/or shading where necessary.