Aquaponics

Question

I have an 80 gallon indoor aquaponics setup in a 10’× 8′ room in my basement. It has two 4’×2′ beds (14″ deep) filled with hydroton. In them are about 8-10 various (fruiting) vegetable plants. I’m going on my second year with the same 6 fat goldfish I started it with (which I have grown quite fond of). I have red wigglers and a thriving beneficial environment established as well. I run the pump 24 hours 7 days a week. I have recently encountered a double pest problem for the first time ever: fungus gnats AND spider mites! So far I have done two thorough stays with azomax. I’m wondering if there is any other natural supplement I can use for a fast recovery without harming my goldfish and to keep this from ever getting out of hand again?? Thank you, Chad.

Answer 1

Releasing predatory insects or mites that feed on the pests might be the best solution. Seaweed extract can also help strengthen the plant's defenses against these pests. Unfortunately, most of the chemical controls, even natural ones like neem, are not safe for fish.

See the Biological Control sections of these articles:
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7405.html
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7448.html

Also see these articles:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/fungus-gnats.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-control.htm