Insect and caterpillar are a common threat in aquaponics setup just as in any garden. When you do aquaponics, some people automatically thought it is organic. To be honest aquaponics and Organic are two different item.
You can be aquaponics and organic at the same time if you follow the strict organic farming or gardening guidelines. It will be difficult if you are just starting out on aquaponics and at the same time trying to follow the organic requirements due to too steep a learning curve. Those that has practice either aquaponics or organics for a long period of time it will then be an easier process especially if you are already an Organic Enthusiast.
I had tried various organic spray to control bugs, caterpillars etc, none seems to work. In my setup I use non-organic insecticide to get those under control. I know some guys will not agree with this, but it's okay. Everyone are entitle to their own way of doing things.
I had use non-organic insecticide as a direct spray onto the plants in my growbed, and so far I do not have any fish killed. I follow strictly to the instruction on the label, observe all precaution and most of the time I will use a more diluted mix.
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A safe way to apply non-organic insecticide is to apply them away from the growbed, this is easy if you have plants grown in pots where they are easily move to a safer environment for spraying.
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Even through I practice direct spraying onto growbed plants, those plants that in pots I'll spray them away from growbed and the fish tank.
Disclaimer
This is how I practice using non organic insecticide, I'm not in any way recommending or endorsing any particular chemical, poison or manufactured product for use in the Aquaponics practice. Any usage of any poison or chemical is solely at your own risk.
You can be aquaponics and organic at the same time if you follow the strict organic farming or gardening guidelines. It will be difficult if you are just starting out on aquaponics and at the same time trying to follow the organic requirements due to too steep a learning curve. Those that has practice either aquaponics or organics for a long period of time it will then be an easier process especially if you are already an Organic Enthusiast.
I had tried various organic spray to control bugs, caterpillars etc, none seems to work. In my setup I use non-organic insecticide to get those under control. I know some guys will not agree with this, but it's okay. Everyone are entitle to their own way of doing things.
I had use non-organic insecticide as a direct spray onto the plants in my growbed, and so far I do not have any fish killed. I follow strictly to the instruction on the label, observe all precaution and most of the time I will use a more diluted mix.
Disclaimer
This is how I practice using non organic insecticide, I'm not in any way recommending or endorsing any particular chemical, poison or manufactured product for use in the Aquaponics practice. Any usage of any poison or chemical is solely at your own risk.