Can Hydroponic"Dripping观音"Be Used to Raise Fish?
Aquaponics, a symbiotic system of hydroponic plants and ornamental fish, has gained popularity in recent years, but not all plants are suitable for this type of farming. This article will take "Dripping观音" as an example to deeply analyze the potential risks of co-cultivation with fish and provide a safe and feasible fish-plant symbiotic solution.
Analysis of the Toxicity Mechanism of Dripping观音
Characteristics of Plant Toxins
Dripping观音 (Scientific name: Alocasia macrorrhizos) contains calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids throughout its plant, which can cause redness, swelling, and itching when in contact with the skin. The juice secreted from the stem and leaves after damage is more toxic, and if dripped into the water, it can become a continuous source of pollution. Experimental data shows that 0.5ml of plant juice per liter of water can lead to the death of small fish within 2 hours.
Double Pollution Pathways
In addition to direct contact, the unique "dripping phenomenon" of this plant continuously releases toxic liquid into the water. This is especially evident in the early morning, with a single mature plant capable of excreting 3-5ml of liquid daily. This chronic poisoning process often leads to gradual symptoms in fish, such as slow movement and peeling of the mucous membrane on the body surface.
Guide to Building a Safe Symbiotic System
Recommended Hydroponic Plants
Recommended plants include Epipremnum aureum (Green Vine) and Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) without (D-P) types: 1. Epipremnum aureum: The leathery leaves reduce rotting. 2. Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant): Developed aerial roots purify water quality. 3. Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Moneywort): Floating characteristics create shaded spaces.
Selection Criteria for Ornamental Fish
It is recommended to choose species with a body length < 5cm that consume less oxygen: • Guppy: Tolerant to low oxygen and has strong breeding ability. • Zebra Danio: Adaptable to a wide range of water temperatures (18-30℃). • Baiyun Golden Thread: Group swimming enhances ornamental value. Maintain a density standard of 1cm of fish per liter of water and use an aeration pump to keep the dissolved oxygen level > 5mg/L.
Key Points for System Maintenance
Regularly replace 1/3 of the water volume and use tap water aerated for 3 days. Add nitrifying bacteria culture solution (5ml per 10 liters of water) to establish a biological filtration system. Control lighting to 2000-3000lux to prevent excessive algae growth that consumes oxygen.
For enthusiasts who insist on cultivating Dripping观音, it is recommended to use an independent hydroponic system with a double-layer container to physically isolate the roots from the water, which can both observe the unique shape and avoid the risk of ecological pollution. Regularly check the container's seal to ensure that dripped liquid does not come into contact with the aquaculture water.