- Naomi Stephens | Permaculture Designer
Dehumidifying Options for Aquaponics Kits | Systems
Updated: Apr 26, 2022

Aquaponics systems can raise the humidity in your home because it's essentially a large bowl of water, that's going to emit vapor.
I personally do not have any problem with humidity.
However, there are certain situations where humidity may be a problem.
Too much humidity can damage the integrity of buildings. Mold and mildew could also arise which can have problems for health.
It's therefore important to address this issue and I strongly advise you to at least get a humidity tester if you have a fish tank or aquaponics system.
This article also looks at signs of humidity problems and solutions.

What is Ideal humidity?
Energy Star suggests humidity should be 30-50%
If you're unsure about what your humidity percentage is and would like to check then get a humidity tester.
I use Thermo Pro
Where humidity will not be a problem
If you live in a dry climate, then the air from outside is going to balance the equation for you.
You may also have cooling/dehumidifying equipment that already takes care of humidity.
Where humidity may be a problem
If you live in a naturally humid climate, like a hot country, or you have a hot spell increasing the natural humidity, then humidity may become a problem.
If this is the case it's best to buy a humidifier and quite possibly a humidity tester to ensure the humidity stays at least less than 50%.
How to prevent humidity arising from aquaponics
Natural measures for humidity include:
rock salt - place this in a bucket to pull the moisture from the air
baking soda - place in a large container close to the aquaponics system to naturally pull humidity from the air
Other remedies for a humidifier
Electric Humidifiers
Disposable humidifier packs
Disposable humidifier packs:
Electric Dehumidifiers:
Signs of humidity
Condensation might appear on windows or mirrors.
Moisture will be on the walls and surfaces.
Look for peeling paint or notice creaking floorboards
Check for scents, mildew has a moldy or smoky smell
Check for any dark spots or dark green discoloration on your surfaces.
Remedies for humidity
Spray the mold or mildew with tea tree oil or grapeseed oil
Open the windows more often for natural ventilation
Turn your ac on auto mode to keep it running for ventilation
Install air ventilation if you don't have any.
Finally, it's important that you do not skip this step as it is best to take preventative measures to tackle mold and mildew in your home.
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Sources
https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/identify_problems_you_want_fix
https://homeclimates.com/blog/tips-controlling-homes-humidity