There are good reasons to support adding earthworms to ebb and flow aquaponics growbeds.  Worms feed on small decomposing organic particles, breaking down the faecal bits, dead roots and other material, thus preventing them from blocking the beds.  These smaller particles then have a greatly increased surface area relative to their volume, facilitating further breakdown by heterotrophic bacteria.  In addition, the vermicompost released by the worms mineralises the nutrients in the fish wastes that end up in the bed, freeing these nutrients to become available for the plants.
 
An additional benefit of having worms in the system is that their vermicompost also supresses bacterial and other infectious agents, thereby reducing the potential of negative impacts by these organisms on the plants.  Amazingly, they do this without having a negative impact on the filter bacteria that are crucial to the health of an aquaponics system.
 
Worms require oxygen in order to prevent them drowning, as do the plant roots and filter bacteria.  The ebb and flow cycle within a growbed provides a fantastic environment in which frequent variation between high and low tide ensures that the bed remains damp and well oxygenated.  Under these conditions the worms will thrive, grow and multiply.
 
Earthworms require organic particles as their feed, so I recommend not adding them to a new aquaponics system.  Allow the solids to become visible where the water enters the beds before introducing the worms.
 
The best worms for aquaponics are not the grey worms found in your garden but rather the bright red composting worms available online or from your local nursery.  Give the worms a good rinse in cool water to wash off compost before adding them to your growbeds.  Early morning is the best time to introduce worms before the heat of the day, as worms do not like the heat that is typical of growbed media in the afternoon.
 
Worms are sensitive to chemicals used on traditional crop farms, so be sure not to use anything other than organic or wholesome methods of treating pests in your aquaponics system.  Then again, this is the essence of aquaponics, so add the worms and enjoy the benefits these little workers bring to the system. 
 
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Earthworms do really well in aquaponics growbeds despite the stone appearing inhospitable
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