{"id":55,"date":"2021-04-09T15:52:19","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T15:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaponicseasy.com\/?p=55"},"modified":"2022-03-04T21:02:05","modified_gmt":"2022-03-04T21:02:05","slug":"aquaponics-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaponicseasy.com\/aquaponics-cycling\/","title":{"rendered":"Aquaponics Cycling – What Is Aquaponics Cycling?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cycling the fish tank is a mandatory process in every aquaponics system out there. Its primary role is to help establish beneficial bacteria around the environment. The cycling process may seem confusing to a newbie, but the truth is there is not too much work to do. In fact, aquaponics cycling is all about following the right steps at the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you consider making your own aquaponics system or you want to purchase one, you need to consider the plants and fish upfront. You need to set the system and while there is not too much maintenance required, you do have to look after specific aspects in the process. However, the environment is symbiotic and less likely to trouble you too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A little education is critical when thinking about aquaponics cycling. The first rule implies adding some ammonia to the system. You can do it with fish or without fish at all. Ammonia has the role to attract beneficial bacteria, which will help with the symbiotic connections between the fish and the plants. So, what next?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting the cycle \u2013 Bring the fish in<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can start the aquaponics cycling process without any fish at all. In fact, it is even easier to do it this way, as it can cause less frustration. The job is, however, much easier. There is no extra input, so there is not much to be concerned about. The process starts with water \u2013 add some water to fill the system and turn the pump on. It should run for a few days \u2013 up to three days sometimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This first step has the main role to dissipate the chlorine<\/a> \u2013 chances are you will use tap water anyway. During this stage, you should not add any plants or fish. The process is all about the water treatment. A few days later, you can bring in the first fish. It does not necessarily have to be the fish you want for the aquaponics system, but sacrificial fish. For example, goldfish is quite inexpensive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once in there, the fish will produce some waste, which is rich in ammonia. The ammonia will then draw some bacteria in<\/a> and this is how it all begins. While you can add some seedlings to the grow beds<\/a>, it might be wise to wait for a week or two. The levels of ammonia will skyrocket over this time frame. Avoid feeding the fish, as you risk causing even more problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"aquaponic
SOURCE: https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/534098837046113269\/<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is not cruel behavior towards fish, as most fish can go without food for more than two weeks. At this point, the ammonia concentration is relatively high. Bacteria will eventually turn it into nitrites, but you need to give it time to settle down. There are two bacteria you need in the process \u2013 Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first bacteria will turn ammonia into nitrites. The level will keep going up. About three to four weeks into the cycle, the level will peak. However, nitrites are harmful. Luckily, they attract the second bacteria, which will turn them into nitrate. This is the nutrient you want for your plants. The good news is it is not toxic to fish either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested article: Best Fish for Aquaponics & a Few Great Alternatives to Try<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring the plants in<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plants should be added after the cycle begins. They will get the nitrogen from ammonia, yet this is not the ideal case. They will also absorb nitrites to a certain degree. Plants will be happy once all the microorganisms are established and nitrates become available. This is when the cycling is complete and every organism in your system is happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plants will start developing roots as soon as they get in there. Some of the leaves might turn yellow or even fall \u2013 this is perfectly normal, so do not worry about it. The first few weeks are less likely to bring in a significant growth \u2013 it does not mean that your plants are dying though. If you add them early, they will catch up with the process fairly fast, so they are ready to absorb fish waste straight away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some experts rely on growth stimulants<\/a>, which will also help. Make sure you opt for something organic \u2013 you do not want any toxic chemicals in the environment. Luckily, many of them are harmless to fish and they can even help with bacteria. As for how much stimulant to add, simply read the instructions \u2013 it depends on the size of the system and the amount of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested article: 11 Best Plants For Aquaponics: Best Options & Less Common Plants<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"aquaponics<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to monitor the aquaponics cycling process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The aquaponics cycling process should be monitored to ensure you do it by the book. Normally, the process lasts anywhere between four and six weeks. With these thoughts in mind, you will have to find a method to identify what phase you are at. There are simple ways to do it \u2013 most commonly, you need to monitor the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an eye on the pH, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia. Make sure these components are in the optimal range. If they are not, you may need to take some action. Checking the water on a daily basis will show you significant changes, which can be interesting to observe. You will not be able to do all these without a testing kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reach the required range and you are done. At this point, the system is well cycled. You can add more fish in a gradual manner \u2013 they do not require much more monitoring. The process is mandatory to ensure a good start in this venture \u2013 whether you do it for yourself or with commercial purposes. Cycling the system right ensures you can reap the benefits of your hard work and investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from the above mentioned measurements, you will also need to keep an eye on the water temperature. The temperature must be optimal \u2013 mostly for the fish than the plants. You require a proper balance between different organisms. Just like you require a testing kit for the water, you will also have to purchase a submersible thermometer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What conditions to consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a bunch of environmental conditions you must think about during the aquaponics cycling process and each of them plays a significant role in the process. For instance, the temperature is ideal around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Getting out of these limits will affect both the fish and your plants in the long run. Other factors to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

pH<\/strong> \u2013 around seven<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chlorine<\/strong> \u2013 Fully neutralized<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chloramines<\/strong> \u2013 toxic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light<\/strong> \u2013 no UV light during the cycling process<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salinity<\/strong> \u2013 usually between zero and six ppt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dissolved oxygen<\/strong> \u2013 more than 80% saturation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Micronutrients<\/strong> \u2013 phosphorous is the most important one<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a short final conclusion, the aquaponics cycling may have a few things in common with the actual system in terms of requirements. But then, it is totally different. You are hoping to grow some beneficial bacteria in the system, so you need to follow the rules associated with them. At the same time, fish and plants will come with a bunch of extra requirements as well, meaning you need to check those out too. Luckily, it is not that difficult to find a middle solution that works for everyone.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested articles:
– Aquaponics for Beginners \u2013 Everything You Need to Know Upfront<\/a>
– Aquaponics Costs \u2013 How Much To Spend For Your Organic Food<\/a>
– How To Determine The Ideal Fish To Plant Ratio For Aquaponics?<\/a>
– Desktop Aquaponics Explained \u2013 Is It a Good Option?<\/a>
– Aquaponics Air Pump \u2013 Everything You Need to Know<\/a>
– What is Aquaponics Farm? \u2013 Types, Benefits and Drawbacks<\/a>
– Best Types Of Aquaponics Grow Lights To Consider For Your Project<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cycling the fish tank is a mandatory process in every aquaponics system out there. Its primary role is to help establish beneficial bacteria around the environment. The cycling process may seem confusing to a newbie, but the truth is there is not too much work to do. In fact, aquaponics cycling is all about following the right steps at the right time. Whether you consider making your own aquaponics system or you want to purchase one, you need to consider the plants and fish upfront. You need to set the system and while there is not too much maintenance required, <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":77,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nAquaponics Cycling - What Is Aquaponics Cycling?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cycling the fish tank is a mandatory process in every aquaponics system out there. 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