A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners
New guy here, and I bring you questions....
Alright so I'm reading the guide on aquaponics and youtubing everything on the subject. I have a couple of questions. First, assuming I'm running a CHOP system should I grow the bacteria and wait the 6 weeks or add the bacteria??? I've heard arguments for both. Second: The whole setup will be on my back porch. I get sun almost all day out back should I shade the plants a little? The tank will be under cover so it wont get sun like the plants will. Thanks for the help guys
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Permalink Reply by Alex Veidel on
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You still have to wait for your colony of bacteria to establish themselves, even if you add bacteria on your own. It just cuts down the time needed for them to find your water and come in on the air.
However, if your itching to get started, you can always cycle with fish instead of fishless cycling. Instead of adding ammonia, just add fish, watch your water levels carefully and do water changes if your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels get to be too high. It's a little riskier for the fish if you're not "on top of things", but you get to start right away.
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