Speeding Up The Cycling Process

Speeding Up The Cycling Process

When cycling aquaponics systems, the process can be speeded up by adding bacteria to the system, rather than waiting for it to show up on it’s own. Heating the water to the optimum temperature will speed things up further.

Aquaponics, ækwəˈpɒnɨks, pisciponics

Bacteria can be obtained from the following sources:

• Media from an existing aquaponics system
• Filter media from an established, disease-free aquarium or pond
• Squeezings from a filter sponge, from an established, disease-free aquarium or pond
• Gravel from an established, disease-free aquarium
• Commercial bacteria product eg. Cycle – the jury is still out on the effectiveness of these products

The best temperature range for cycling aquaponics systems is between 86-95°F (30-35°C). This is the optimal range for the nitrifying bacteria. You can use a suitably rated aquarium heater, or multiple heaters, to raise the temperature during cycling. You will need to monitor the temperature, and the easiest way is to use a floating pond thermometer. Once cycling is complete allow the temperature to drop to the right level, then do a water change as mentioned previously.