Last month we focussed on the bacteria system as the crucial element in aquaponics to form a complete ecosystem with the fish and plants. It is very important for an aquaponics system to remain in balance to create optimal conditions for health and growth.
The system is in balance when the ammonia released by the fish is changed into nitrites and nitrates by bacteria, and when there are enough plants to absorb and use up the nitrates before the water goes back to the fish. This happens when the number of fish and plants are in balance and the bacteria had enough time to do their work. This process is called: Cycling up.
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