Sorry, drank it all. Let's talk theory.
Knowing nitrifying bacteria are of a myriad of species I theorise:
- the 'optimal' conditions for nitrifying bacteria are useful guidelines, but only relevant to the species studied.
- because bacteria just 'arrive' in your system, and are capable of changing chemistry and function, they will immediately begin adapting to the survival of their existing environment leading to an eventual 'buffered' system outside of recommended temperature and pH recommendations..
(Ask any scientist they'll tell you they're nowhere near to mapping the extent of bacterial diversity)
- that cold water Aquaponics will work as well, but take longer to establish before production explodes (say 9 months, as opposed to six, or 3-4 with good starter culture)
- that fish demanding or tolerating extreme pH will also work in aquaponics, again, a longer period to reach system stability
The problem is, with seasonal differences I've never kept a system cold long enough to test my theories. Months of 17 degrees did little to halt the progress of plant growth though fish (goldfish), fed less than usual.
Is the additional benthos not being used in cold conditions (less feeding = less waste = less bacteria needed) taking up the slack by being digested as nutrients themselves?
Food for thought, and perhaps bacteria.
SNEAKY 