Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have my system set up and have started a fishless cycling process by adding controlled amounts of pure ammonia. I will, but have not yet built a greenhouse for my system and my water temperature has been in the 58-65F range over the past week or so. I have been adding keeping my ammonia levels between 3-4ppm for the last 9 days, but have not been able to measure any nitrites or nitrates and have attributed this to low temperatures. From what I have read, these temperatures greatly reduce the speed at which the necessary bacteria develop and grow. The temperature is also below what is ideal for Tilapia so I have ordered a 500w submersible water heater. If I am able to heat the FT to 75F and place a tarp over my GB's, should that speed up the cycling process? The current temperatures in my Savannah, GA are around 45-65F and should remain in that range for the next 2 weeks. My vegetable seedlings are almost ready to be planted so I want to get my system cycled as soon as possible. Any help will be much appreciated.

Fair winds and following seas,
HB

Your system will cycle in those temperatures but it could take up to 6 weeks or so.

Plant your things when ever you are ready. They will do just fine for a long while, even before your system cycles.

I'm in Savannah too. Its been way too cold recently for anything to grow. Hopefully March will be kind with temperatures. I have some tilapia fingerlings growing indoor and goldfish outside now. They seem like they can endure the cold.