Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Matt from Austin here. My interest peaked in aquaponics about a month ago. I did some research and decided on building my own IBC tote system. I want to supplement our family's produce now. If I can successfully get this system up and running, I'd like to expand and produce enough goodies to sell.
I bought 2 IBC totes today, 2 of them being gray. I cut the top off one of the gray ones approx 6-8" down in order to facilitate some small plants and a big enough fish tank. I plan to cut the other 2 totes in half so I can have deep enough grow beds for some bigger veggies (tomatoes, grapes, I might even plans the top of a pineapple and see how that goes). That will have a total of 4 deep grow beds, one shallow, and one fish tank capable of holding atleast 200 gallons.

Ive got a few questions. I'm unsure on cycling...I've got the Texas Aquaponics Guide, so I know about the cycle. How do I get the 2 types of bacteria to grow in order to get the system cycling? Do I need to buy the bacteria or will it grow naturally?
I filled the fish tank this evening with 100 gallons of rainwater and plopped in 10 Shubunkins.
I plan on filling one of the grow beds tomorrow or Friday. Do I need to have all the media beds and plants filled up and set up in order to cycle? What would y'all suggest? Thanks!

G'day Matt

Welcome to the forum

Sounds like you've got some good plans - great.

Remember to start a thread of your system under Member's Systems -and we love piccies.

Mate, the bacteria are naturally occuring, so just get the system up and running and they will come. Definitely don't buy 'em as it doesn't make any noticeable difference to your cycling time.

Welcome to the forum

Welcome.

Thanks guys! I'm going to be working on my system in the next few days and I'll post pictures in the 'Members Systems' section. Any useful tips for a DIY, first-time AP starter? I'm most concerned with the cycling....I'm afraid I'm going to kill my plants or fish because this is my first time.

The best tip that I can think of is do not worry about things too much. If something dies right away, think gee I'm glad I started with cheap fish and plants. Watch your parameters, but don't be too reactive or you could slow things down.

Sounds good. I found some old futon frames in the garage, and I'm measuring to see if I can use some of those for grow bed stands, instead of cutting the IBC cage. I'll post pics tonight.

I started a thread for my build in the 'Members systems' section titled 'Newbie from Austin'.