Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've seen a lot of videos online where people planted as soon as construction was done and before adding fish. They mention "Fish Safe nutrients" and powdered seaweed but I am having a hard time finding which ones to use. OR would it just be better to cycle first?

As soon as water is flowing you can add plants. Fish safe nutrients are usually in the form of a seaweed extract and also chelated iron. A good combination of the two is maxicrop plus iron, the alternative is seasol or any other seaweed extract. You basically need to feed the plants until the cycle establishes. I helped set up a system for a friend and he didn't add fish or anything for 6 months and his plants grew extremely well on just water alone.

Thank you very much. I was wondering if this would affect the ammount of time that cycling would take as well.

And in the 'off' season, like I am, between trout and getting summer fish, you can run it on a source of ammonia like charlie carp extract or urine.

I have trout and they are starting to get harvested because of the heat. I've missed the 'fingerling' silver perch stage and have to wait until DEC/JAN when the spawnlings that are happening now grow out.

Mantis a member here - is a good example of fishless cycling.