Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi
I am cycling my system.
What this really means is I am creating the conditions for the bacteria I want to grow.
“As I understand it” Nitrosomes convert ‘ammonia’ to nitriites and nitrobacter.sp convert nitrites to nitrates.
My ammonia is low. My nitrites are high.
So logically I need to create conditions for nitrobacter.sp to grow.
Wikipedia says;
Nitrobacter have an optimum pH between 7.3 and 7.5, and will die in temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C) or below 32°F (0°C).[1]
According to Grundmann, Nitrobacter seem to grow optimally at 38°C and at a pH of 7.9, but Holt states that Nitrobacter grow optimally at 28°C and grows within a pH range of 5.8 -8.5 and has an pH optima between 7.6 and 7.8.[2][3] Nitrobacter belongs to the α-subclass of the Proteobacteria.[3][4]
So;
split the difference; a bucket of water; adjust the PH with added water to 7.9 keep at a temperature of 33* add an air stone. Realistically in the UK this would mean leaving a bucket of water overnight next to a central heating radiator.
You all know far more than me so your thoughts, opinions and experience are welcome

Titus

Once the Nitrosomonas have shown up and you're getting conversion of Ammonia to Nitrite the Nitrobacter would already be present in large number and your Nitrites only days from peaking... so the difference, if you could maintain the absolute ideal temp and pH in the system, especially the gravel grow beds, would be a matter of maybe a day or two at most I would imagine... but creating the absolute ideal conditions in only a bucket of water then adding that back into the system would make no difference whatsoever IMO... the bacteria live on the gravel and surfaces such as GB and FT walls, there's absolutely miniscule amounts in the water.

My suggestion would simply be to relax, stop wasting brain space on stuff you don't need to, drink beer, be happy... and keep doing daily Amm, Nitrite and Nitrate tests... your system is not far from being cycled.

Agreed. Don't stress, it's not far away now.

Dear Dr Damage
Thank you.
Your diagnosis is 100% correct.
However I am experiencing problems with the treatment.
When I drink beer I want to do a water chemistry test.
The patches help! I am now down to five tests a day!
Would a switch to whiskey help or should I try hypnosis?
Titus

You are over thinking things again.

Which do you enjoy more? The beer, the whiskey or both?