Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

What is the first thing needed in order to get an aquaponics system started after buying the tanks and fish?

You don‘t get fish before you get your AP system started. First thing is read the IBC of Aquaponics at the top right of the forum page. Make sure your system is set up and cycled before you get fish. Have fun!

Do you really?
We bought the complete system, added water, let the chlorine evaporate, started the pump, added fish and plants.

thats fine wil.

just dont add too many fish, also goldfish are best at handling the nutrient spike you will get.

people just say not to do it because it may kill a few fish, but i cycled with trout originally.....

There is no reason why you can't add fish straight to a new uncycled system.

+1

As long as you salt, and don't feed/feed sparingly until it's cycled.

What?
Our fish are sprinting to the food and it's gone before you blink.

yea it doesnt matter if the fish want to feed or not, if you arent cycled and you dump food down their throats they will die from ammonia poisoning.

+1 for this - the biggest issue is only to stock only a few fish initially for a couple of months.

I would go straight to fish, just keep it to a few to start off with and don't over feed.
And make sure there is a good circulation / splash / aeration.

keep to something hardy.... add fish about a week after system has been circulating.

[edit] and don't add any ammonia or excessive plant food/fertiliser. Just let the fish and bacteria do their thing.

Just keep an eye on the amonia