Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have a bit of a problem. We are having a late winter which has delayed my completion of my aquaponic build. I just finished it in time for another blanket of snow to cover it . The guy who is supposed to bring my trout is coming through my area in 20 days. In other words not enough time for me to do a through fishless cycle.

I heard you could cycle the system with fish but it would be best to do it with less fish and then add in more later. Since this guy is coming from 3 hours away I don't think I can get more fish for him since I doubt I could transport them such a long distance. Does anyone have any ideas? Can I add fish in mid "fishless cycle"? It sounds like a bad idea.

I have a small system which is 30 gallons that I could transfer water from to perhaps jump start the cycle a bit but it 1/15th the size so I don't know if it will make a difference. Any thoughts?

Ask yourself another question.

If you weren't doing AP system, but just a FT for growing fish, when would you add the fish?

Not ideal, actually far from ideal. These are some suggestions from years as aquarium hobbyists.

1. Think frequent, very frequent water change, and make sure chlorine or chloramine of tap water are taken into consideration before adding as replacement.

2. Borrow, buy, or beg from friends or pet shops for their pads/media from functioning bio-filters. Best way to jump start so long one doesn't kill or harm them with chlorine/choramine water.

Not sure how AP fit into all this, I assume media in growbed will eventually host or house bacteria ... and plants will use nitrogen of different 'whatever'. I don't know enough to talk about it.

you haven't said how many fish you are getting and the volume of your fish tank.'
there is some leeway because [presumably] your fish will be small , and you can ease back on feeding for a few weeks.
[ this presumes your system design and plan was based on appropriate stocking for growing out fish ]

presume you have a test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate testing ?
(you will need one)

is you 30 Gal already with fish ?


>> If you weren't doing AP system, but just a FT for growing fish, when would you add the fish?

after you have run-up and cycled your system and filter/biofilter ....
and similarly even commercial aquaculture systems are run up.

ammonia & nitrites are an issue no matter what fish raising business you are in.

@toffee >> Think frequent, very frequent water change, and make sure chlorine or chloramine of tap water are taken into consideration before adding as replacement.

water changes are the primary option if levels start to rise. plus lots of air (high DO) and salt. This will help with the nitrite stage and provide some small relief from the ammonia.

also maybe you can have some extra temporary storage ?? That would help keep stocking ratios down and may be a bit of insurance.

note Toffees warning about your water.....

you have to be very very careful using any aquarium/pond products when you are going to eat the fish'/ produce.

VTHinterlands

Can I add fish in mid "fishless cycle"?

Definitely Yes, if you use what you already have.

It sounds like a bad idea.

Yes, to some here, especially the ones that can't figure out what you already have.

I have a small system which is 30 gallons that I could transfer water from to perhaps jump start the cycle a bit

That's your solution, a system already in production. You have all the ingredients that will shorten your new 450 gal system, cycle time.

Think of your present 30 gal system, as to a person making Sour Dough bread. The yeast starter that's from my Father's side of the family is from a starter over 300 years old. On my mothers side the starter is over 200 years old.

Your 30 gal system is the Bio-Starter for your new 450 gal system. Syphon off 10-15 gal's a day from the return line from your present GB and before the FT and add it to your new 450 gal system .

Add also the sludge from your present GB to your new GB, that's just another starter mix.

but it 1/15th the size so I don't know if it will make a difference. Any thoughts?

Yes, never mind taking advice as to "you have to be very very careful using any aquarium/pond products when you are going to eat the fish'/ produce."

As you state you have a 30 gal system in place now, what better way to use "aquarium/pond products" than your own that you trust to produce fish and veggies already.

i started with 50 or so trout fingerlings in 2500l of water and cycled with them, they were all fine.
dont feed for awhile, then only feed very little until it is "cycled"... but of coarse you must think of "cycled" as the system being able to cope with current input rates, rather than "i have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, my system is cycled".... because when you suddenly up the feed rate, your system effectively isnt cycled anymore.

as long as you didnt go buying too many for your water and media volume you should be fine.