“Cycling” refers to the process of establishing nitrifying bacteria colonies that turn fish waste (ammonia) into usable nitrogen (nitrate) for plants. The bacteria is established and lives in the biofilter of an aquaponics system. This biofilter should always contain a great deal of surface area, so there is plenty of space for the bacteria to colonize. In aquaponics, we are growing fish, plants, and bacteria. Without bacteria, the system will not work.
