🌱 The Ultimate Guide to Starting an Aquaponics System

by Roger Loper

How to Start an Aquaponics System the Right Way

 

A Step-by-Step Guide Using the TrueNute Aquaponics Start-Up Kit

Starting an aquaponics system the right way is the single most important factor in achieving long-term success. A proper startup builds beneficial bacteria, stabilizes water chemistry, and sets the foundation for healthy fish 🐟 and thriving plants 🌿.

This guide walks you through exactly how to start a new aquaponics system using the TrueNute Aquaponics Start-Up Kit, following the same proven process used by True Aquaponics.

✅ Before You Begin: Set Yourself Up for Success

Preparation is everything. Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of startup failures and unnecessary frustration later on.

🔧 Essential Prep Checklist

Before beginning the startup process, make sure you have:

👉 Click here to view the same testing kit used by True Aquaponics.

📓 Pro Tip: Document everything—water additions, test results, temperatures, and dosing. Detailed records make troubleshooting faster and far less stressful.

💧 Water Quality Matters

If your water contains chlorine or chloramines, they must be removed before beneficial bacteria can colonize your system. Pretreating water in a separate storage tank is ideal, especially once fish are added, as it prevents sudden chemical shocks during top-offs or water changes.

🎯 Target Water Parameters (Before Starting)

Before adding nutrients or ammonia, confirm the following:

  • pH: Ideal target is 6.8

    • Acceptable range: 6.8–7.5

  • Ammonia: 0 PPM

  • System: Fully circulating with strong aeration

⚠️ Circulating is not the same as cycling.

🔧 Important: Adjust pH before adding fish—not after. Both plants and fish perform best around 6.8, and gradual changes are safest if you have fish in the system.

🚀 TrueNute Start-Up Kit Instructions

Day 1: Begin Cycling Your System (Fishless Cycling)

Once your system is stable and running smoothly, it’s time to begin biological cycling.

🧪 Step 1: Add TrueNute Fake Fish

  • Dose TrueNute Fake Fish to bring ammonia levels to 4 PPM

  • Test ammonia before dosing and again 1–2 hours after

  • Record results

🐠 With no fish present, 4 PPM ammonia is both safe and necessary to feed beneficial bacteria, however you can run at 2 PPM for a safer approach.

🌿 Step 2: Add Vegetative Growth Mix (With Nitrate)

  • Add one pre-measured pack of TrueNute Vegetative Growth Mix (with nitrate)

  • Pour directly into an area with strong water movement (fish tank or sump)

  • Do not add directly to media beds

⚙️ Step 3: Add the Micro-Nutrient Pack

  • Carefully open and add the entire Micro-Nutrient Pack

  • Rinse the package thoroughly into the system

  • Avoid losing any dust—those micro-nutrients matter!

✨ This micro-nutrient dose supports early plant health and lasts up to 12 weeks.

📆 Days 1–14: Monitor and Maintain

During the first two weeks:

  • Test ammonia every few days

  • When ammonia drops near 0 PPM, re-dose Fake Fish to bring it back to 4 PPM

  • Log all test results and observations

🚫 No additional nutrients are added during this period.

📉 Day 15: Reduce Ammonia & Feed the System

🌱 Add the Second Vegetative Growth Pack

  • Add the second TrueNute Vegetative Growth Mix (with nitrate)

🎯 Adjust Ammonia Target

  • Begin maintaining ammonia at 2 PPM (instead of 4 PPM)

  • Test more frequently and dose Fake Fish as needed

This gradual reduction prepares your system for fish while continuing bacterial development.

🧬 Day 30: Final Startup Phase

By Day 30, your system should be approaching full biological maturity.

🌿 Add the Final Vegetative Growth Pack

  • Add the third Vegetative Growth Mix (with nitrate)

🧪 What to Test Now

Your system is considered fully cycled when:

  • Ammonia drops to ~0 PPM within 24 hours of dosing

  • Nitrite reads 0 PPM

  • Nitrate measures 20–40 PPM

⚠️ Do not add fish if nitrites are present. Elevated nitrite levels can cause brown blood disease and may be fatal.

🐟 When Can You Add Fish?

You are ready to add fish only when:

  • Ammonia: ~0 PPM

  • Nitrite: ~0 PPM

  • Nitrate: Present but controlled

✔️ If nitrate is present, your system is fully converting waste and is safe for fish introduction.

🔄 After Startup: Ongoing Nutrition

If you want to jump start your system cycling you can add one other product that will add live nitrifying bacteria to your system water. This can save you several weeks or more when cycling the system. Here is a link to the page to view this method. 

"The Most Effective Way to Jump start Your Aquaponics System"

🌟 Final Thoughts

Starting an aquaponics system correctly eliminates most long-term problems before they ever begin. The TrueNute Start-Up Kit removes guesswork by providing measured nutrients, a safe ammonia source, and a proven timeline for cycling your system the right way.

If something doesn’t seem right at any point, reach out to True Aquaponics support—they’re known for hands-on guidance and fast, knowledgeable responses.

💪 A strong start builds a strong system—and a system built right will reward you for years to come.

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