The Nitrogen Cycle.
- There are two different bacteria that break down wastes from the fish, the first is Nitrosomonas, which converts Ammonia into Nitrites. These Nitrites are then converted into Nitrates by Nitrobacter bacteria, the plants can then consume the nitrates to grow
- One essential unseen element to an aquaponic system is the benefitial bacteria. The bacteria flourish in the dark moist gravel filled grow beds, and break down elements in the water into a form which the plants can absorb and use. An aquaponic system is organic due to it's very own nature. Synthetic fertilisers can't be fed to the plants or it will adversely affect the fish and the beneficial bacteria, the system has to be kept natural.
