Light Feeding Crops: Light feeding crops are used when system start-up has just begun and a new batch of fish have been added to the system. After adding the fish to the system a short waiting period of 7-10 days is recommended before adding seedlings to allow nitrifying bacteria to begin manifesting. Wait until the first formation of nitrate is measured before adding your first crops. 

It is best to begin with just arugula in the float bed to ensure no deficiencies will occur as it is a very light feeder compared to most other crops. Once arugula show healthy growth then other light feeders can be applied to the float bed and crops can be added to the media bed. 

Light feeding crops are best to use: 

            -Between 7-10 days and 2 months after system initiation or re-set

            -When nutrient concentration is low (b/t 40-100 mg/L Nitrate, EC = 0.8-1.5 mS)

            -When fish are in their fingerling stage (b/t 10-50 grams)

Crops for the Float Bed 

Crops for the Media Bed