Based on the first two grow beds, it takes about 2-3 months for the bacteria to really establish in the scoria of the grow beds. After many hours of washing, I've prepared another four grow beds in preparation of the spring planting of tomatoes, capsicum, beans, more lettuce, oregano and perhaps zucchini. The level of the scoria is not high enough to plant but enough to start the bacteria cycle.
The single pump in the middle tank has proved powerful enough to pump to all six beds, and I can still add one or two more - I'll like to try trellis apples once this system is well established!
It is early July and I'm looking forward to warmer weather (and longer daylight hours) when I can purchase some silver perch fingerlings for the middle tank and some more yabbies for tank one. Though both are fairly hardy, the colder temperatures can raise the mortality rate significantly - patience, patience, patience and let the system develop and cycle by adding stock and plants slowly over time.
