No system can ever cycle properly if large water changes are made continously. For example, in nature, no water is ever removed from a pond. Only the addition of more water from rain to make up for what has evaporated.

In an Aquaponics system, unlike nature, we control the amout of fish and plants, therefore we have to mimic nature. The bigger the bio-filter the better and lots of oxygenation and the addition of water when needed to make up for evaporation.

I know from experience that tinkering with the system is something that Aquaponist do. It constantly pulls at us to stick our fingers in this way or that. however if a system is set up properly, the less you tinker, the less likely you will have problems.

I have lost no fish in the last 12 months and I never test my water for pH, nitrites, nitrates or anything else. I observe with a weather eye and add water when needed.