Let the newbie questions begin!
When setting up a new system, is it OK to use tap water as long as you let the system cycle for around 14 days? Does the cycling process itself condition the water so that it's safe?
The reason why I ask is because another guy that I follow on YouTube said that he made the mistake of using tap water in his system and it killed his fish due to the chemicals. Now, I don't know if he was "topping off" his already existing system, but that made me wonder about this question.
Since I don't have an RO system, what is the best thing to do, assuming that I have a brand new aquaponic setup with NO FISH and NO PLANTS......just plumbing and grow beds filled with media. Do I cycle for 2 weeks WITHOUT plants? Or do I cycle for 2 weeks WITH PLANTS while keeping an eye on the water tests (adding ammonia if needed, etc)?