In RAS biofilters, there is multiple ammonia oxidizing bacteria including bacteria of the genera Nitrosomonas, Nitrosococcus, Nitrosospira, Nitrosolobus and Nitrosovibrio. There is also nitrite oxidizing bacteria from genera Nitrobacter, Nitrococcus, Nitrospira and Nitrospina. Depending on your water source, these bacteria coexist with heterotrophic microorganisms such heterotrophic bacteria, protozoa and micrometazoa which metabolize organic compounds. Theses organisms are more apt to degrade the amount of phosphorus in your system.

Dear Stacy,

Besides microbial consumption, Phosphorus in aquaponic systems will also be consumed by phyto and zooplankton as well. 

Cordially.

Phosphorus availability decreased with increase in pH. High pH values results in the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate. Also, if you are particularly interested in the use of microbial activity you can have a look at introducing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

Dear Stacy,

A variety of bacterial communities and microbes might be present within the aquaponic system. However, the focus has historically been on nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas and Nitrospira), as they are necessary to be present, in order to convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate.

In the end, I have attached a comprehensive reference here with respect to the practical operation and balance of aquaponics. As I am working on LCA of aquaponic systems, I found this reference highly useful on a practical perspective.

Hope you find it useful,

Ramin

AOA(Nitrosomonas, nitrosococcus, nitrosovibrio etc.) and NOB (Nitrobactor, nitrococcus etc.) are dominant in aquaponics, which are crucial in nitrification and dentrification. However, other microbes like fusobacteria, acidobacteria etc. are also present, despite of there minimal or no influence to aquaponic nutrient transformation.