Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi all,

I have just finished my system. I planted it yesterday.
I am having some issues.
I had measurable nitrites for several days at 1ppm and when I checked the system the next day there
were no nitrites again.

I found a piece of steel that fell in the tank that I had not noticed before.

I removed the steel. I don't know why the nitrites went away.

Any advice would be great.
Thanks
Craig

Hi seemore,

You might have to give us a bit more info about your system so we can help.

+1

Definitely need more info

Any fish yet? Was any ammonia put in earlier to fishless cycle?

I have a 200 gallon IBC fish tank. 6 1/2 barrel gb's and the top of the tote for a gb. 2 55 gallon barrels for a sump.
black cinder media. Flood and drain with a 2000 gph pump that runs 15 minutes an hour.

I am doing a fishless cycling by adding ammonia to keep the am. level at 2-4 ppm.
water temp is only low 60's.
Thanks
Craig

Hi Craig,

It sounds like your Nitrites went away because your system is at least partially cycled. Ammonia -- Nitrites --- Nitrates is the order. Cycling can occur at cooler than 60 degrees.

My system is running in the low 50's still. Makes me think your either running in a greenhouse, a basement or are in a warmer, sunnier part of Oregon .