Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Please post the specs on your system..

2- 1000 gal Ft's, 1-1250 gallon Ft
6- 265 gallon FT's- juvi tanks
6- 1/2 IBC fry tanks
1- 265 gallon shade cloth filter
1- 265 gallon mbbr
1- 265 gallon sump
5- 55 gallon RFF
1- 100 gpm pump
1- 1 HP blower

Damn CoachChris, that is gigantic. Hope you get it sorted out soon, obviously a lot on the line

Ok, here is the first advice I have been given by Paul on your system or any system for that matter.
Wait it out. Don't make any drastic changes. Salt for the nitrites to protect your fish. Let the biofilter establish. Only feed a small amount to maintain a steady state. Big drastic changes is bad for fish and biofilter bugs.
Sometimes it can take a very long time for these nitrites to go down, months in some cases. I know you didn't want to hear that but that's what I was told.

Don't aerate the netting tank anymore. Just keep a good cleaning schedule.

Keep alkalinity above 80mg/L and you should be fine. When dosing don't shock dose with anything. Nice and slow is the way to go.

I know this is probably not the answer you wanted. There is not a quick fix at this moment. You have to wait it out.

By drastic changes I mean to flow to plumbing to anything.. Keep a steady pace and wait it out.

I didnt know you kept in such good contact with paul. Sounds like great advice. Not that i know enough to ever question paul but it also lines up with my experience both academic and backyard.

Paul is a great guy, very helpful and definitely knows his stuff. One of the few that you can trust for good advice imho.

Thanks. Nitrites were down to .25 today. After another large water change and no feed.

I fed 8 oz to all tanks, and will keep waiting. Ryan suggested the same thing in regards to pumping sump water back to mbbr to increase retention time. It can't hurt, and I have excess water that I can do that with. I reduced airflow in mbbr and removed the air from shade cloth/netting filter.

and the saga continues...

I should buy stock in a salt company. Dosing with 50-100 lbs at a time is getting expensive. Water change, check nitrites, add salt, repeat. Pretty much a money pit at this point. I keep telling myself that it's a hobby, and it keeps me out of bars, not that I frequent them anyways, but it sounds good.

I've discovered that the best way to lose money in a RAS system is to start one, and the best way to lose a lot of money in a RAS system, is to start a large one. Luckily, in RAS standards, mine is tiny.

You could also sink your money into a boat... At least with RAS, as long as your fish live through the grow out you know you will get fish. Whereas with a boat you only "might" catch fish...

Good point Ron. I'm trying to trade by Harley for a boat as I write this. Yes, they're expensive, but from my experience, much more so when you don't use them. I had my last boat for 10 years and the first 5 I took her out weekly. Never had a problem. Got busy, started waiting weeks, months to get out...problems. Take them out and take care of them, they'll be good to you.

Chris.

What pump specifically did do you have. Just curious. Thank u.

I can't recall the name...I think evolution 8500. I should give about 95-100 gmp at my lift.

Kayaks won't have the same problem as a boat

Thanks cc. I don't have a backup pump and don't like my pump very much...

Chris did you start any of your peppers yet? I have jalapeños and a couple Trinidad scorpions for my hots but I'm doing mostly sweet peppers this year along with everything else. I think you told me you were going to try the sauce with the Carolina reaper this year