High Nitrite problems

[Heath Lambeth]

Hello I'm new to Aquaponics and still going through my cycling period. Well for two months now. I chose to do the fishless cycle. But I can not get my nitrite down. I'm running a 275 fish tank and two ibc 150 grow beds. I just recently added liquid seaweed to my system bc my plants were doing poorly I have drained and refilled three times already. Anything I can do?.

Ph: 7.9
Ammonia: .25
Nitrite: 5++
Nitrate: 40
Temp: 72

[George]

The presence of nitrate indicates progress.  

Try to be patient.  

It might happen faster if water was warmer but I wouldn't be concerned.

You're going about it properly.

[Heath Lambeth]

Thanks George! Should I still be dosing ammonia or do I need to wait till the nitrites go down?

[George]

Since you are fishless, I would add ammonia to feed to feed the bacteria which feed on it.  There is a lot of information on this site about cycling which you might be interested in - try searching.  

[Aqua Dan]

Hey Heath, try lowering your PH using PH Down by general hydroponics, your plants want a ph of 5.5 to 6.5 but shoot for the higher end(6.5)that will help in their nutrient uptake ability. If you are using seaweed extract, follow dosing directions and stay on the low dose end for now. The only ammonia I would add is to pee in the tank once or twice...seriously. Last thing is, add beneficial microbes. If you have a healthy fish tank aquarium or know someone that does, add some of that water, gravel, bioslime! You can use a product called microbelife natural bacterias aquaponic safe to kickstart your micros. good luck man