Nitrates when cycling and plants

[gavinl]

Hi all

At the moment I am cycling my system and the ammonia and nitrites have reached the 5 ppm and nitrates are also showing up.

I was wondering if there is any problem planting a few plants to get rid of a few nitrates - ie probably stuck in too much urea and might end up with a fair bit of nitrates.

Thanks

gav

[GaryD]

Hi Gavin,

Stop putting in the urea and wait till the ammonia and nitrites drop to zero....and you'll be cycling.

You can plant some seedlings.

Gary

[Murray]

Hi Gavin, get some plants in ASAP.
Everyone does it a little differently, but I get the plants in first in a new system, before the fish. It is safer for the fish when you finally add them to your system. The plants in a new system can be kept going with the assistance of Seasol. I understand that you have used Urea, that is also a good method.
Seasol in the water will also help promote the good bacteria colony.
Using the above method is safe for the fish.
The plants protect the fish. I believe that it is all about the fish, if you work to keep the fish safe and happy then the veggie side of aquaponics will take care of itself to a large degree.
It is no big deal to loose a few plants, but it is heart breaking to loose fish, especially when they are getting a bit of size on them. (I know this from hard experience. I reckon I hold the record for fish kills.)