Day 23... so begins the rise of the nitrites

I check my water every day right before it gets dark.  Today's numbers were only slightly different than a few days ago.

• ammonia is about 3
• nitrates are 0 (but the indicator has COLOR)
• nitrites are 1 part per million
• chlorine has always been 0
• Baton Rouge water is NOT hard
• alkalinity is 120 to 180 (ideal)
• ph is 7.8 to 8.4

The pepper (pictured) still looks pathetic, the strawberry's leaves are darker and smaller.  The new lettuce looks the same and red beans I seeded still haven't sprouted.