Aquarium BasicsAquariums for beginners
Your First Aquarium
Common MistakesLearn about some of the most common
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Aquarium AlgaeSmall AquariumA small aquarium has it's own unique
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Is Bigger BetterStocking Aquarium FishFeeding Aquarium FishAquarium Fish FoodsNew Tank SyndromeFind out what new tank syndrome is and
how to prevent it in you aquarium!
Aquarium MaintenanceCaring for your aquariumMaintenance TipsDaily, weekly, monthly maintenance tips.
Algaecides & Algae ControlAlgae ControlOld Tank SyndromeCloudy Aquarium WaterWhite and green water is generally referred
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by high nitrates and poor water conditions
Aquarium FiltrationAll about filters and filtrationAquarium FiltersMechanical, biological, chemical filtration;
and aquarium filter types explained!
Ammonia in the AquariumNitrites in the AquariumNitrates in the AquariumThe Nitrogen CycleThe nitrogen cycle provides the aquarium
with essential biological filtration!
Biological FiltrationChemical FiltrationActivated CarbonNitrifying BacteriaNitrifying bacteria are natures gift to fish
keepers. They provide for biological balance
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Power OutageKeeping Fish HealthyHow do you keep your fish healthy?
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Aquarium Fish DiseasesToxic Water/Fish PoisoningIch and Your Aquarium FishPlanted AquariumCaring for aquatic plantsPlant EssentialsStarting with aquarium plants? Already
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Fertilizing PlantsPlant Tank ChallengesPlant Health GuideDIY CO2 ReactorAquarium PlantsA review of some of the finer points
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Saltwater AquariumSaltwater & reef informationSalinity & Specific GravityUnderstanding salinity and specific
gravity is essential for the saltwater enthusiast!
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various parameters for healthy conditions!
Phosphates in the TankAquarium Energy UsageFishless CyclingOxygen in the AquariumOxygen in the aquarium. What role does play?
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Substrate for AquariumsHistory of the AquariumBrackish AquariumLighting for the AquariumIt lets us see our fish but also has negative
consequences if set up improperly.
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Aquarium Articles // Aquarium Filtration // Nitrites in the Aquarium
Nitrite results from nitrifying bacteria converting ammonia
in the aquarium. The process is part of the nitrogen cycle. Nitrite should be undetectable at all times as it is highly toxic and lethal to the aquarium inhabitants after prolonged exposure.
Related Articles:
The Nitrogen Cycle, Water Parameters, Testing the Water, Water Changes
Nitrites are the second stage in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrifying bacteria are readily available in the tank, and will build a colony as soon as the nutrient source (ammonia) is available.
While ammonia is converted predominantly by the species of nitrosomonas, nitrobacter is mainly responsible for converting nitrite into nitrate. When a new tank 
is set up, the nitrogenous compounds will rise to high levels. This enables the bacteria to form a colony and start the conversion process (nitrogen cycle).
Nitrosomonas and nitrobacter are aerobic bacteria and need a constant flow of oxygen in order to survive and perform their tasks.
Nitrite levels should be at an undetectable level at all times after the tank has fully cycled. While not as dangerous as ammonia, nitrite is still a highly toxic chemical, and causes stress for fish even at levels as low as 0.5 ppm. Levels exceeding ten to twenty ppm are lethal over a period of time. Immediate action is required if high nitrite levels persist after seven to ten days.
Nitrite interferes with the oxygen metabolism by destroying the hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying cells) of the fish and aquatic livestock.
Detecting nitrites often means that the biological filter is not working properly, or the tank is overpopulated and the filter cannot handle the load efficiently.
Clear cloudy water. Fixes "ugly" tanks
Remove unwanted nitrates & ammonia
Easier maintenance, less water changes
Significant improvement of fish health
