One characteristic, next to passion for the hobby, every aquarist should have or obtain, is patience.

Patience, next to understanding the basic water parameters, will be put to the test while cycling a tank. And cycling by all means, not only during the fresh set up of a new tank.

An established aquarium can cycle at any time, depending on severe changes of the bioload, filtration failure, or any loss of nitrifying bacteria.

The process of the nitrogen cycle starts the aquarium. Since an aquarium is an artificial and fragile ecosystem it requires our “interference” in order to thrive. Our interference starts with providing an “artificial” filtration system. In short, creating an environment as close to nature as possible.

Introducing fish, plants, and food to your aquarium begins a natural process called the nitrogen cycle. Food which is consumed by the fish provides them with energy. This energy in turn is burned with the help of oxygen which your fish breathe from the water.

During the energy burning process, waste is returned to the aquarium environment via the fish’s gills. The waste primarily consists of carbon dioxide and nitrogenous compounds such as ammonia. In order to maintain a healthy environment, these substances must be removed. The carbon dioxide is mainly eliminated through either aeration at the surface of the tank or through photosynthesis by aquarium plants. As for the toxic nitrogenous compounds, they are converted to less toxic compounds via the nitrogen cycle. Natural bacterial colonies convert ammonia into relatively harmless by-products.

The entire nitrogen cycle begins with the conversion of solid wastes excreted by fish into ammonia. Bacteria known as nitrifiers include two "microbial partners" which transform toxic ammonia into nitrite and nitrate via biochemical oxidation.

Both bacteria prefer alkaline environments (pH 7.2 - 8.5). However a stable and consistent pH level is important.

Nitrifiers are most active at temperatures ranging from 68 - 86 degrees F. Their metabolism will decrease below 50 degrees F, while levels above 95 degrees F are potentially life threatening.

Nitrifiers need oxygen to perform their task (aerobic respiration). Nitrate is the final compound after completion of the biochemical oxidation, which plants utilize as a fertilizer thus removing them from the water.

The aquarium is a well oxygenized artificial ecosystem that carries a high biomass (all living organisms) compared to nature. Often the plants are unable to utilize all the nitrates produced. In consequence nitrates accumulate, resulting in the need for regular maintenance of the aquarium in order to keep nitrate levels within acceptable parameters.

Nitrifying bacteria work either at full capacity or drift into a dormant state. Major changes in the bioload will effect the bacteria population. Additional bioload may have the effect of a new cycle (adjustment through growth). Some medications will kill bacteria, such as antibiotics, and trigger the same effect.