Nitrifying Bacteria – Breaking Down Aquarium Waste
Nitrifying bacteria are responsible for breaking down organic waste in the aquarium. This beneficial bacteria is needed for a healthy aquatic environment.
Nitrifying bacteria are responsible for breaking down organic waste in the aquarium. This beneficial bacteria is needed for a healthy aquatic environment.
The nitrogen cycle is the natural process, during which beneficial bacteria break down dissolved organic waste inside the aquarium.
High nitrates in the aquarium inevitably results in algae outbreaks. This can be thick algae growth or green aquarium water. Controlling nitrates is the best option for controlling algae in the aquarium.
Nitrate can not be avoided in aquariums. Nitrate results from the natural break down of waste inside the fish tank. Learn more about its sources and how to minimize overall nitrate.
Aquarium nitrate is most commonly removed through regular water changes. However, adding live plants as well as nitrate removers can help keep nitrates low.
Nitrites are a natural part of the aquarium nitrogen cycle. Nitrite is highly toxic for fish and levels must be kept undetectable at all times. Nitrite can quickly become lethal for fish.
Biological filtration is another term used to describe the aquarium nitrogen cycle. It’s the process of beneficial bacteria breaking down organic waste in the water.
Traditionally a fish tank is setup with live fish from the onset. It exposes fish to high levels of toxicity. To avoid this, consider cycling the aquarium without fish.
Ammonia is a toxic by-product of the aquarium nitrogen cycle. It’s the first nutrient produced by nitrifying bacteria. Ammonia should never be detectable in an established aquarium.
Aquarium nitrate is the final by-product of the nitrogen cycle. It’s the least toxic nutrient, however it must be regularly removed to avoid algae outbreaks.