The Nitrogen Cycle is a process that breaks down bacteria and fish waste into non-harmful substances. It is crucial for your aquarium fish to thrive.
After eating, fish release ammonia into the waters. Ammonia can be poisonous for fish. Beneficial bacteria (nitrifying organisms) transform this ammonia into nitrite in a cycling tank.
Process
When the waste of fish and decaying food break down in aquariums there is the production of ammonia. Ammonia can be toxic to fish and may cause gill burns, so it must be converted to something less damaging through beneficial bacteria. The nitrogen cycle is the term used to describe this process. It occurs naturally in nature as fish and other living things produce waste. However, since aquariums are designed to keep water in a single location, the nitrogen cycle must be created artificially.
The first step is to introduce ammonia to the tank. Nitrosomonas bacteria break down ammonia and releases the nitrites. Nitrifying Bacteria is another type of bacteria that converts nitrites into Nitrates. Then, algae or plant life consumes the nitrates and produces oxygen.
Before adding fish to the aquarium, it is essential to “cycle” an aquarium. Nitrite and ammonia concentrations could be dangerously high if the aquarium isn’t cycled. The result could be poisonous or cause death to fish. It is best to slowly fill a new tank with smaller fish over time. You can also add an bacterial starter like Fritz Zyme, Stability or Stability.
Be cautious not to wash the filter media with tap water because chlorine could kill beneficial bacteria that are needed to complete the nitrogen cycle. It is also be nuoi ca suggested that you do not tamper with the pH of the aquarium until after the Nitrogen Cycle is complete.
Beneficial Bacteria
A healthy aquarium relies on beneficial bacteria that remove dead plant material and other organic debris. These bacteria transform toxic ammonia as well as nitrite and other organic waste into harmless nitrogen. They also assist in removing heavy dissolved organic loads from the water, and reduce phosphate levels. These obligately aerobic, heterotrophic bacteria (that means that they have to consume other things) reside within the filter media, as well as on solid surfaces in the tank such as gravel, rocks, decorations and plants. It requires a lot of water flow through these spaces and some time to establish themselves.
The nitrogen cycle usually happens naturally as animals create waste, and then nature removes it, however aquariums lock the fish in one place and requires a separate procedure to ensure safe water. The bacteria found in the waste of fish can be harmful to fish if exposed. The nitrogen cycle can break the harmful bacteria and ensures the water is suitable for swimming.
There are numerous products available which claim to “seed” an aquarium with these nitrifying microorganisms, but the best way to get started on the Nitrogen Cycle is by doing regular water changes, and making sure you have a filter that is able to handle the burden. Nitrifying bacteria are found everywhere around us and even within the air. It takes time to allow the bacteria to develop enough to the point that they can start up the nitrogen cycle.

Ammonia Control
The levels of ammonia in a fish tank can be controlled using regular partial water changes. When performing the water changes make sure using small scoops or a bucket to change the water, instead of dumping out the whole contents of the tank. This will minimize the disturbance to the substrate. These water changes may need to be done more frequently according to the levels of ammonia.
Reducing fish consumption is another option to cut down on ammonia. Ammonia is created by the protein present in fish meal is digested through the digestive system. Ammonia that is produced this way is excreted through the urine, and is broken down into the nitrites. Nitrites are then converted to Nitrates by a different group of bacteria. This process is part of the nitrogen cycle in aquariums.
Both nitrifying groups require oxygen for their function and expand. If the aquarium’s oxygen levels fall, the bacteria stop functioning or end up dying. Alkalinity is also required to allow these bacteria to function. Ammonia levels rise when the alkalinity in the water decreases. Nitrifying bacteria won’t be able to function.
When cycling a new aquarium it is important that the ammonia levels be kept low by ensuring regular water changes. In addition, adding live aquatic plants as well as liquid starter solutions will also aid in keeping ammonia levels low. These products introduce beneficial bacteria to the filter substrate and medium, which allows them to reduce ammonia quicker.
Aquarium Water Quality Maintenance
To maintain healthy water within your tank, be aware of pH, Ammonia and Nitrite. These are organic chemicals made by fish waste, food and organic matter that is decomposing, however in extreme amounts they can kill fish and other creatures in the aquarium. It is possible to detect these spikes quicker by conducting regular tests.
Each new tank goes through a process of establishing beneficial bacterial colonies as well as getting their filtration systems running at the speed of. This process is known as “cycling” or “nitrogen cycle” and may take time to achieve in new aquariums. Even older aquariums can be subject to cycles from time to time.
Nitrification happens when the bacterial colony converts ammonia to nitrite through natural respiration. Nitrite is converted into Nitrate by other bacteria within the filtration system of the aquarium. As it prevents oxygen exchange, nitrate can be harmful to fish. It causes the fish to become suffocated. Nitrate should be kept below 5 ppm in freshwater, and 0 ppm in marine and reef systems.
The best method of determining the type of maintenance for water quality you require is to use the test kit. Follow the instructions on the test kit you purchased to determine what kind of water you have in the aquarium (Freshwater Saltwater Reef). You’ll need to monitor the levels of ammonia as well as nitrite daily depending on how you cycle the water in your tank. A water change is necessary when readings rise above zero.