The process of cycling the fish tank is the process that converts harmful ammonia into nitrite and eventually the nitrate. During this cycle beneficial colonies of bacteria are formed.
Nitrifying bacteria are everywhere around us and in the water. Bottled ammonia or seeds made from filters can speed up the cycle process but are not necessary since the bacteria will develop on their own.
Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle
The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle describes the method by which the wastes of plants and fish are converted into ammonia, followed by Nitrite, and then nitrate. This process takes place in a freshwater aquarium reef tank, saltwater aquarium, or even a Pond. Every fishkeeper should be aware of this intricate and vital procedure.
Ammonia is produced by fish feces and uneaten food. Fish can be toxic in concentrations of more than 2 ppm. Ammonia is oxidised by Nitrosomonas bacteria, resulting in the nitrite. Nitrites can be harmful to fish when concentrations exceed 1 ppm. Nitrobacter bacteria can oxidize nitrates and create nitrates. These are less toxic for fish.
The nitrates are then absorption by plants and are used to provide nutrients. It is a natural procedure that occurs in all types of ho ca hai san nha hang aquariums. It’s a slow and difficult process. It is not unusual for a new aquarium to take as long as a month before ammonia, Nitrite, and nitrate levels are stable. It is crucial that the tank is kept clean in order for these beneficial bacteria to flourish. This process is often impeded by over-cleaning a tank that can cause the production of ammonia and nitrite to increase. A good quality API Master Test Kit is essential for monitoring your aquarium’s water parameters.
Method for Fishless Cycling
In the past the cycle of an aquarium for fish was begun by adding a few hardy fish. This is cruel and unjust. While the fish may be able to survive, their gills could be burned by rising ammonia levels, and this could negatively impact the quality of their life. The fishless cycle removes this step, and creates an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish.
There are two ways to conduct a cycle without fish one of which is) Seeding the tank with established bacteria colonies, which will then infect the tank. This is similar to traditional cycling but it’s much more fish-friendly and doesn’t affect the water quality. 2) Using a product such as Septo-Bac to increase the speed of cycling. It will take a similar amount of time to traditional cycling and may not be appropriate in every situation.
It is vital to regularly check the levels of ammonia and nitrites during the period of inactivity known as the fishless cycle. It is possible that if ammonia levels spike, it indicates that the bacterium has not fully established. It’s a sign of a complete cycle when the ammonia level drops to zero and Nitrites rise. It is also important to perform regular water changes during the fishless cycle to ensure there is enough ammonia in the water to allow the bacteria to thrive.
Aquarium Beneficial Bacteria
It happens biologically when resident populations of nitrifying bacterium in the aquarium grow enough to handle all bioload (excessively toxic ammonia or nitrite). It is therefore important to slowly add fish rather than adding large numbers of fish in a single day.
The nitrifying microorganisms are able to live on any surface of an aquarium. They will concentrate their colonies in areas where oxygen and food are limited. The porosity of the filter medium offers a huge surface for microorganisms to flourish and thrive in the flow of water flowing through the filter. The bacterial colonies in the biomedia can outcompete other bacteria in the aquarium, eating ammonia and nitrite in the same amount as they are produced and creating a non-detectable odor.
In the wild, these nitrifying bacteria are found in both the sedimentary layer and in the water column. However, the majority of the nitrifying bacteria reside in the biofilm. This is the reason it’s hard to cultivate pure strains of these bacteria. A recent study conducted by LI et al (2018) showed that the ammonia-oxidising bacterium (AOB) and the nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NO3) exist in the water column. The bacteria can be introduced into an aquarium by using products such as API Quick Start, Fritzzyme Turbostart or Tim’s Aquatics Live Nitrifying Bacteria and will speed up the cycle of an aquarium significantly.
How to Cycle a New Fish Tank
When you are setting up a new aquarium whether it’s a live rock or a bare bottom tank the first thing that needs to be taken care of is to seed it with beneficial bacteria. This can be done with products like Tetra Safe Start or a freshwater master test kit. After this step is complete then you can add the rest of the equipment and water into the aquarium.
The cycle will start with the process of creating beneficial bacteria to control the nitrogen cycle within the aquarium. The ammonia levels will fluctuate, then followed by Nitrites and nitrates. Once all of these are at 0 ppm the aquarium is then ready for animals to be added.
During the process of cycling it is important to regularly test the water, checking for ammonia, nitrite and the nitrate. If you notice a nitrate accumulation, add 1 tablespoon of table salt or aquarium salt to each 10 gallon. This will decrease the toxicity of nitrates and will allow beneficial bacteria to grow more quickly.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the aquarium should never be completely stocked when you are doing this. Ammonia levels can rapidly rise in the event that you introduce fish into your aquarium in too fast. This can be harmful to the fish.
