Freshwater

Chapter 14: The Nitrogen Cycle and Water Testing
Promoting nitrobacter (good bacteria
number two)
In a short time, the nitrites produced by the nitrosomonas bacteria begin
increasing toward toxic levels. When nitrite levels begin to climb, a second
type of bacteria known as nitrobacter converts them to less deadly nitrates.
So far, the ammonia produced by waste has been converted to nitrites, and
then to nitrates. Now what happens? Nitrate levels continue to increase
slowly over time, but you can maintain them at proper levels through frequent
water changes. If you don’t change your water, the nitrates build up to
the point where they are just as toxic as the ammonia you got rid of.
During the conditioning period, you need to monitor pH, ammonia, nitrite,
and nitrate levels using standard test kits (available at aquarium shops) so
you can see how the cycle is progressing. Notice that the pH level decreases
a little during the conditioning process. This is normal.
Don’t use chemicals and medications during the conditioning process,
because they can potentially damage proper bacterial growth and, in turn,
interfere with the nitrogen cycle.
Speeding things up a bit
You can start up the nitrogen cycle by adding one or more of the following
things to your tank:
Starter fish: Adding one or two fish is a good way to provide a minimum
amount of waste to your tank so that essential bacteria can multiply at a
normal rate. Using a couple of guppies or hardy danios to start the maturation
process is one of the best ways to begin your nitrogen cycle.
Mature gravel: Gravel from a mature (and disease-free) aquarium
already has a large bacteria population on its surface and acts as an
excellent starter culture. Add a few pinches of food each day so that you
can test for nitrate production with a test kit.
Food: Adding a small amount of food to the tank each day can help
begin the nitrogen cycle. The only problem with this method is that it is
very unreliable and can lead to water fouling if food is not added in the
correct amounts. The correct amount would be a few pinches twice a
day to start the ammonia production as the uneaten food begins to
break down.
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