Understanding Nitrogen Cycle

UNDERSTANDING NITROGEN CYCLE

The Nitrogen Cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, this transformation can be carried out through both biological and physical processes. It plays an important role in an aquarium as it keep the fishes alive especially in a small enclosed area and encourage development of beneficial bacteria within the aquarium that will greatly assist in converting Ammonia (NH₃) to Nitrite (NO₂-) and then to Nitrate (NO₃-). This process varies from 1 week to a month and may even take extended period to complete.

The 3 Stages of Nitrogen Cycle

There are different stages in the Nitrogen cycle.

Stage 1
Firstly, Ammonia which is harmful to fishes is developed in the aquarium through fish waste or uneaten fish food.

Stage 2
Secondly, some bacteria known as Nitrosomonas will develop and eliminate Ammonia. In the process of eliminating Ammonia, Nitrite is subsequently developed. Even though Ammonia has been eliminated, one has to deal with another toxin in the name of Nitrite and it can be just as toxic as Ammonia.

Stage 3
Thirdly, bacteria identified as Nitrobacteria will develop and convert Nitrite to Nitrate. Though not as harmful as Ammonia and Nitrite, Nitrate is considered to be harmful in large quantity. The fastest way to remove Nitrate from your aquarium is to perform weekly partial water changes (change about 10- 15 % of water) for your aquarium.