Post by nicc on Nov 2, 2019 4:12:40 GMT
Cycled? Nitrogen Cycle Explained
As a new aquarium hobbyist you might encounter the words “Cycled” “New Tank Syndrome” or “Mature” and wonder what these mean?
They relate to the Nitrogen cycle which is nature’s way of processing the waste (Ammonia; fish poo or left over fish food) into a source that’s able to be used by plants/algae (Nitrate).
Ammonia (Harmful) > Nitrite (Harmful) > Nitrate (Less Harmful)
Through the presence of bacteria Ammonia (which is toxic to fish) is converted to Nitrite (also toxic) which is then converted to Nitrate (Less Harmful).
Nitrate is then used by plants (making the water healthier for fish) and as fish produce more ammonia the cycle begins.
Knowing that good bacteria must establish in an aquarium for this cycle to take place; allows us to minimize loosing that bacteria. Steps such as de-chlorinating water (Conditioning), not washing filter material under tapwater etc all help preserve the bacteria which reduce harmful Ammonia/Nitrite levels.
If bacteria isn’t established (for example a new aquarium) as food or fish are added the Ammonia levels will rise resulting in deaths.
Just as putting too many fish into an aquarium that’s either new or old can easily result in a tank wipeout.
Beneficial bacteria products such as Seachem Stability can assist with cycling your tank. They are added daily for the first week and as a maintenance dose until your cycle is complete.
Using an added beneficial bacteria product such as Stability I have written a small guide on Fishless cycling. This method uses only added bacteria and fish food to establish aquariums (rather than adding fish from the start).
Fishless Cycle:
1. Fill aquarium (after gravel/ornaments are added and filter running)
2. Add recommended dose of Tap Water Conditioner and wait 15min (Dechlorination)
3. Depending on aquarium volume add 1-2 small pinches of fish food
4. Add recommended dose of beneficial bacteria (Seachem Stability) and follow new tank establishing dose schedule (7 days)
5. Once your Ammonia/Nitrite levels read 0ppm and Nitrate is present your aquarium is cycled, time to add fish!
The above process takes a week before adding anything to the tank; but the reward of not loosing fish before keeping them makes it worth it.
Remember that although not as toxic as Ammonia or Nitrite; high Nitrate levels are a slow killer. High Nitrate stunts the growth of fish, increase chances of diseases and is what’s responsible for turning tanks/ponds into algae swamps.
Think of the waste been made into fertilizer and unless you lower how much fertilizer (Nitrate) something will use it. Usually annoying algae!
How do you remove Nitrate easily? Water changes! Depending on how many liters your tank is and how much waste will determine your water change schedule.
Usually once every week or fortnight and only 10-20% of the tank at a time.
Hope this helps
As a new aquarium hobbyist you might encounter the words “Cycled” “New Tank Syndrome” or “Mature” and wonder what these mean?
They relate to the Nitrogen cycle which is nature’s way of processing the waste (Ammonia; fish poo or left over fish food) into a source that’s able to be used by plants/algae (Nitrate).
Ammonia (Harmful) > Nitrite (Harmful) > Nitrate (Less Harmful)
Through the presence of bacteria Ammonia (which is toxic to fish) is converted to Nitrite (also toxic) which is then converted to Nitrate (Less Harmful).
Nitrate is then used by plants (making the water healthier for fish) and as fish produce more ammonia the cycle begins.
Knowing that good bacteria must establish in an aquarium for this cycle to take place; allows us to minimize loosing that bacteria. Steps such as de-chlorinating water (Conditioning), not washing filter material under tapwater etc all help preserve the bacteria which reduce harmful Ammonia/Nitrite levels.
If bacteria isn’t established (for example a new aquarium) as food or fish are added the Ammonia levels will rise resulting in deaths.
Just as putting too many fish into an aquarium that’s either new or old can easily result in a tank wipeout.
Beneficial bacteria products such as Seachem Stability can assist with cycling your tank. They are added daily for the first week and as a maintenance dose until your cycle is complete.
Using an added beneficial bacteria product such as Stability I have written a small guide on Fishless cycling. This method uses only added bacteria and fish food to establish aquariums (rather than adding fish from the start).
Fishless Cycle:
1. Fill aquarium (after gravel/ornaments are added and filter running)
2. Add recommended dose of Tap Water Conditioner and wait 15min (Dechlorination)
3. Depending on aquarium volume add 1-2 small pinches of fish food
4. Add recommended dose of beneficial bacteria (Seachem Stability) and follow new tank establishing dose schedule (7 days)
5. Once your Ammonia/Nitrite levels read 0ppm and Nitrate is present your aquarium is cycled, time to add fish!
The above process takes a week before adding anything to the tank; but the reward of not loosing fish before keeping them makes it worth it.
Remember that although not as toxic as Ammonia or Nitrite; high Nitrate levels are a slow killer. High Nitrate stunts the growth of fish, increase chances of diseases and is what’s responsible for turning tanks/ponds into algae swamps.
Think of the waste been made into fertilizer and unless you lower how much fertilizer (Nitrate) something will use it. Usually annoying algae!
How do you remove Nitrate easily? Water changes! Depending on how many liters your tank is and how much waste will determine your water change schedule.
Usually once every week or fortnight and only 10-20% of the tank at a time.
Hope this helps
