It is vitally important for aquarium hobbyists to understand the nitrogen cycle as it applies to aquariums. Once you learn how the cycle process works you can save the lives of your fish.
When you add fish to your aquarium your tank will begin a natural process called the Nitrogen Cycle or cycle. The cycle will not begin until waste products (from your fish or live rock) are present in the water. While harmful to fish, these waste products provide food to beneficial bacteria.
The process is relatively simple. Soon after you add fish to your aquarium and feed them fish waste (ammonia) begins to be produced. High levels of ammonia are toxic to fish. Nature provides natural ammonia reducers, bacteria called Nitrosomonas, which break down ammonia into a compound called nitrite.
Nitrite is also harmful to fish, but another naturally occurring bacteria called nitrospira uses nitrite and gives off a byproduct called nitrate. Nitrate is less toxic to fish than either ammonia or nitrite and is utilized by plant life and removed through water changes.
It takes 4 to 6 weeks for beneficial bacteria to become established with aquarium water at 80°F. This process may take longer at lower temperatures. Because high levels of ammonia and nitrite are stressful to fish, no additional fish should be introduced once the cycle begins. Other factors that can increase toxic levels are overfeeding and putting too many fish in the aquarium in the first place.
When you start your aquarium there is very little beneficial bacteria present. Feed your fish once each day and be certain all the food is consumed in 2 to 3 minutes to keep from adding to the increasing ammonia and nitrite levels. It is better to have your fish a little hungry then to kill your fish from too much waste.
There are several bacteria starters on the market that can shorten cycling time and ease stress on your fish. These products contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria and are added [when you add fish or live rock] directly to aquarium water, supplementing the bacteria that occur naturally.
To give your new fish the best chance of survival in their new aquarium home keep the aquarium water close to 80°F, feed them only once each day and make sure all the food is gone within 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure not to overpopulate your aquarium at first and never add more fish during the cycling process. Finally, consider a good bacteria starter to help shorten the cycle and ease stress.
After the cycle finishes (when both ammonia and nitrite levels are zero) a water change is recommended and more fish can then be introduced.
To ensure you are assembling your saltwater aquarium correctly, visit http://saltwateraquarium.aquaticexperts.com for a step-by-step manual. Once your aquarium is setup and running properly wait 24 hours before adding fish.
© 2008 Laurren Schmoyer
Dedicated to your aquatic success,
Laurren Schmoyer
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