The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle 

     The nitrogen cycle is one of, if not the most important and influential cycles that takes place in the freshwater aquarium. When starting a new tank, one must make sure the nitrogen cycle is established and in sync with the amount of fish who produce the bulk of the ammonia in the system. There are several strategies for establishing the nitrogen cycle and we will discuss them all in an upcoming video. Here we highlight the aquarium nitrogen cycle in general by introducing the players and their role. Bacteria in the genus Nitrosomonas are responsible for the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite. Nitrite is then released form the cell where it will be further oxidized to nitrate by bacteria in the genus Nitrobacter. The two types of bacteria live side by side in your filter and on surfaces throughout your aquarium.

 

     Without an active community of nitrifying organisms, ammonia can rise to toxic levels and kill fish and other members of your aquarium. Nitrite is also a toxic compound and can have very similar effects on the system. One wants to ensure the nitrogen cycle is running efficiently and is capable of handling the amount of fish present in your aquarium. You can monitor the concentration of all three nitrogen compounds with an API Nitrogen test kit to make sure your habitat is same for all. 

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