Step-by-Step Fish Tank Cycling Process for New Aquarium Owners

Fish tank cycling is a process by which harmful ammonia is converted to nitrite, then finally the nitrate. During this cycle beneficial colonies of bacteria develop.

There are nitrifying bacteria all around us, even in the water. The cycle process is accelerated when using bottled ammonia or “seeding” using old filter media. However it is not necessary since the bacteria naturally grow.

Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle

The Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle describes the process whereby wastes from fish and plants are transformed into ammonia, then Nitrite, and then Nitrate. This cycle can take place in a saltwater or freshwater aquarium. It could also occur in an aquarium pond. It is an extremely important and complex procedure that fish keepers need to be aware of.

Ammonia can be produced by ingestion of food items or feces from fish. It can be harmful to fish when levels exceed 2 ppm. Ammonia is transformed by Nitrosomonas bacteria, resulting in nitrite. Nitrites are also toxic to fish in concentrations greater than 1 ppm. Nitrobacter bacteria can oxidize nitrates and create nitrates that are less harmful to fish.

The plants absorb the nitrates and use them as nutrients. It is a natural process that occurs in all types of aquariums. It is a slow and challenging process. It is typical for aquariums to take a full month to stabilize ammonia, nitrogen and Nitrate levels. It is vital that the aquarium is kept clear so that beneficial bacteria to flourish. This process is often impeded by over-cleaning a tank, which will result in the production of ammonia and nitrite to increase. A top-quality API Master Test Kit is vital for observing your aquarium’s water parameters.

Method of Fishless Cycling

In the past the process of creating an aquarium for fish was begun by introducing some tough fish. It is, however, cruel and inhumane. While the fish may be able to survive, their gills could be burnt by the rising ammonia levels, and this could negatively impact the quality of their life. By using a fish-free cycle, you can eliminate this process and creates the best environment for the bacteria to thrive.

There are two options to conduct a cycle that does not require fish: 1.) by seeding the tank using bacteria colonies already present in the tank before. This process takes the same amount of time as conventional cycling but is more fish-friendly and does not result in the same negative effects on the quality of the water. 2) Utilizing a ho ca hai san nha hang product such as Septo-Bac, which can increase the speed of cycling. This can also require the same amount of time as traditional cycling and may not be effective in every situation.

In the phase of fishless it is crucial to monitor the ammonia and Nitrite levels frequently. If the level of ammonia increases, it could indicate that the bacteria aren’t fully established. If the ammonia drops to a minimum and nitrites increase this is a great sign that the cycle is completed. It is important to change the water regularly during the cycle with no fish to ensure that the bacteria are thriving.

Live Plants for Nature Aquariums

Aquarium Beneficial Bacteria

The process of cycling occurs in the biological sense when inhabitants of the nitrifying bacterium in the aquarium grow enough to handle all bioload (excessively toxic ammonia or nitrite). This is why it’s important to stock a tank slowly over time rather than adding a significant quantity of fish all at all at.

Those nitrifying bacteria can actually be found on any surface of an aquarium, however they prefer to establish their colonies in areas where the most limiting factors (food and oxygen) are most effectively met. The porosity of the filter medium gives a huge surface for microorganisms to flourish and thrive in the flow of water that flows through the filter. Biomedia bacteria are superior to other bacteria in the aquarium. They consume nitrogen oxides and ammonia at the speed they’re produced, making them undetectable.

In nature, these nitrifying bacteria are present in the water column and sediment. The majority of the nitrifying bacteria is found in biofilm. It is difficult to grow pure strains of these bacteria, and this likely accounts for the common misconception that nitrifying bacteria only is found within the filter. A recent study conducted by LI et al (2018) proved that the ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) and the Nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NO3) do indeed live within the water column. The bacteria can be introduced into a new aquarium using products like API Quick Start, Fritzzyme Turbostart, or Tim’s Aquatics Live Nitrifying Bacteria. They can speed up the cycle of an aquarium significantly.

How to cycle a fresh fish tank

When you set up a new aquarium, whether you are using live rock or a bare bottom tank, the first thing to be done is seeding the tank with beneficial bacteria. This can be done using products such as Tetra Safe Start or a freshwater master test kit. After you have completed this step, you can add the rest of the equipment and water into the aquarium.

It will start the cycle, the process of creating an ecosystem of beneficial bacteria which regulates the nitrogen cycle in the aquarium. Ammonia levels fluctuate, and then nitrites and nitrates. When all these are at 0 ppm the aquarium is then ready for animals to be added.

It is crucial to check the water frequently during the process of cycling to look for ammonia and nitrite. If you observe a build-up of nitrate then add 1 tablespoon aquarium salt or table salt to every 10 gallon. This will reduce nitrate toxicity and allow the beneficial bacteria to develop quicker.

It is also important to remember that your aquarium should not be fully stocked at any time during this process. If you add too many fish soon, the ammonia levels are likely to increase quickly and this is harmful to fish.

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