Nitrogen Cycle Explained

The aquarium is an artificial and fragile ecosystem that requires its owner’s “interference” to keep its environment as close to nature as possible, in order that its inhabitants can thrive. Understanding the basic water parameter requirements and cycling process, or nitrogen cycle, will help the fish hobbyist considerably in “managing” the aquarium.

An aquarium is a well-oxygenized artificial ecosystem that supports all the living organisms in it. The nitrogen cycle begins when fish, plants, and food are introduced into the aquarium. Fish, as they breathe and eat, create ammonia which is absorbed into the water. Rotting food, fish wastes, and decaying plants and other organic matter also add to the ammonia production.

The food which the fish feed on provide them with energy. The fish breathes in oxygen to help them burn that energy. During this energy-burning process, waste products consisting of carbon dioxide and nitrogenous compounds such as nitrogen are excreted into the aquarium environment via the fish’ gills.

The carbon dioxide is mainly eliminated either via aeration at the surface of the tank, or used by the plants in the aquarium for photosynthesis.

Natural bacterial colonies existing in the water covert the toxic nitrogenous compounds and ammonia into less toxic compounds of nitrite and nitrate via biochemical oxidation. The bacteria, known as nitrifiers, also requires oxygen (and a good flow of water) to thrive. This natural process is called the nitrogen cycle.

In natural situations, the surface area of the water body is so large that ammonia naturally dissipates into the atmosphere, or is so diluted that it can never reach dangerous concentrations. Some is used by invisible members of the aquatic community.

In an aquarium, nitrates are used by the plants as fertilizers. Often, the plants are unable to utilize all the nitrates produced, and as a consequence, the nitrates accumulate. To keep the aquarium environment in a healthy state or within acceptable parameters, these waste products must be removed. Thus, regular maintenance of the aquarium is necessary in order to keep the nitrate levels within acceptable parameters.

Cycling, by all means, is crucial not only during the initial set up of a new tank, but in as established tank at any time—depending on the bio-load, filtration effectiveness and the bacteria population. Additional bio-load may have the effect of a new cycle and affect the bacteria population, and medication such as antibiotics added to the tank may kill off the bacteria.

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