So you’ll need to monitor the levels in your aquarium. Nitrates aren’t toxic in low concentrations, but, if they reach above 20ppm (depending on the species), they’ll become toxic. Now, that’s not to say you can sit back a relax. When the levels of nitrite and ammonia reach 0ppm (parts per million), your tank has been cycled. They’ll convert the nitrites into nitrates. Once your nitrite levels have reached a certain point a bacteria called Nitrobacter will develop. You should see the nitrite levels start to rise at the end of the first week or during the second week. Just like the first stage, you’ll have to build up the levels of nitrite until a colony of bacteria forms to dispose of them. Nitrate is a byproduct of a bacteria called Nitrosomonas, this organism will oxidize the ammonia – turning it into nitrite.Įssentially, this bacteria eats ammonia and produces nitrite, which is also highly toxic to your fish. The levels will rise as you see the ammonia declines. When the ammonia levels spike and start to decline, you know you’re entering the second phase. Your tank may become cloudy when this bacteria starts to form. ![]() Above 7, and you’ll get ammonia (NH3).Īmmonia will continue to build up until the bacteria that eats it start to form. Below 7, and it will produce ionized ammonium (NH4). Introduced into your aquarium via fish waste or uneaten food, depending on the pH levels in your aquarium. When you can no longer detect nitrites, you can assume that it’s safe to add your fish. ![]() ![]() Once it hits the correct levels, nitrate will form and your nitrite levels will fall. Nitrate won’t appear until your tank has significant levels of nitrite. Best way to do this is to purchase an aquarium test kit so you can check the ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH levels.ĭuring this process, ammonia levels will rise and then drop as nitrite starts to take hold. Best answer is it will be finished when it’s finished.īut you have to do it if you’re planning on keeping fish.Īnd you’ll need to monitor the cycle every other day. How Long Does the Nitrogen Cycle Take?Īnywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on who you ask. However, if you allow the nitrate levels to get too high it can lead to a loss of color/appetite and will allow algae to bloom. That’s why it’s so important! The beneficial bacteria in your filter will supplement your fish’s environment by neutralizing their waste. It’s a process where beneficial bacteria becomes established in your tank and filter media, allowing ammonia (toxic) to convert to nitrite (toxic), then nitrite to nit rates (non-toxic). Your fish’s waste releases ammonia into the water, which will kill your fish. Would you like to be surrounded by your own pee and poo all day every day? Probably not, and neither do fish. ![]() So what is it, and why is it so important? But, they all refer to the same cycle – The Nitrogen Cycle. You might have heard the terms Biological Cycle, Nitrification Process, or New Tank Syndrome being thrown around. In this article, you’re going to learn exactly how to cycle your tank so you’re able to provide a happy and healthy environment for your aquatic pets. The Nitrogen Cycle is something you can’t avoid when owning your own aquarium.
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