Nitrogen Cycle for an Aquarium
Controlling this fish tank cycle is what makes any fish tank work. Fish Food: The Beginning of the Fish Tank Cycle. Fish tank nitrates are not typically harmful to fish unless levels build up too high. The nitrogen cycle involves fish waste and how it relates to water quality, food, nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia. Aquarium test kits are available to test the different parts of the nitrogen cycle for an aquarium, including for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. They break the ammonia down into nitrites (NO2) and then into nitrates (NO3) which are not as lethal to fish as ammonia. Waste from the fish, and uneaten food produce ammonia to start the cycle. A basic principle to understand for angelfish and any fish keeping is the nitrogen cycle for an aquarium. Bacteria drive the nitrogen cycle for an aquarium and are both helpful and damaging to an aquarium habitat. Water changes are one of the most important maintenance procedures for a healthy fish tank. Waste from fish and uneaten food turn into ammonia when broken down by bacteria and fungi. A heavily planted tank will help remove nitrates and nitrites from the aquarium. Freshwater angelfish fish require a weekly or semi-monthly change of 25 percent of the water removes nitrates and other toxic chemicals. Plants and algae use nitrates and some nitrites as a food in their life cycle. Ammonia and nitrites are highly toxic to fish. Nitrates, the final phase of the nitrogen cycle, are toxic at high levels. It takes a little time for the nitrogen cycle to get started in a new aquarium.
“Mine is called Leroy.” In a 50-gallon