What Is the Nitrogen Cycle?
More precisely, the Nitrification Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is the biological process that converts ammonia in to relatively harmless nitrogen compounds. Several species of bacteria do this conversion for us. Some species convert ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (N02-), while others convert nitrite to nitrate (NO3-).
Fish give off waste products like all living
creatures.
These nitrogenous waste products break down into ammonia
(NH3), which is highly toxic to most fishes.
In nature, the volume of water per fish is extremely high,
and waste products become diluted to low concentrations.
Initially the bait holding tanks should be lightly populated with bait.
Fish digestion, fish respiration, and the decomposition
of uneaten food begin to produce ammonia.
Once ammonia becomes detectable, no other fish should be added. Do not do partial water changes unless you are experiencing multiple fish
death. The tank may become cloudy and/or emit a slight
gaseous odor during the initial stages of nitrification.
A species of nitrifying bacteria, nitrosomonas, begin to convert the toxic ammonia into less toxic nitrites.
As this conversion begins, the cycle is at its most toxic level. Another nitrifying bacteria, nitrobacter, then convert nitrites into even
lesser toxic nitrates completing the cycle and allowing you to add fish and
to commence regular, periodic, partial water changes.
While short term exposure to nitrates may not be harmful, prolonged exposure
to high nitrate levels can cause stress and greater susceptibility to
disease.
The most common causes of ammonia are overfeeding, overcrowding, inadequate
filtration and/or improper maintenance
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