Before we get into how to run a Nitrogen Cycle, it is important to understand why it is necessary. As fish eat food, they produce waste. Waste can also be created from decomposing plant and animal matter. Waste gives off ammonia which is toxic to fish. A bacteria called Nitrosomonas breaks down the ammonia into nitrites, which are also toxic to fish. A second bacteria called Nitrobacter, which lives in your biological filter, breaks down the nitrites to produce nitrates. Nitrates in lower concentration are not harmful to fish. However, high levels of nitrates will cause stress in fish. Your tank needs good bacteria cultures to help this process and keep your fish healthy. This is especially important when setting up a new tank. Ammonia levels will be high in your new tank and it needs to be prepared with good bacteria.


To run the Nitrogen Cycle for a new tank, purchase a few starter fish for your tank. You should not use goldfish for this. Speak with a sales associate to select the amount and species that will be right for your tank as there are some ideal choices for cycling. Every few days, replace roughly 25% of your water. Keep testing your water for Free at your local Pet Supermarket or with an at-home kit. It is normal to see high levels of nitrites during this process DULIL WIII improve over time. A normal cycle can take 0-0 weeks to establish the proper levels and must be monitored rough out.


Alternatively, for those of us that are in a hurry to put fish in our tank, we recommend using a boost. We carry a variety of bacteria cultures that will support any fish tank. Once this Nitrogen Cycle is complete and you have reached normal levels, only then may you start to add additional fish to your tank.


Once this Nitrogen Cycle is complete and you have reached normal levels, only then may you start to add additional fish to your tank.

 

What is New Tank Syndrome?

In new aquarium tanks, failing to properly convert ammonia or nitrites to nitrates is commonly referred to as New Tank Syndrome. This tends to happen primarily when too many fish are added and the bacterial populations cannot grow fast enough to keep up. This is easily prevented by adding only a few starter fish and by using bacterial additives as you build your tank. Common symptoms of New Tank Syndrome include:

  • Fish losing their colors
  • Clinging to the bottom of the aquarium
  • Hiding in corners with clamped fins.