The nitrogen cycle starts with the decomposition of fish excretion and undigested food, and egestion which releases ammonia into the water. Ammonia is toxic to fish and invertebrates, and so it has to be transformed to less toxic compounds. This is where beneficial bacteria come in.
Nitrosomonas bacteria decontaminates ammonia to nitrite, which is potentially toxic but less toxic than ammonia. Nitrite is further oxidized to nitrate by another set of bacteria, Nitrobacter, which is the least toxic of the three. In natural reef ecosystem, nitrate is absorbed by plants and algae and gets used as a nutrient in the metabolic process. In an aquarium, however, nitrate may build up over time causing low water quality and algae. Prevention of this involves the aquarium owner performing regular water changes or employing alternative methods to clear water of nitrate. The discharge of nitrate can be effectively detoxified by the addition of live rock or live sand. These porous materials offer a substrate for beneficial bacteria to thrive and to transform nitrate into nitrogen gas which is safely released into the air.
Using a protein skimmer that eliminates the organic content before it can decompose into ammonia and other toxic contaminants. The proper functioning of a healthy nitrogen cycle is important for the health of marine life in a reef aquarium. If aquarium owners learn and regulate the cycle, they can live in a healthy, vibrant underwater environment.
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