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Nitrate
In a recirculating system, as is the case with closed circuit aquariums, where waste occurs and so decomposes, a range of bacteria develops and during this development a "Nitrate" condition occurs.
This nitrate condition is extremely toxic to fish that live in water with high pH values.
The breakdown of waste products by bacteria is commonly called the nitrate cycle.
The bacteria develop on all available surfaces in the aquarium. This includes the glass sides of the aquarium, the rocks and decorations, the substrate and especially in the filter. The only requirements for development are oxygen via the water and a source of nutrition. When the bacteria are fully developed, they convert fish waste to nitrate with no nitrate at all occurring in the aquarium.
IT'S INEVITABLE
Every closed circuit aquarium (one where the water is continually recirculated and/or
filtered) will develop, waste assimilating bacteria. When the bacteria are established and
of course, provided the bacteria are properly cared for (explained later), then the
aquarium will run, trouble free, for an indefinite number of years.
Some aquariums with substrate filters have run continually without completely being dismantled for periods of 15 years and more.
LEVELS OF TOXICITY
Levels as small as 1ppm (Part Per Million) nitrate are toxic to fish. Invertebrates do not
seem to be so affected by nitrate as a general rule but while nitrate is present, waste is
not being properly treated, so water quality will be down and a drop in water quality
could effect invertebrates.
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Establishing biological filtration
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This topic goes on to cover -
- Minimising nitrate toxicity
