Maintaining a healthy aquarium starts with understanding the
nitrogen cycle process and its effects on the overall health of
your aquatic inhabitants. Sometimes called "Nature's waste
management system," the process provides biological filtration
in both aquatic ecosystems and in our aquariums. Because
aquarium ecosystems are artificial, it's the hobbyist's
responsibility to make sure the right conditions are always
present for the nitrogen cycle to stay in balance. What is the
Nitrogen Cycle? The nitrogen cycle is the process of various
bacteria converting harmful waste. It involves 4 steps: - The
first step is the decay of waste products of fish, plants, and
invertebrates, along with any dead organisms or uneaten food. As
these materials decay, ammonia is produced, which at even low
levels will burn the gills of fish and choke off their oxygen
supply. - Bacteria called Nitrosomonas consume this ammonia and,
in the process creating another chemical byproduct called
nitrite. Although nitrite is toxic (prevent