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SETTING UP A NEW SALTWATER AQUARIUM
A.K.A: THE NITROGEN CYCLE
In established aquariums, just as in nature, toxic ammonia from fish waste is broken
down by bacteria into nitrite, which is itself broken down by a different group of bacteria
into nitrate. In a newly set up aquarium, those bacteria are not present in any
quantity, and it takes time - about 4 to 6 weeks - for those bacteria to multiply to
the point of being able to keep up with the waste output of the fish. The nitrogen
cycle describes the period in which ammonia and then nitrite levels rise to dangerous
levels before being converted into relatively harmless nitrate.
Even well established aquariums can become “new” again in terms of the nitrogen
cycle. Removing large quantities of bacteria, by changing 100% of tank water for
instance, will cause an “old” tank to go through another cycle. Poisoning the bacteria
with medicines or shocking them with chlorinated water or sudden temperature
changes will also set the cycling process back to day one.
New tanks are generally broken in by adding a few hardy fish or live rock and simply
waiting out that first month. It is important to note that the cycling process does not
begin until fish or live rock are added. Some hobbyists set up their aquarium for
weeks or even months before adding fish, and are surprised to see high ammonia and
nitrite readings shortly after fish are finally added. Chromis, damsels and clownfish are
hardy enough to withstand the temporarily high ammonia and nitrite levels and
inexpensive enough to replace if some perish during a particularly rough cycle.
