by Reid Case

Created on: August 04, 2010

Dead fish are not an enjoyable sight to come home to. The majority of these accidents can be attributed to poor knowledge on the part of the new aquarist in regards to aquarium start up procedures. As a result of the decay of uneaten food and fish waste harmful chemicals are released into the water. The presence of these particular chemical compounds is extremely deadly to fish.

 To remove one group of chemicals, nitrates, proper knowledge of their origin must be acquired and particular preventative measures must be taken. In the ideal situation one would have correctly “shocked” the aquarium when assembling it. This process allows food and fish wastes to decompose and promote the growth of helpful colonies of bacteria. Once established these colonies will cycle ammonia into a less harmful nitrate.

 We should start by understanding where nitrates come from. In a normal aquarium uneaten food and fish waste settles in the substrate. As this organic matter decomposes it releases either of two chemicals, un-ionized ammonia (NH3) or ionized ammonium (NH4). Ammonium is not particularly harmful to fish in reasonable dosages. The release of either ammonia or ammonium is dependant on the ph levels of the water. Higher ph levels will release ammonia.

 A colony of bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas must take hold in the aquarium to reduce levels of ammonia. This bacterium oxidizes ammonia into nitrite. The issue with nitrites is that they are as poisonous to fish as ammonia. To reduce the nitrite levels yet another bacterium must develop. These are of the genus Nitrobacter. These bacteria will oxidize the nitrites into nitrates. Nitrates, in small amounts, are tolerable by fish. Over time the levels of nitrates will reach intolerable levels and begin to kill fish.

 The simplest and most reliable way to remove nitrates is to do regular partial water changes. The aquarist must monitor nitrate levels and perform these changes when necessary. Another way to remove nitrates would be introduce live plants to the aquarium. However this will bring a host of other responsibilities to the aquarist. One must monitor carbon dioxide level to avoid starving the plants of this gas. A third solution would be to install a nitrate filter sold by various manufacturers.

 Water changes should never exceed 50% as the introduction of new unconditioned water in large quantities can cause un-necessary stress to the fish. 10-25% if done on a regular schedule

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