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Graham Ramsay Fair City Aquarist Society Understanding the nitrification process is the single most important step to success in keeping fish Nitrification is the conversion of toxic fish waste (Ammonia) into Nitrite then Nitrate An aquarium is a “Closed System” – fish have to live in their own waste material – this is mainly Ammonia Ammonia is a product of fish respiration and is excreted via the gills Ammonia is highly toxic to fish – there is no safe level The higher the temperature and pH the more toxic it is Gill irritation – scratching and gasping at the surface Skin, eyes and gill damage Lethargy, loss of appetite Clamped gills, lying on the bottom Death Bacteria consume the ammonia and excrete Nitrite Nitrite is toxic to fish – there is no safe level Ulcers, fin rot Gill irritation and lethargy Brown gills and respiratory distress Death Bacteria consume Nitrite and excrete Nitrate Nitrate is safe at low levels High levels encourage algae and weaken fish Very high levels are toxic to fish Nitrate levels are kept in check by regular water changes Bacteria live on surfaces – gravel, plants, filters Require food and oxygen Keep filters clear – rinse in tank water New tanks won’t have enough bacteria Fish die when added to a new tank Fish excrete Ammonia and levels build up Start with only one or two fish Feed very little Wait until bacteria build up Consider starting your tank without fish Requires a source of Ammonia Levels need to be measured regularly You can add fish when the process is finished Start with a few then add slowly Happens when no water is changed Nitrate levels rise pH falls Water discoloured Nitrifying bacteria die Ammonia is present but not toxic pH may crash New fish added die quickly – shop blamed Existing fish seem fine Sudden water changes raise pH Ammonia becomes toxic again Regular water changes Keep filters clean Fish excrete toxic waste Bacteria convert it to nitrate Remove nitrate by doing water changes New tanks don’t have bacteria Start slowly – without fish if you can Don’t forget your water changes!!!
