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Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle – A Beginner’s Guide
Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle – A Beginner’s Guide
Master the nitrogen cycle to keep your tropical fish healthy. Learn how ammonia, nitrites and nitrates affect your aquarium ecosystem.
Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle
What Is the Nitrogen Cycle? It’s the biological process that converts toxic ammonia into less harmful nitrates via beneficial bacteria.
H2: The Three Stages
Ammonia (NH₃): Produced from fish waste and uneaten food
Nitrite (NO₂): Intermediate compound, still toxic
Nitrate (NO₃): Final product, manageable with water changes
H2: How to Cycle Your Tank
Add ammonia source (fish food or pure ammonia)
Monitor water parameters
Wait 4–6 weeks for bacteria to establish in your filter
H2: Signs of a Completed Cycle
Ammonia and nitrite = 0 ppm
Need help cycling your tank? Check out our water testing kits.
Photo credit(s): Shutterstock / Canva Pro Licence.
Keywords: nitrogen cycle aquarium, fish tank cycling, tropical fish water chemistry
