Understanding the nitrogen cycle is important when it comes to starting a new aquarium. Many first-time aquarium owners take up the hobby of fish keeping quite hastily. The aquarium must first be cycled before the fish is purchased and this could take anywhere from twenty four hours to four weeks to complete. Certain bacteria are present in an established aquarium to assist in the breakdown of ammonia to nitrate but this is not the case with a new tank as existing fish is needed to generate this type of bacteria. Without existing fish, there won’t be any good bacteria present.
Fish eat food and waste is then generated; That is the basic principle of the nitrogen cycle. Together with plant debris and excess food, that waste becomes ammonia in the aquarium. Ammonia needs to be broken down as it is hazardous to fish. This is where the importance of the nitrifying bacteria comes into place. The ammonia is transformed into nitrates by these bacteria therefore making it more tolerable to fish. The different nitrifying bacteria will continue to break these nitrates down making them even less toxic to fish and other marine life. These nitrates are then minimized and collected by filters, however regular water changes will be necessary as the nitrates will eventually accumulate in the tank.
Before you introduce any fish into the environment, it is important to set up and run an aquarium first. Wash the tank together with all the necessary accessories comprehensively with water. The use of soap is not recommended. The tank must then be filled with de-chlorinated water and filters and lightings can then be attached. Allow the tank to cycle until sufficient P.H. and water temperatures have been established and the water is no longer cloudy.
The Fish
It is now time to buy the fish! Hardy fish like barb, live bearers, gouramis and danios should be purchased. The ability to withstand the high levels of ammonia and nitrate should also be considered when purchasing fish. About four fish should only be introduced at a time. Before adding the fish to the tank, put the bag containing the fish in the aquarium and let it float for about fifteen minutes. This allows for the fish to get accustomed to the temperature of the water in their new environment. Be careful when adding the fish not to let any water from the bag get into the aquarium as it may be contaminated or it could throw off the P.H. and temperature at the very least. Before their first feeding, the fish should be given about two hours to acclimatize.
Only amounts that can be consumed within the first two to five minutes should be fed to the fish. A common problem amongst most aquariums is overfeeding. The excess food becomes debris that add to the ammonia levels and that is why it is important to avoid overfeeding. This is especially imperative in new aquariums where nitrifying bacteria is not present. Every day within the first month, the water P.H. should be tested. The tank should be monitored for cloudiness; it may be necessary to add a clarifier if the aquarium becomes cloudy. Signs of stress or illness amongst the fish should also be monitored. Lethargic fish usually hover near the surface of the aquarium whereas a healthy fish will be swimming regularly. Change about ten percent of the water after a week and begin regular maintenance.
