All new aquariums must go through a nitrogen cycle upon startup. Some aquariums can also cycle again if something unforeseen happens later. For example, dying off in large numbers, overfeeding too many at once, or adding too many fish too quickly. There are many articles on the web that can explain the process in great detail, but without being too scientific, here's what happens in a nutshell: All organic waste (fish waste, uneaten food, decaying plant matter, etc.) is chemically broken down into ammonia. Beneficial bacteria develop in the aquarium, which then "feedโ on this ammonia and break it down into nitrites, then individual bacteria break it down into nitrates. Nitrates are most easily removed (diluted) during partial water changes in the aquarium. . They can technically break too, but that's usually due to other things that are usually outside the scope of your simple saltwater aquarium. This of course happens when you start your tank, but the process can take 4 to 8 weeks. During this time your fish can be exposed to high levels of ammonia and nitrite which are harmful to the fish and can cause stress leading to illness/loss. When a fish dies in an aquarium, its decomposing body can add more organic waste and the situation can spiral out of control pretty quickly. This is especially true if you overstocked your aquarium from the start. Each time I set up a new aquarium for a client, I inoculate the aquarium with beneficial bacteria to complete the cycle or speed up the cycle. Instant Ocean BioSpira is the product I use for seawater (I use Instant Tetra SafeStart Plus for freshwater). This product contains bacteria that will regenerate your aquarium immediately or very quickly. I also use this product when I need to do a bigger water change than usual as a bigger water change removes a lot of bacteria. Or when I add fish to the tank as this will help increase the amount of bacteria needed to process the increase in waste from the new fish. This product does not replace a water change. Even if people say it is, or it advertises them less. While some people think water changes are a chore when done regularly and in small amounts (I usually do 15-25% every two weeks for clients), this will keep your aquarium chemistry very stable (not just makeup chemicals ). . nitrogen cycle) and the consistency in the aquarium offers the best conditions for the development of your fish. It's worth noting that dechlorination agents that neutralize ammonia (like Seachem Prime) can reduce the effectiveness of such a product, as ammonia is used in this product to allow bacteria to feed and stay alive while in the bottle. If you are using a product that detoxifies ammonia, you should consider splitting the dosage of that product with it, using a different dechlorinator, or dosing a little more to compensate.
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