Aquatic Exotics And Pets - African Cichlids

105 North Main Street, Kendallville, Indiana 46755 - (260) 343-0300

SETTING UP A NEW FRESHWATER AQUARIUM

A.K.A: THE NITROGEN CYCLE

In established aquariums, just as in nature, toxic ammonia from fish waste is broken

down by bacteria into nitrite, which is itself broken down by a different group of bacteria

into nitrate. In a newly set up aquarium, those bacteria are not present in any

quantity, and it takes time - about 4 to 6 weeks - for those bacteria to multiply to

the point of being able to keep up with the waste output of the fish. The nitrogen

cycle describes the period in which ammonia and then nitrite levels rise to dangerous

levels before being converted into relatively harmless nitrate.

Even well established aquariums can become “new” again in terms of the nitrogen

cycle. Removing large quantities of bacteria, by changing 100% of tank water for

instance, will cause an “old” tank to go through another cycle. Poisoning the bacteria

with medicines or shocking them with chlorinated water or sudden temperature

changes will also set the cycling process back to day one.

New tanks are generally broken in by adding a few hardy fish and simply waiting out

that first month. It is important to note that the cycling process does not begin until

fish are added. Some hobbyists set up their aquarium for weeks or even months

before adding fish, and are surprised to see high ammonia and nitrite readings shortly

after fish are finally added. Smaller barbs, larger tetras, danios and rasboras are hardy

enough to withstand the temporarily high ammonia and nitrite levels and inexpensive

enough to replace if some perish during a particularly rough cycle. Algae eating fish

and/or catfish are generally not recommended until after the cycling process is

completed.

Stock List

At Exotic Aquatics we have over 1000 gallons of fresh water tanks stocked with a huge and always changing variety. You'll find everything from common guppies to hard to find discus. We also keep large fish in stock like south american cichlids. If you are looking for a specific species just give us a call. We recieve fresh water fish shipments twice a week and are always happy to special order anything you may want.