Nitrogen cycle

[duanes]

Although nitrate consuming bacteria can be carried by water, the actual working bacteria are sessile (meaning stationary) they live as a biofilm on surfaces. Tank walls, rocks, substrate, etc. and of course filter media.
This is the reason one media is thought to be better than another.
The media with the most surface area for the bacteria to colonize is considered a larger working area..
The spores floating in water, are like dandelion seeds floating in the wind.
When floating, they are probably not consuming and need to land to create biofilm to start consuming the ammonia. The biofilm also acts as a protection against light, which hinders their productivity.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Here an update from morning

View attachment 1235198

Which range does it seems like for you, seems like 1ppm for me.

Thanks

What test kit is this?

 

[jaws7777]

What test kit is this?

Looks like api

 

[arwen]

Looks like .50 ppm to me.

Hi tlindsey,

Thanks!

 

[arwen]

Hi Duanes,

Nice elaboration of the spores & ideal cycling conditions. The coarse medias to say, there is quite a wide selection of bacteria housing materials to choose from nowadays. What are your preferences?

Hi everyone,

For the test kit, yup it's correct it's from API indeed. From my no.3/4 reading between 0.5-1ppm, say water change on a daily basis of 30-40% of 1120 litres (about 300 gallons). There are live stock inside 10 tinfoils & an Jardini, feeding is strictly once a day (pellets). How long do you think it will take for NH3/4 to reach 0ppm?

Thanks everyone!

 

[arwen]

Hi all here's the recent measurement of the parameters. Side track episode, for the longest time yellow for nh3/4 & orange for no3 has been my favourite colour always. Enjoy the hobby & thanks all for the in puts!