![]() In general, the bacterial colonies in an established reef tank are quite resilient. Therefore the rock needs to be placed into a vat or fishless aquarium to “cure.” Through the use of filtration and water changes, the die off ends and all of the forms of life, including bacteria, start to grow. There are many organisms on the rock (sponges, tunicates, crabs, etc.) that will die off as a result of shipping. If the live rock or sand has just come from the ocean, then it is referred to as uncured. The length of time that the reef’s biological filter takes to establish will vary from tank to tank. Therefore, there is no need for additional bio-filtration (bio-balls, wheels, etc.) The establishment of the biological filter takes place the moment you place live rock and live sand into the aquarium. The innermost layers of rock and lower levels of sand can support the denitrifying bacteria. The oxygenated surfaces, such as the outer surfaces of rock and top layer of sand, support the nitrifying bacteria. All of the surfaces in your reef effectively become your biological filter. This process is called denitrification.Ĭonveniently, when we fill our aquariums with live rock and sand, we get a perfect home for lots of bacteria, both nitrifying and denitrifying. When these bacteria are kept at very low oxygen concentrations, they utilize the oxygen in nitrate and convert it to nitrogen gas (N2). These filters utilize various species of bacteria that can live with or without oxygen. In many fish only systems this cycle ends there, and water changes or some sort of denitrification filter reduces the ever-accumulating nitrates. ![]() Nitrite, though nowhere near as dangerous as ammonia, is thankfully metabolized by another group of bacteria that convert it to the relatively benign nitrate ion (NO3). Luckily for us the ammonia produced by these sources is converted to nitrite (NO2) by a group of autotrophic (self feeding) bacteria. This is the number one killer of aquarium inhabitants. This normally happens when an aquarium is has just been set up and the bacterial population has not become established or something has caused an existing population to die back. If the levels of ammonia in the surrounding water become too high, the animals cannot get rid of their own waste ammonia. Aquatic animals release ammonia directly into the aquarium water. The second source (and a very important one) is the bi-product of animal respiration. is converted to its basic state of inorganic materials (including ammonia), CO2 and water. All of the excess food, fish waste, dead bacteria etc. The first is the breakdown of organic material by heterotrophic bacteria. In the aquarium, ammonia comes from two main sources. The reason for this is the presence of toxic ammonia. ![]() the amount of animals the aquarium can safely support) quickly becomes very low. Without sufficient surface area for the bacteria to grow, the carrying capacity (i.e. These types of filters are essential for fish only systems. Under gravel filters, bio-wheels, wet/dry or trickle filters all have the same goal, to house and grow nitrifying bacteria. There are many types of biological filters on the market. In order to maximize the growth potential of the bacteria, aquarists utilize biological filters. This complex yet crucial process is carried out by various types of bacteria that live on every surface of your aquarium. Put simply, this wonderful process converts the waste products of the reef inhabitants to a non-toxic state. The most important type of filtration in any aquarium is biological filtration. This article will briefly discuss each of these and what role they play in the reef aquarium. There are three main types of filtration: One of the first questions that people ask when setting up a reef aquarium is, “What type of filter should I use?” In order to make an informed decision, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of the different types of filtration and how they will help you maintain a beautiful reef tank.
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