Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byGertrude Flynn Modified over 9 years ago
1
Graham Ramsay Fair City Aquarist Society
2
Understanding the nitrification process is the single most important step to success in keeping fish
3
Nitrification is the conversion of toxic fish waste (Ammonia) into Nitrite then Nitrate
4
An aquarium is a “Closed System” – fish have to live in their own waste material – this is mainly Ammonia
5
Ammonia is a product of fish respiration and is excreted via the gills
6
Ammonia is highly toxic to fish – there is no safe level
7
The higher the temperature and pH the more toxic it is
8
Gill irritation – scratching and gasping at the surface Skin, eyes and gill damage Lethargy, loss of appetite Clamped gills, lying on the bottom Death
9
Bacteria consume the ammonia and excrete Nitrite
10
Nitrite is toxic to fish – there is no safe level
11
Ulcers, fin rot Gill irritation and lethargy Brown gills and respiratory distress Death
12
Bacteria consume Nitrite and excrete Nitrate
13
Nitrate is safe at low levels High levels encourage algae and weaken fish Very high levels are toxic to fish
14
Nitrate levels are kept in check by regular water changes
16
Bacteria live on surfaces – gravel, plants, filters Require food and oxygen
17
Keep filters clear – rinse in tank water
18
New tanks won’t have enough bacteria
19
Fish die when added to a new tank Fish excrete Ammonia and levels build up
20
Start with only one or two fish Feed very little Wait until bacteria build up
21
Consider starting your tank without fish Requires a source of Ammonia Levels need to be measured regularly
22
You can add fish when the process is finished Start with a few then add slowly
23
Happens when no water is changed Nitrate levels rise pH falls Water discoloured
24
Nitrifying bacteria die Ammonia is present but not toxic pH may crash
25
New fish added die quickly – shop blamed Existing fish seem fine
26
Sudden water changes raise pH Ammonia becomes toxic again
27
Regular water changes Keep filters clean
28
Fish excrete toxic waste Bacteria convert it to nitrate Remove nitrate by doing water changes
29
New tanks don’t have bacteria Start slowly – without fish if you can
30
Don’t forget your water changes!!!
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.