1. The nitrogen cycle and how to save Nemo and his friends!!

2. What does Nemo need to survive?

3. What is different about Nemo (and other fish) living in the ocean vs leaving in your tank?

4. Our Closed System What happens to fish waste, extra food and decaying plants?

6. 3 Stages of the Nitrogen Cycle Stage 1 – Organic matter (aka fish poo) is broken down into Ammonia (NH 3 ) – Toxic to fish in high levels Stage 2 – Nitrosomonas bateria oxidize the ammonia, which eliminates it – The Byproduct of this process is Nitrite (NO 2 − ) – Still toxic to fish in high levels Stage 3 – Nitrobacter Bacteria then convert Nitrite (NO 2 − ) to Nitrate (NO 3 − ) – Nitrate is less toxic to fish Partial water changes (in addition to the bateria) help keep Ammonia levels low. The bacteria converting the chemical compounds is an example of biological and chemical processes occurring in the water.

7. Nitrogen Cycle

8. Nitrogen Cycle in Nature

9. Human’s Impact on Nitrogen Cycle

10. Thoughts on Global Sustainability Global Sustainability: Practices that allow the earth to continue to support future generations. Can humans cause imbalance in the nitrogen cycle? Can this be harmful for sustainability? How can we help?

11. Human’s Impact on Nitrogen Cycle

12. Water Quality Parameters for Saltwater Tanks: Temperate Range= 24-27 Celsius Specific Gravity (Hydrometer)= 1.019-1.024 pH= 7.9-8.4 Ammonia (NH3)= 0ppm Nitrite= 0ppm Nitrate= less then 20ppm