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Nitrogen Cycle- the process
When you have completed setting up your saltwater aquarium, you can begin to add some hardy saltwater fish such as damselfish – popular fish if you are nitrogen cycle your aquarium and feed them regularly as this will begin the process.
Another alternative is live rock because dying matter in the live rock produces the ammonia source that you require. Ammonia level will rise rapidly because you do not have the adequate concentration of the right types of bacteria. Then the fish will become stressed and discomforted such as rapid breathing.
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The first stage of bacteria are now beginning to start and after a couple days the ammonia levels will peak then begin to drop. Now the ammonia levels will reach zero as the first stage bacteria will convert to Nitrite.
Now nitrite levels will begin to rise and if your fish are not strong they wont last past this stage.
A few more weeks or so later, nitrite level will reach its peak. Your saltwater fish again will show signs of stress. Small water changes of up to one fifth will help protect the saltwater fish against toxic chemicals in the water during nitrogen cycle.
Second stage bacteria are established and will multiply. Nitrite level will then drop and nitrate becomes detectable.
First and second stage bacteria are now established at this point of the cycle and will be able to keep up with the ammonia created from the fish, turning it into nitrate and then quickly converting it into nitrate.
The saltwater aquarium tank should now be fully cycled. You can now slowly start adding more livestock in your aquarium and allow the bacteria to work.
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
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