How to cycle your pond? What is nitrification?

When starting your own pond or aquarium, it is crucial to “cycle” it before you put any animals inside. During the cycling process, beneficial bacteria colonize the system and establish the nitrogen cycle. In a process called nitrification, they convert toxic ammonia into less harmful compounds, maintaining water quality, preventing fish stress and disease, and ensuring the overall well-being of the aquatic ecosystem. Cycling allows for the establishment of a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem, reducing the risk of ammonia and nitrite spikes that can be harmful to aquatic life. By patiently cycling the pond or aquarium, you are laying the foundation for a thriving and sustainable aquatic habitat.

Nitrifying bacteria play a vital role in water purification by breaking down harmful compounds. These bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite and then further oxidize it to nitrate, a less harmful form. This process, known as nitrification, helps maintain water quality and supports the balance of ecosystems. Understanding the role of nitrifying bacteria is crucial for effective wastewater treatment and promoting healthy aquatic environments. Learn more about how these microscopic organisms contribute to the purification of our water resources.

What is nitrification process

The nitrification process is a crucial part of the nitrogen cycle and plays a vital role in water purification. It is carried out by nitrifying bacteria, specifically Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. These bacteria convert ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2-) and then further oxidize it to nitrate (NO3-).

Nitrification occurs in two steps: ammonia oxidation and nitrite oxidation. During ammonia oxidation, Nitrosomonas bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite. Then, Nitrobacter bacteria perform nitrite oxidation, converting nitrite into nitrate.

This process is significant because it helps remove harmful compounds from the environment. Ammonia and nitrite, in high concentrations, can be toxic to aquatic life. By converting them into nitrate, nitrifying bacteria reduce the toxicity and make the water safer for organisms.

Nitrification primarily occurs in soil, sediments, and biofilms in aquatic systems. It is especially important in wastewater treatment plants, where nitrifying bacteria are used to remove ammonia and nitrite from effluent.

Nitrifying bacteria in detail

Nitrosomonas bacteria are responsible for converting ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2-), using an enzyme called ammonia monooxygenase (AMO). This conversion process, known as ammonium oxidation, helps to remove toxic ammonia from the water.

Nitrobacter bacteria further oxidize nitrite into nitrate (NO3-), completing the nitrification process. These bacteria utilize nitrite oxidoreductase enzyme to convert nitrite, ensuring the removal of harmful compounds from the water.

Factors Influencing Nitrifying Bacteria Activity

Several factors can influence the activity of nitrifying bacteria in an aquatic environment. Temperature plays a crucial role, as nitrification rates increase with higher temperatures within a suitable range.

pH levels also affect bacterial activity, with an optimal range typically around neutral to slightly alkaline.

Ammonia and oxygen concentrations are essential, as nitrifying bacteria require ammonia as a substrate and oxygen for respiration. Inadequate levels of either can hinder their activity.

Other factors such as dissolved oxygen levels, organic matter, and the presence of inhibitory substances like heavy metals can also impact nitrification. 

Cultivating and Enhancing Nitrifying Bacteria

Cultivating and enhancing nitrifying bacteria is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced aquatic environment. These bacteria play a vital role in converting toxic ammonia into less harmful substances through a process called nitrification. Here are some effective methods for promoting nitrifying bacteria growth and maintaining optimal conditions for nitrification.

One method is to seed the system with established cultures of nitrifying bacteria. This can be done by introducing filter media or water from a well-established aquarium or pond that already contains nitrifying bacteria. These bacteria will colonize the new environment and kick-start the nitrification process.

Providing a suitable substrate and surface area is another crucial factor. Porous materials like ceramic rings, lava rock, or biofilter media offer ample surface area for nitrifying bacteria to attach and grow. The bacteria form a biofilm on these surfaces, which enhances their activity and efficiency in converting ammonia to nitrite and nitrate.

Maintaining optimal conditions is key to supporting nitrifying bacteria. Regular water testing is essential to monitor ammonia and nitrite levels, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Ammonia and nitrite should be kept at low levels to avoid toxicity (close to 0.0!), while pH should be within the suitable range for nitrifying bacteria activity, which is between 7 and 8.5. Adequate dissolved oxygen ensures optimal bacterial metabolism and should not drop below 4 mg/L.

Additionally, it’s important to provide a steady source of ammonia for the bacteria to break down. This can be achieved through fish waste, uneaten fish food, or ammonium-based fertilizers in planted aquariums. However, be cautious not to overfeed or exceed the ammonia load, as it can overwhelm the bacteria and lead to poor water quality.

In conclusion, cultivating and enhancing nitrifying bacteria requires promoting their growth through seeding with established cultures, providing suitable substrate and surface area, and maintaining optimal conditions. By implementing these practices, aquarists and pond owners can create a thriving environment for nitrifying bacteria, resulting in efficient ammonia removal and a healthier aquatic ecosystem.Below you can find recommended water values for nitrifying bacteria to thrive.

*This temperature range is when the bacteria thrive best, so if you are starting a filter, you can speed up the cycling by keeping the water temperature within this range.