Step 1 – Cycling Process
Once you have added your live sand, live rock, and saltwater, the cycling process will begin. We recommend that you
add a bacteria to your tank (such as Bacter Boost). Some hobbyists add Damsels to help produce ammonia.
Ammonia will build in the first step of the cycling process. The natural die-off of live rock, the addition of food for the
Damsels, and their waste products will cause ammonia levels to rise. Open Oceans recommends adding Green
Chromis instead of Damsels. Green Chromis are more peaceful than Damsels.
Nitrosomonas-
These bacteria feed on nitrogen, especially ammonia. They are aerobic bacteria (needing oxygen and food to live) which
form colonies wherever there is an adequate amount of ammonia and oxygen. These bacteria will quickly feed on the
ammonia (waste products of fish, uneaten food, and live rock die-off). Once the Nitrosomonas start to colonize and use
up all the ammonia, they produce a product called Nitrite. Although it is normal for Nitrite to occur in the cycling process,
it is very dangerous and must be removed.
Step 2 – Cycling Process
Now that the Nitrosomonas have done their part in the cycling process by destroying ammonia, the Nitrosomonas
waste- (Nitrite), must be removed.
Nitrobacter-
These bacteria (also aerobic- needing oxygen and food to live) feed on the nitrite produced by nitrosomonas. The nitrite
consumed by nitrobacter is turned into nitrate.
Although it is also very normal for nitrates to build to higher levels within the cycling period, the levels of nitrate must be
lowered for the cycling period to continue successfully.
Anaerobic Bacteria-
Anaerobic bacteria live where there is little or no oxygen. These bacteria develop and feed (this is yet again, what you
want). Anaerobic bacteria, (living in live rock and in your sand bed) will consume the nitrates. It releases its waste as
harmless, free nitrogen and oxygen gas.
Step 3 – Cycling Process
Throughout the cycling period (roughly 3 - 8 weeks), you should monitor your water parameters. Test frequently (at least
twice a week). Once the level of Nitrite reaches: 0 and Nitrate levels are extremely low: 0 – 40 ppm, you can slowly begin
adding fish and corals. Just remember that each aquarium is different and so is the cycling time. By utilizing Bacter
Boost, the cycling period can be rapid. It is extremely important that you do not overcrowd or intentionally add too many
fish to your aquarium. Take it slowly and you will have a successful saltwater aquarium.
Once you have added your live sand, live rock, and saltwater, the cycling process will begin. We recommend that you
add a bacteria to your tank (such as Bacter Boost). Some hobbyists add Damsels to help produce ammonia.
Ammonia will build in the first step of the cycling process. The natural die-off of live rock, the addition of food for the
Damsels, and their waste products will cause ammonia levels to rise. Open Oceans recommends adding Green
Chromis instead of Damsels. Green Chromis are more peaceful than Damsels.
Nitrosomonas-
These bacteria feed on nitrogen, especially ammonia. They are aerobic bacteria (needing oxygen and food to live) which
form colonies wherever there is an adequate amount of ammonia and oxygen. These bacteria will quickly feed on the
ammonia (waste products of fish, uneaten food, and live rock die-off). Once the Nitrosomonas start to colonize and use
up all the ammonia, they produce a product called Nitrite. Although it is normal for Nitrite to occur in the cycling process,
it is very dangerous and must be removed.
Step 2 – Cycling Process
Now that the Nitrosomonas have done their part in the cycling process by destroying ammonia, the Nitrosomonas
waste- (Nitrite), must be removed.
Nitrobacter-
These bacteria (also aerobic- needing oxygen and food to live) feed on the nitrite produced by nitrosomonas. The nitrite
consumed by nitrobacter is turned into nitrate.
Although it is also very normal for nitrates to build to higher levels within the cycling period, the levels of nitrate must be
lowered for the cycling period to continue successfully.
Anaerobic Bacteria-
Anaerobic bacteria live where there is little or no oxygen. These bacteria develop and feed (this is yet again, what you
want). Anaerobic bacteria, (living in live rock and in your sand bed) will consume the nitrates. It releases its waste as
harmless, free nitrogen and oxygen gas.
Step 3 – Cycling Process
Throughout the cycling period (roughly 3 - 8 weeks), you should monitor your water parameters. Test frequently (at least
twice a week). Once the level of Nitrite reaches: 0 and Nitrate levels are extremely low: 0 – 40 ppm, you can slowly begin
adding fish and corals. Just remember that each aquarium is different and so is the cycling time. By utilizing Bacter
Boost, the cycling period can be rapid. It is extremely important that you do not overcrowd or intentionally add too many
fish to your aquarium. Take it slowly and you will have a successful saltwater aquarium.
The Nitrogen Cycle
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