What are nitrites in an aquarium?

What are nitrites in an aquarium? Everything you need to know about nitrites in an aquarium. The aquarium is a balanced and very autonomous environment with a cycle of biological self-regulation. So speaking of biological self-regulation, certain chemical substances including 𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 must be controlled within the aquarium in order to always keep aquatic species alive.

To this end, we ask ourselves several questions! What are nitrites, where do they come from and what consequences can they have in an aquarium? In order to have a clear and concise answer on this subject, we invite you to prodigiously browse the rest of this content.

Where do nitrites come from in an aquarium?

After the start of a 𝒂𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒎 the nitrogen cycle often takes place. During the second stage of this cycle, we can see the appearance of 𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 resulting from the progressive degradation of ammonia by Nitrosomonas (nitrifying bacteria). To be more explicit, it is a kind of organic pollution. Furthermore, nitrites are extremely toxic and must not have a concentration exceeding 0.2 𝒎𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒆 of water. When the concentration is high, some unfortunate consequences can be listed.

The consequences of high nitrite levels in an aquarium

Did you know that nitrites degrade after they are formed? Eh yes ! Nitrites after their formation also undergo degradation to give in turn "nitrate". These nitrates are very dangerous for aquatic species living in the aquarium. Note that a high rate of nitrites will cause a large number of nitrates after its degradation, which may therefore lead to a margin of consequences. As unfortunate consequences, we could note: the respiratory distress of certain aquatic species, more precisely of "fish" and the loss of dynamism of aquatic species.

• Respiratory distress in fish

The 𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 prevent the binding of oxygen and their transport to the organs, because the hemoglobins are first completely destroyed "this is methemoglobinemia". Thus, the fish have difficulty breathing and can die if no provision is made.

• Loss of dynamism of aquatic species

Following water toxicity, aquatic species can no longer feed and thus lose their dynamism to land at the bottom of the aquarium.

But how could you deal with nitrites when they increase in the aquarium? To learn more, it would be nice if you read the rest of the content.

Some practical methods to regulate the level of nitrite within the aquarium

You could use several methods to regulate the level of nitrite in your aquarium.

- First , you can plant plants in your aquarium to absorb nitrates from the degradation of nitrites (plants use nitrates as nutrients.).
- Second , you are able to change the 10% of water in your aquarium every week. This may reduce the high level of nitrites.
- Thirdly , it is also advisable to put non-iodized salt in the aquarium in order to reduce the toxicity of 𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔.
- Fourth , control the diet of your fish. Please feed them reasonably so that you can intentionally cause stagnation.
- Fifthly, it is essential to systematically clean the inside of your aquarium. It may also play a vital role in the regulation of nitrites.

Finally, let's remember that the 𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 in an aquarium are precisely chemical substances from the nitrogen cycle and harm the development of the aquatic environment. Their pure presence in the aquarium represents a real impact for aquatic species.

Examine meticulously or look for an excellent specialist who will check each time if the rate of 𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 is reasonable. This will let you know if you should obviously regulate it or not.