Much of this information I will provide is condensed and more basic, but comes a from a couple of very in depth and researched articles on this subject (which readers can read if they desire a more in depth understanding). I will not address the organic chemistry aspect (the Nitrogen Cycle), which involves ammonia, nitrates, etc., rather the aspects of KH, GH, pH, mineral … [Read more...] about Aquarium Chemistry, Including Redox for Bettas & Other Fish
Nitrogen Cycle
10 Reasons to Cycle your Betta Tank
Tank cycling is when we assist our aquarium in growing a colony of beneficial bacteria that will consume dangerous ammonia and nitrite, the byproducts of fish waste and other decaying organic debris. This is a naturally occurring process that, given the right conditions, would occur anyway in your tank. When you cycle your tank you simply allow this natural process to take … [Read more...] about 10 Reasons to Cycle your Betta Tank
Avoiding Mini-cycles
gustav1, originally uploaded by girlpirate. DW wrote, I just wanted to write to you, and say thank you so much for putting up your site! I’ve learned so much from it! I also am in love with the betta photos you put up with each post. Simply amazing. Make me wanna set up my tripod and take a few rolls of my baby with my SLR since my digi doesn’t do him justice! But now, … [Read more...] about Avoiding Mini-cycles
Choosing the Best Method for Tank Cycling
Q: SM wrote, I have a question about my tank…I told you in the other email what I have in my tank. I just want to be assured that when I add all the fish, I cannot change the tank,until I meausre the water and the ammonia is really up , then the bacteria starts? Is that how it works? I just have the filter..so.. I am going to buy a water conditioner but will I really need … [Read more...] about Choosing the Best Method for Tank Cycling
The Nitrogen Cycle & Fishless Cycling Method
In an aquarium or fish bowl the fish give off waste, which over a short time breaks down into toxic ammonia. We all know that ammonia is quite dangerous even in small quantities so as aquarists we need to take steps to combat it. In a small Betta bowl that might mean making full 100% water changes every week but what if the tank were larger like 10 gallons or what if it were a … [Read more...] about The Nitrogen Cycle & Fishless Cycling Method
Glossary: Detritus (Mulm)
Dirty Tank (which has been cleaned!!!), originally uploaded by blaqphlegm. In the aquarium, detritus (often called mulm) is organic material made up of fragments of fish waste, uneaten food particles, dead animals, mucus, shed skin and decaying plant matter. It is commonly suspended in the water and sucked into the filter but in conditions where there is little water movement, … [Read more...] about Glossary: Detritus (Mulm)
Oops! You Forgot to Change Your Betta’s Water… (when serious time lapses)
Angry stick training one, originally uploaded by revs45. Q: J&J wrote, Christie, [We] have a beautiful dark blue and radiant red Beta Splenden (or at least I think that is what it is called) He has long flowing fins. His name is Earl. Two weeks after my parents gave him to me I received orders and deployed to Iraq. I am back now and can’t wait to help Earl. HISTORY: … [Read more...] about Oops! You Forgot to Change Your Betta’s Water… (when serious time lapses)
Tank Cycling & Bacteria Blooms
Bacteria blooms are caused by heterotrophic bacteria not the autotrophic nitrifying bacteria that are responsible for the cycling process.Q: RM wrote: Hi Christie, I thought I’d give you an update as I’m still looking for some advice. I have been making sure to put in enough Amquel and NovAqua to keep the ammonia levels at 0. I have yet to detect any Nitrite in the … [Read more...] about Tank Cycling & Bacteria Blooms