Nitrite Levels - Page 2

an411 · 09/27/2007, 12:47 PM

Mavrk aren't nitrites a bacteria that consumes ammonia?

an411 · 09/27/2007, 12:48 PM

I should probably read that article that will probably explain more

Mavrk · 09/27/2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by an411
Mavrk aren't nitrites a bacteria that consumes ammonia?

No. Nitrite is NO2-. This is the result of the biological oxidation of ammonia. What you are referring to are called Nitrosomonas.

When speaking of "cycling" most people are referring to the Nitrification part of the Nitrogen Cycle. This is as follows:

1. Ammonia (NH3) is converted into Nitrite(NO2-) by Nitrosomonas.
2. Then Nitrite is converted into Nitrates (NO3-) by Nitrobacter.

Once you have enough nitrosomonas and nitrobacter to go through the nitrification process virtually instantaneously, then your tank is considered "cycled". However, this does not mean it has matured.

Hope that helps.

bertoni · 09/27/2007, 06:20 PM

Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are no longer considered likely candidates as the bacteria in the nitrogen cycle in our tanks. Nitrite is not going to be harmful to fish in the concentrations I've seen in tanks.

I'd get a second opinion on the nitrite test kit. How much nitrite is registering?

Mavrk · 09/27/2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are no longer considered likely candidates as the bacteria in the nitrogen cycle in our tanks. Nitrite is not going to be harmful to fish in the concentrations I've seen in tanks.

I'd get a second opinion on the nitrite test kit. How much nitrite is registering?

Really? Nitrosomonas and nitrobacter have always been the lithotrophic bacteria I learned about way back in the days when I actually studied this kind of thing.

I am sure you have some articles on the subject. Are there any online? I would love to read up on the subject. I know that I am outdated on things, but this is a total shock to me.

bertoni · 09/27/2007, 07:47 PM

I had a reference at one point. I might be able to find it. As far as I know, the genera are unknown. I think there are some posts in the advanced topics forum from long ago on this issue.

Mavrk · 09/27/2007, 07:54 PM

Cool, I will try to do a search there.

Either way, nitrification should remain the same: Ammonia->Nitrite->Nitrate

bertoni · 09/27/2007, 08:06 PM

I was being nitpicky. It's a personality flaw.

Mavrk · 09/27/2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bertoni
I was being nitpicky. It's a personality flaw.

Actually, I would call it being informative. But perhaps that too is a personal flaw.

09/27/2007, 06:20 PM	#29
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are no longer considered likely candidates as the bacteria in the nitrogen cycle in our tanks. Nitrite is not going to be harmful to fish in the concentrations I've seen in tanks. I'd get a second opinion on the nitrite test kit. How much nitrite is registering? __________________ Jonathan Bertoni Last edited by bertoni; 09/27/2007 at 06:31 PM.

09/27/2007, 07:47 PM	#31
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I had a reference at one point. I might be able to find it. As far as I know, the genera are unknown. I think there are some posts in the advanced topics forum from long ago on this issue. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

09/27/2007, 08:06 PM	#33
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I was being nitpicky. It's a personality flaw. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

09/27/2007, 12:47 PM	#26
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	Mavrk aren't nitrites a bacteria that consumes ammonia?

09/27/2007, 12:48 PM	#27
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	I should probably read that article that will probably explain more

09/27/2007, 07:54 PM	#32
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	Cool, I will try to do a search there. Either way, nitrification should remain the same: Ammonia->Nitrite->Nitrate