| Adding your first fish to a new saltwater aquarium is | | | | ammonia are called nitrifying bacteria. This invisible |
| a great feeling. it also brings the tank to life. | | | | bacteria will convert the ammonia into nitrite and the |
| Unfortunately many people turn this event into a | | | | nitrite into harmless free nitrogen or nitrate. |
| frustrating ordeal by adding the fish to fast and | | | | To be sure that this bacteria has grown the marine |
| having them perish wasting both time and money. So | | | | aquarium needs to be cycles. This is often done by |
| when is the right time to add fish to a saltwater | | | | adding a pinch of fish food into the tank or adding |
| tank? | | | | live rock to the tank. The food will decay and cause |
| When Can I Add Fish To My Saltwater Aquarium? | | | | an ammonia spike as will small dieing organism on the |
| Before you can add any fish to your new marine | | | | live rock. This ammonia will cause the nitrifying |
| aquarium you have to make sue that the water | | | | bacteria to start to grow. |
| chemistry is right and the necessary bacteria have | | | | To check for a cycle you should test for ammonia |
| grown in order to make the water safe. | | | | everyday. Once you see an ammonia spike test for |
| Water in a new saltwater tank is not safe because | | | | nitrites. After the nitrites appear then disappear your |
| any decaying fish food or the normal amount of fish | | | | saltwater aquarium is ready for fish. |
| waste can cause ammonia levels to rise in the water. | | | | But add them slowly one or two at a time and wait |
| This ammonia is toxic to most fish and invertebrates | | | | a few weeks between new additions or you could |
| and will kill them in a short amount of time. | | | | over whelm the system and cause a small ammonia |
| The bacteria that need to grow to get rid of this | | | | spike. |