Nitrite in Marine Aquarium

Nitrite in Marine Aquarium

Nitrite � The Concept: Most aquarists have their first brush with nitrite soon after setting up an aquarium. Nitrite production is associated with the Nitrogen Cycle, which essentially occurs in all aquariums during the initial stages of set up and later on, at periodic intervals. During this cycle, the ammonia excreted by the organisms present in the aquarium causes the ammonia-consuming bacteria to multiply. These bacteria then oxidize ammonia and lead to a nitrite spike. Nitrite is a strong acid and is usually converted to nitrate by the nitrite-consuming bacteria in the aquarium. After some days, the levels of ammonia and nitrite reach a safe and steady level. This happens because the rate of consumption of both these chemicals is the same as that of their generation. This often marks the completion of the Nitrogen Cycle. As a result, in a well-established, aged marine aquarium, nitrite would always be at an extremely low level, virtually undetectable by standard testing equipment and fluctuations would be minimal as well.

Nitrite � The Impact on Aquarium Life: Nitrite equilibrium is likely to get disturbed in case of poor maintenance and neglect of a marine aquarium. Levels of this highly toxic chemical usually rise in a previously balanced aquarium, if the fish population is suddenly increased too much, if the tank is not cleaned regularly, or if the filtration system is not adequately efficient. Nitrite poisoning is a major cause of fish death. Even a small amount of nitrite could be lethal for a fish. Brown Blood disease is the commonest condition resulting due to Nitrite poisoning. In it, the blood is rendered incapable of carrying oxygen, suffocating a fish. Although saltwater animals are less susceptible to Nitrite poisoning as compared to a fresh water fish, nitrite levels still must never be allowed to exceed 120 ppm in a marine aquarium.

Nitrite � A Desirable Level: Various steps need to be taken to check nitrite levels in a tank. These include:

Adding New Fish: This should be a gradual process and not sudden & crowded.

Changing Water: Do this regularly.

Monitoring Aquarium: Do it constantly to detect problems early.

Fish Feeding: The fish should be fed sparingly and any uneaten food must be removed quickly.

Nitrite Spike: Nitrite spike invariably follows ammonia spike. In this case, extra care needs to be taken. You must change the tank water quickly, add chlorine salt to it, and reduce fish feedings to bring the situation under control. Daily testing needs to be done until the nitrite level falls back to zero again.