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<img src="/custom-content/images/seapetsplainlogo100.jpg" alt="logo" width="100" height="31" align="right" /> <img src="/custom-content/images/aquariums/healthy/662130large.jpg" alt="cycling" width="90" height="200" align="left" />Maturing an AquariumA very important part of setting up an aquarium and making it safe for fish is the maturing or ‘cycling' process. By setting some time aside to proper cycling, your aquarium will be much easier to maintain, since the cycling process produces a thriving population of beneficial bacteria that convert harmful waste products into less dangerous compounds. This principal is the same regardless of whether the aquarium is for freshwater or marine aquariums, the only real difference being that freshwater fish are generally more hardy to the early stages of maturation. You need two types of beneficial bacteria in your aquarium. The first type converts ammonia into nitrite, while the other type converts nitrite into nitrate. Ammonia will be produced by the metabolism of your fish and excreted from the gills and in fish waste. High levels of ammonia are dangerous to fish, but there are beneficial bacteria that can convert ammonia into nitrite. Nitrite is also very toxic, but the second group of bacteria will turn the nitrite into nitrate, which is much less toxic. The nitrate can then be removed by regular water changes - a 25% water change every month is good practice - or by putting nitrate removing products into your aquarium or filter. These beneficial bacteria will need to be introduced to the aquarium and there are a number of ways to do this. One method is adding a few sturdy fishes that cope well with high levels of waste. A good aquatic specialist will be able to recommend suitable fishes to you. The waste products from the fish contain live bacteria that will gradually colonize suitable places in the aquarium, such as filters and gravel. You can jump-start the process by buying a bacterial supplement that contains nitrifying bacteria. The best bacteria for converting nitrite are Nitrospira bacteria. You can also use gravel or sponge from an already established aquarium when you set up a new one, but you should keep in mind that this can introduce harmful bacteria as well.  Whichever method you choose, you will want to monitor the waste levels in your aquarium during the set-up period, and this is done easily with aquarium test kits. You will see the Ammonia level rise to a dangerous reading on your test, but don't worry as this is normal in a new aquarium.  Let nature take its course and it will return to a safe level as bacteria convert it to nitrite. Using a nitrite test kit you will see a similar pattern over the next few weeks as the nitrite levels build up and then fall as beneficial bacteria reduce them to safe levels. When a safe level of nitrite has been reached you can safely introduce fish to your aquarium.<a href="javascript:history.back()"><img src="/custom-content/images/s_back.gif" onmouseover="this.src='/custom-content/images/s_back_br.gif';" onmouseout="this.src='/custom-content/images/s_back.gif';" border="0" alt="Back to previous page" width="219" height="27" /></a> Disclaimer:  This article is supplied for informative purposes only. Seapets Ltd has done its very best to make sure that the above information is up-to-date and correct, but takes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the following of this advice. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your local vet regarding any concerns that you may have for your pet.(Webmasters: This article can be reproduced on your site as long as the following link and description remain in place). Link details:TITLE: Aquariums | Fish Tanks<a href="/web-site-editor/type/file/name/custom-content-Cycling/program/DESCRIPTION" class="textblue textgrey">URL:</a> <a href="/view-subcategories/category/7.html">http://www.seapets.co.uk/view-subcategories/category/7.html</a>DESCRIPTION: Seapets is one of the UK's leading aquarists and stocks a large range of aquariums and fish tanks.