Nitrites and Nitrates

[ryan.king]

Hi,

Can someone please explain to me what are nitrites and nitrates and the difference between the two...

thanks

 

[Morrgan]

Fish waste is broken down into ammonia. Ammonia is converted into nitrite by a group of beneficial bacteria that live in an established tank. The nitrite is further converted into nitrate by another group of bacteria. This is called the nitrogen cycle. To put it short:

fish waste -> ammonia -> nitrite -> nitrate

Nitrate is very poisonous and there shouldn't be any in an established tank. Nitrates are less dangerous, but high levels should still be avoided. Nitrates are removed from the tank by regular water changes. Plants also use up some of it for their growth.

More info can be found here.

 

[nightlife20]

nitrIte is very dangerouse, nitrAte is in big dosings.. thats what water changes are there for

anythin other than 0 in ammonia or nitrIte is a danger sighn do water changes every 2 days.
nitrAte more than 40 means a bigger water changew... it is common to have 30+ and thats ok... but over 40 water change unless thats what ur tap waters already regesterin it at...

someone will not doubt happen along this post and inform u about it a bit more