Glossary

nitrites

A salt or ester of nitrous acid. Produced in aquaria via metabolisation of ammonia by nitrifying bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas, and toxic to fishes if present in sufficient concentrations, but in a mature system is further converted into less-harmful nitrates by other bacteria of the genus Nitrospira.

Used in 1 species profile

Homalopterula ripleyi

Related terms

acid
A substance that can donate protons or accept pairs of electrons. The chemical opposite of a base. Acids have a pH of less than 7.
activated carbon
Processed, porous, highly adsorptive form of carbon also known as activated charcoal or active carbon. Used in aquaria to remove toxins such as chlorine, chloramine, some heavy metals, and especially organic molecules, but exerts no action on ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate or inorganic salts. Since it has a finite surface area it requires periodic replacement if employed long-term, and should be removed if a tank is being treated as it will remove most medications. Cannot be 'recharged' by heating in a microwave or domestic oven.
ammonia
The chemical compound NH3, which is toxic to fish. The main source in aquaria is the breakdown of protein by a fish's metabolism.
bacteria
Large group of prokaryotic microorganisms representing one of the three domains of living organisms. Present in the majority of Earth's habitats as well as organic matter and the bodies of live animals. Most are harmless, some beneficial and others pathogenic.
denitrification
Reduction of nitrates to nitrites and ammonia by the breakdown of nitrogenous compounds, or conversion of nitrates into nitrogen-containing gases. Usually carried out by microorganisms.
denitrify
To reduce nitrates to nitrites and ammonia by the breakdown of nitrogenous compounds, or convert such compounds into nitrogen-containing gases.
nitrates
Any salt or ester of nitric acid, and the end product of the portion of the nitrogen cycle taking place in most closed aquarium systems (the conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas in natural systems is carried out by anaerobic microorganisms not normally present in sufficient numbers in aquaria, though this process can be induced by installation of a nitrate reactor). While nitrates are less toxic than ammonia or nitrites, they are still potentially harmful to fishes and other aquatic organisms if allowed to accumulate unchecked, and must therefore be diluted via regular water changes. Aquatic plants also help since they are able to metabolise nitrates to an extent.
nitrify
To convert ammonia or other nitrogen compounds into nitrites or nitrates.
Nitrobacter
Genus of bacteria previously thought to reduce nitrIte to nitrAte in an aquarium, but which does not occur, or occurs in negligible quantities, in aquaria.
Nitrosomonas
Genus of bacteria which reduces ammonia to nitrIte in an aquarium.
Nitrospira
Genus of bacteria which reduces nitrIte to nitrAte in an aquarium.
test kit
Used to check the chemistry of an aquarium. There are specific tests for individual chemicals (eg ammonia, nitrIte).
toxic
Poisonous.

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