What are Nitrites and Nitrates?
Ill keep it as simple as I can in this explanation as possible. When you first add fish to an aquarium, you start something called the nitrification cycle. The fish start releasing waste into the water and contaminating it. Luckily, there are bacteria that eat this waste and turn it into nitrites. Nitrites, although less harmful than the waste, are not good for an aquarium. During the first few weeks, youll see your ammonia (waste) levels and your nitrite levels raise and grow. Do not add more fish during this time or else it will kill them. After a month or so, your nitrite levels will have peeked and will start dropping along with your ammonia rates. This is because a new type of bacteria is in the water now converting your nitrites into nitrates. Nitrates are much less harmful than nitrites, but are still not good for fish. Frequent water changes help control nitrate levels and keep your fish healthy. After a few months your ammonia levels should be at zero, your nitrite levels shou
