Maturation
Aquarium Cycling
The Complete Cycle in a New Aquarium
Weeks 1–2: Ammonia levels rise (there aren't enough bacteria yet) Weeks 2–3: Ammonia levels drop, nitrite levels rise (Nitrosomonas establishes a colony) Weeks 3–6: Nitrite levels drop, nitrate levels rise (Nitrobacter becomes established) Weeks 6–8: NH3=0, NO2=0, NO3 present → aquarium is mature and ready
Aging Methods
| Method | Description | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishless cycling | Add pure ammonia or fish-free food | More humane | Slower |
| With hardy fish | Add a few very hardy fish (danios, gambusia) | Faster | Stresses/kills fish |
| With bottled bacteria | Products such as Tetra SafeStart, Dr. Tim's | Very quickly (days) | Mixed results |
| Mature Filter Transfer | Bringing filter media from another aquarium | Faster and more reliable | You need a donor aquarium |
| With live plants | Plants absorb NH3 and NO3, accelerating the process | Natural | Requires light |
Signs That the Aquarium Is Mature
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: >0 ppm (present but at low levels)
- Your cycle will stabilize even if you skip meals
Aquarium Volume and Dimensions
General (Guidelines) Rules
- Rule of thumb: 1 cm of fish per liter of water (very simplistic; disregard for large fish)
- Golden rule: Consider the fish's behavior; if it swims in a school, it needs lateral space.
- Minimum size: Never less than 54L for any "permanent" configuration
Rates by Volume
| Name | Liters | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Aquarium | <30L | For shrimp and very small fish—experts only |
| Small aquarium | 30-80L | Good for getting started with small groups |
| Medium-sized aquarium | 80-200L | Offers more options, more stable |
| Large aquarium | 200-500L | Greater chemical stability, more possible species |
| Mega Aquarium | >500L | For large fish, advanced saltwater anglers |
The Importance of Surface Area (Not Just Volume)
The water surface area determines the O2/CO2 exchange. A tall, narrow aquarium has less surface area than a short, wide one with the same volume → poorer oxygenation.