understanding the tank cycle

[crutkas]

Ok, LR takes care of ammonia and nitrite's. Then a refugium will help take care of nitrites also.
Correct?

Then what takes care of the nitrates? Won't a DSB become overcome with nitrates?

Or do sandsifting stars and other stars help take care of the nitrates?

I've been reading about tank crashes and I'm attempting to figure out everything that could possibly go wrong before I dive in. And I'm wondering if the nitrate buildup would cause this "crash". If so, how to prevent it naturally.

Was thinking about getting a horseshoe crab to help in the aid but heard they grow too fast. (when someone says too fast, how fast do they grow? an inch a year?)

[fletch]

Crutkas, Try this link I think it will help
http://shell.pubnix.net/~spond/filter/nitrogen.html

.................................................. ............ John

[crutkas]

So water changes are what help take care of nitrate levels?

[JohnO]

The link that Fletch provided shows the Nitogen cycle very well. Ammonia - Nitrite - Nitrate.. Once the tank is up and running ( cycling ) you can almost forget about the Ammonia - Nitrite part of the cycle as the bacteria responsible will increase and delcine depending on the amount of food available. eg: You add a new fish, bacteria slowly increase until you get back into a balanced cycle.

The problem ( some say obsession ) is with the Nitrate component. The only way to remove Nitrate without using a chemical solution is either by anaerobic bacteria or with magro algae or with mangrove plants.

The anerobic ( without oxygen ) method was by far the preferred method and intoduced things like the plenum system and the Deep Sand Bed. The problem that is now perceived with these systems is the accumulation of organic material which could cause a build up of Hydrogen Sulfide which if released will cause the tank to "crash" So, far more popular now is using macro algae and or mangrove plants in a sump ( refugium ) where they can actually use the Nitrate to grow.

John

[JohnO]

Oh! Sorry, I also meant to say that water changes are certainly one way of reducing Nitrates too :-)

John

[crutkas]

what are some examples of macroalgae?

[fletch]

Try this link
http://www.peteducation.com/category...6&cat=1932

.............................................. John

[Craig Manoukian]

Great job Fletch and John O.

[crutkas]

sweet, ok, I figured that what fletch said was correct, always nice to have another backer.

Thanks for the help on the entry level questions. I'm willing to invest on the hobby but I want to do it correct the first time. Information is my friend

[karlas]

patience and time will also be your friend