Chemistry: The Nitrogen Cycle

As mentioned previously, my reef tank is currently going through a startup phase in which the nitrogen cycle becomes established. As there isn't much for me to do until this phase completes itself, I decided to dig a little deeper on the chemistry of this cycle and how it specifically relates to reef aquaria.

Fortunately for those of us who spent too much time goofing around in high school chemistry, there are a number of talented professionals contributing to the knowledge base. Of particular note is Randy Holmes-Farley, a chemist at Genzyme (which just so happens to be down the street from where I work). He writes articles for several online reef aquaria journals, and this morning I enjoyed reading two on the nitrogen cycle: Nitrite and the Reef Aquarium and Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium.

Of specific interest in these articles were a few points that differ in marine aquaria from freshwater systems, and that also defy what is passed along in forums as conventional wisdom. For one thing, it appears that in saltwater systems nitrites are not considered highly toxic unlike in freshwater tanks where they are considered as deadly as ammonia. Randy also lists out proven methods of eliminating nitrates in the reef tank, which though also not considered highly toxic, can be contributors to nuisance algae. Both articles are a great read for those looking to get an introduction to these steps in the nitrogen cycle.