Currently, we are in the process of cycling our main aquarium. When fish live in the aquarium, they produce ammonia in their wastes and it accumulates and is toxic to the fish. Natural bacterial cultures, known as biological filters, will convert the ammonia to nitrates and nitrites. However, bacteria only grows to its capacity; therefore, if there is no ammonia to convert, the bacteria cultures won't grow. In order to establish the necessary bacteria colonies, ammonia is added and readings for ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites are taken twice daily until a spike is seen first in the ammonia levels and then nitrates and nitrites. In my case I added ammonium phosphate (the phosphate is no danger to the zebrafish). Below you can see the spike in ammonia, while to nitrate and nitrate levels still remain at zero.
Once the biological filters, the bacteria colonies, are established, we need to make the water slightly acidic to a pH or 6.6 to 6.8. We also need to greatly soften the water by adding salts. Once, the pH and water hardness are regulated, it's time to get our fish!
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