Buying an Aquarium for a Child or Teen in Melbourne Buying an Aquarium for Child or Teen in Melbourne | Page 2

chemicals. Fortunately, nature provides a solution in the form of bacteria that break down
these toxic chemicals into relatively harmless chemicals. The process nature uses to
eliminate toxins from the tank is called the nitrogen cycle. Fish excrete toxic ammonia as
part of respiration, and decaying fish waste and uneaten food produces additional
ammonia. As the nitrogen cycle begins, the ammonia is converted by special kinds of
bacteria into nitrites (which are also harmful), and these are then converted into nitrates.
Excess nitrates can be controlled through partial water changes. The bacteria required for
this process build slowly on the surface of your filters and gravel or substrate, and the
process can take up to six weeks, starting from the day that you first add fish to your
aquarium.
2.0 What to Know Before Buying an Aquarium in Melbourne
All too often new aquarium owners have a bad first experience with their first aquarium
and end up giving up almost before they get started. Considering these basic factors and
planning ahead will help potential new aquarium owners avoid common pitfalls. Even for
the experienced aquarium owner, planning is a good idea.