Nitrite and nitrate - what is that?

Nitrite and nitrate are nitrogen compounds and belong together with phosphate to the macro nutrients.

Where does the nitrite and nitrate in my aquarium come from?

Nitrite and nitrate are usually introduced by food. However, dying organisms or contaminated and unfiltered water can also lead to an increase in levels.

Why is the determination of nitrite important?

The nitrite value gives you an indication whether your tank is "cycled" and whether you can introduce fish. "Cycling" means simply getting the nitrogen cycle going. The cycle is important to convert (for fish) toxic nitrogen compounds (= ammonium/ammonia and nitrite) to non-toxic (= nitrate). In a completely "cycled" aquarium, nitrite is normally no longer detectable.

Why is the determination of nitrate important?

Both, an over- and undersupply of nitrate could have negative effects on the animals you care for. Nitrate can be absorbed particularly easily by algae and therefore may lead to unwanted and excessive algae growth. This is also true for the zooxanthellae of your corals. Due to the increased nitrate concentrations they start to multiply quickly and compete with the coral for important substances and compounds. This ultimately leads to the fact that your corals grow more slowly and their tissue becomes increasingly brown. Your nitrate concentration should ideally be in the range of 5 to 10 mg/l.

If your nutrient concentrations exceed the given values, you should take appropriate steps to reduce them. If they are below the detection limit and your corals already show the first signs of deficiency, you should add nutrients.

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