Question about NOB nutrients

[JoJosReef]

AOBs use NH3/NH4 and produce NO2. Then NOBs use NO2 and produce NO3.

But, do these cells only use these sources of energy? Do they need any additional nutrients for cell division and colonizing our rocks/sand?

I am asking, because if we start an empty tank with water, sand, rocks and a bottle of nitrifying bacteria, but nothing else, then start dropping ammonium chloride into the tank, do the bacteria grow at the same rate (particularly the NOBs) that they would if we also added a source of other nutrients? Phosphates? Aminos?

Thanks!

 

[JoJosReef]

Sorry, just thinking about it more. Would adding a carbon source and phosphates cause heterotrophic bacteria to spring into action and overtake/outgrow NOBs?