Reef Aquarium Fact #35 Complete denitrification can be found in the anaerobic region

[revhtree]

We are going to continue discussing the reef aquarium facts submitted by our members. Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts?

Fact #35

Complete denitrification can be found in the anaerobic regions (bottom) of the aquarium sandbed where it is processed by specialized bacteria into nitrogen sulfide gas.


Truth or False? What else might we need to learn on this subject? Please also share any pictures that may pertain to the subject.

 

[beaslbob]

false

1) nitrates will be converted to fish food through plant action

2) the anaerobic (or anoxic) bacterial action converts nitrates to nitrogen gas.

3) in some cases anaerobic bacteria will reduce nitrates to ammonia instead of nitrogen gas.

4) and also create hyrdoren sulfide.

5) all of which can occur at places other then the bottom of the tank.

my .02

 

[revhtree]

Thanks Bob and very interesting!

Anybody else got an opinion?

 

[drainbamage]

the essence of the statement is true, but too encompassing-


Basically the bacteria that completes the nitrogen cycle is found in anaerobic areas, of which there are not a typical abundance of int he tank. Additionally, area's that are anaerobic will also house different bacteria strains, some of which will process sulfates and other organics into different compounds.
Depending on how your aquarium is set up, the sandbed is commonly a place found to be anaerobic, especially on deeper sand beds. However, very shallow sandbeds, or tanks without a sand bed at all, will not experience the same results.