Re: dwarf puffer not eating, very skinny
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:44 am
While water column bacteria certainly are normal tank inhabitants, they contribute nothing, repeat nothing, to the tank's required nitrogen cycle. All the persistent tank bacteria for oxidizing ammonia and nitrite are obligate attached forms. Statements to the contrary are simply incorrect. They also can be terribly misleading to novices.
Nitrogen cycle establishment in a new tank can be done in 3 weeks or a bit less if adequate bacteria are available. Full biological maturity and balance of a new tank commonly requires 3-6 months, and can have significant seasonal upsets or fluctuations it the water supply is surface water. Old or deep aquifer water supplies tend to be seasonally more stable unless the tank has seasonal sun exposure. Tanks with plenums or DSB also may take longer to fully stabilize or mature, but then can operate smoothly for decades.
HTH
Nitrogen cycle establishment in a new tank can be done in 3 weeks or a bit less if adequate bacteria are available. Full biological maturity and balance of a new tank commonly requires 3-6 months, and can have significant seasonal upsets or fluctuations it the water supply is surface water. Old or deep aquifer water supplies tend to be seasonally more stable unless the tank has seasonal sun exposure. Tanks with plenums or DSB also may take longer to fully stabilize or mature, but then can operate smoothly for decades.
HTH