Ammonia and its relation to good bacteria...

Dom · May 8, 2016

Is it correct to say, that if the ammonia level in a tank is zero, the bacteria base in the tank is ample for the bio load?

peter fumo · May 8, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 9, 2016

There are many bacterial processes in a reef tank, many of which do not involve ammonia.

What is the broader context of the question?

Dom · May 9, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
There are many bacterial processes in a reef tank, many of which do not involve ammonia.

What is the broader context of the question?

There was some discussion about testing for bacteria levels, as you would test any other parameter in the tank. After thinking about it, I thought, why would you want to? As long as your ammonia comes back zero, there is no need.

Joel B in FL · May 9, 2016

Dom said:
There was some discussion about testing for bacteria levels, as you would test any other parameter in the tank. After thinking about it, I thought, why would you want to? As long as your ammonia comes back zero, there is no need.

I am by no means an expert like Randy is but bacteria do a whole lot more for the benefit of a tank than just process ammonia. They process all kinds of important things we do not want in our tank and also provide a food source for some other animals we do want in our tank.

twilliard · May 9, 2016

Dom said:
There was some discussion about testing for bacteria levels, as you would test any other parameter in the tank. After thinking about it, I thought, why would you want to? As long as your ammonia comes back zero, there is no need.

You are on the right track my friend
Think a little deeper on this. I personally do tests for bacterial load as I feel it is important to the biology of the tank.

saltyfilmfolks · May 9, 2016

twilliard said:
You are on the right track my friend
Think a little deeper on this. I personally do tests for bacterial load as I feel it is important to the biology of the tank.

How do you do your tests Todd?

twilliard · May 9, 2016

Now don't laugh at me!
I use a ph test to show me the breakdown time (load) of bacteria/organics in the 10ml water sample.
Here is today's test for my 20g frag tank

I write the time on it and wait for the change to yellow.
I like to stay in the 10 to 12 hour range
Been doing this for years now

Dom · May 9, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
How do you do your tests Todd?

Yes... I'd like to know too...

Joel B in FL · May 9, 2016

twilliard said:
Now don't laugh at me!
I use a ph test to show me the breakdown time (load) of bacteria/organics in the 10ml water sample.
Here is today's test for my 20g frag tank

I write the time on it and wait for the change to yellow.
I like to stay in the 10 to 12 hour range
Been doing this for years now

So just a normal PH test will turn yellow over time due to bacteria?

Is there something written up about how much bacteria you have based on the time it takes to change colors?

twilliard · May 9, 2016

Joel B in FL said:
So just a normal PH test will turn yellow over time due to bacteria?

Is there something written up about how much bacteria you have based on the time it takes to change colors?

Yes it will turn yellow over time.
I have written about this a few time but never have made a thread on it.
I use the elos ph kit.
Here is a good example of the theory behind it.
Mix your new saltwater and take a ph test. Keep it capped
Along side of that take a tank ph test also keep them capped
You will notice the new saltwater test (as long as the container is clean) will never change color. Why you ask.. no bacteria or living organisms dieing releasing co2
I have determined over the years you want about that 12 hour change.

Anything longer and corals suffer in color and growth (lack of these living bacteria or organisms)

I have been successfully doing this method for many years.
This is just my method I use to give me that indication of how void my water is.

twilliard · May 9, 2016

Here is an updated picture of that test this morning from my new 20g frag tank

The color change is taking too long for me as of right now and will change my tank feedings appropriately

I will update when it is yellow

Joel B in FL · May 9, 2016

twilliard said:
Yes it will turn yellow over time.
I have written about this a few time but never have made a thread on it.
I use the elos ph kit.
Here is a good example of the theory behind it.
Mix your new saltwater and take a ph test. Keep it capped
Along side of that take a tank ph test also keep them capped
You will notice the new saltwater test (as long as the container is clean) will never change color. Why you ask.. no bacteria or living organisms dieing releasing co2
I have determined over the years you want about that 12 hour change.

Anything longer and corals suffer in color and growth (lack of these living bacteria or organisms)

I have been successfully doing this method for many years.
This is just my method I use to give me that indication of how void my water is.

That's pretty cool. I never would have thought of it like that.

Waterjockey · May 9, 2016

twilliard said:
Here is an updated picture of that test this morning from my new 20g frag tank

The color change is taking too long for me as of right now and will change my tank feedings appropriately

I will update when it is yellow

Huh. I just learned something very new that I will have to try. Thank you for that

Cheers!

Cory · May 10, 2016

twilliard said:
Here is an updated picture of that test this morning from my new 20g frag tank

The color change is taking too long for me as of right now and will change my tank feedings appropriately

I will update when it is yellow

If you have the cap on, wouldnt that make the bacteria inside anerobic and not aerobic? Thus your testing for denitrators? Im not sure if this is a good way to feel safe about ammonia tank cycle, but is interesting for sure.

Make a bacteria thread!