Understanding the nitrogen cycle

The Process

The nitrification process or nitrogen cycle is a biological process that changes ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2) and then to nitrate (NO3). The significant part of this cycle is that it can start at multiple points and go backward and forward in the cycle, allowing for various complex biological processes to occur.

Unfortunately, the nitrogen cycle makes most of us scratch our heads, so it’s our goal to help you understand this critical biological cycle.

But be careful. A little knowledge goes a long way. Some new pond owners worry about the many forms of nitrogen in the pond and start altering the water chemistry to create the perfect aquatic environment or ecosystem. If the pond is designed and built correctly, and you clean the debris out of your skimmer regularly, add bacteria, and trim dead aquatic plants, you’ll have no problems. You will have allowed this complex cycle to hum along as it was designed to – in perfect balance.

Nitrate Producer – The Air, the Rain, the Pond

Essential nitrogen gas (N2) makes up approximately 78 percent of our atmosphere. This form of nitrogen is inert and cannot be used by plants and animals. It makes its way into the pond via the rainwater and takes a great deal of energy to convert it to a form usable to plants. Nitrogen gas returns to the atmosphere when it leaves the pond through the evaporation of pond water.

Ammonia Eater – Ammonia Nitrification

A large amount of surface area, both on the surface of the biological filter media as well as the rocks and gravel inside the pond, allows for the colonization of beneficial bacteria that are responsible for the nitrification process, changing ammonia to less toxic forms of nitrite and the usable form of nitrate. Regular addition of beneficial bacteria such as Aquascape Beneficial Bacteria for Ponds helps support the reduction of ammonia.

Nitrate Eater – Aquatic Plants’ Nitrate

Nitrate is either absorbed by aquatic plants or, in anaerobic conditions; it goes through de-nitrification, which changes the nitrate back to nitrogen gas. Although uncommon in ornamental ponds, nitrate can also be removed by small frequent water changes if unusually high levels are detected.

Nitrate Producer – Rain and Lightning

Nitrates can also be added to your pond by way of atmospheric fixation. This occurs during lightning storms when nitrogen gas is broken up, allowing it to combine with oxygen-forming nitrogen oxide, which is dissolved in rainwater. This is why our lawns become so green following a lightning storm – it receives water and a burst of nitrate (fertilizer). This is also why ponds can turn murky or have algae bloom after a storm. If you add some liquid bacteria, such as Aquascape Beneficial Bacteria for Ponds, immediately after the storm, you can counteract the influx of nutrients.

Ammonia Producer – Fertilizer Runoff

Be conscious of the amount of fertilizer you use around your pond. During heavy rain or over-irrigation, the fertilizer, which is made of ammonia and phosphorus, could wash into your pond, creating an algae bloom, water quality problems, or even killing fish and invertebrates.

Ammonia Producer – Dead Plant and Animal Debris

Organic debris like leaves, lawn clippings, and dead fish or insects will break down, forming ammonia as a byproduct, starting the cycle of de-nitrification again. Reduce the amount of plant debris in your pond by using a skimmer filtration system and removing plant leaves and debris before it enters the pond. The use of protective netting helps reduce leaf litter from entering the pond in the fall.

Ammonia Producer – Fish Food and the Resulting Waste

High-quality fish food is also fundamental. Most of our ponds have fish in them. When the fish are fed, the result is a combination of un-eaten fish food and fish waste. Both contribute to the ammonia level in the pond. Please don’t feed your fish more than they can eat in a few minutes. Aquascape Premium Fish Foods contain probiotics that help fish utilize more food, thereby reducing fish waste and helping break down waste and other organics found in the pond environment.

Ammonia Eater – Oxygen

The waterfall in your pond creates the oxygen necessary for efficient nitrification. This oxygen is also required for the survival of your fish.

As the spring season rolls out across the country, hopefully, you can don your new-found knowledge of the nitrogen cycle and feel better equipped to keep your water garden in tip-top shape. Your fish and plants will thank you for it!

Are you ready for Winter?

Are You Prepared for the Winter Pond Season?

Winter will be here soon and you want to make sure you’re stocked up with your favorite Aquascape products for the upcoming frosty season. See our list of must-haves to deal with Old Man Winter:

Pond Aerators- Aquascape provides a complete line of pond aeration supplies. Our aeration products are available as complete kits or individual components. An aerator keeps ponds oxygenated all year and assists with keeping a hole open in the ice during winter. 

AquaForce Pond Pumps- Our AquaForce pond pump is a versatile pond pump designed to sit in the pond and pump water to external filters or waterfalls. It can also be used in winter as a bubbler. The flow from the pump will bubble at the surface of the pond and maintain an opening in the ice. By keeping a hole open in the ice, you keep the water oxygenated and allow the harmful gases to escape.

300-Watt Pond De-Icer- The Aquascape 300-Watt Pond De-Icer is ideal for keeping a small hole in the ice during cold winter months and ensures proper gas exchange, helping keep fish alive throughout the winter.

Pond Powerhead -The Aquascape Pond Powerhead is designed to create water movement and eliminate stagnant areas in ponds, providing circulation, aeration, and surface agitation which keeps a hole open in the ice during winter. This standalone pump does not require pipe or plumbing. Simply set the Pond Powerhead directly in the pond. 

Step Up Your Bog

Here are some plants that like to get their feet wet and will do great here in Texas. Take your bog to a new level and add something new. watch this video for more Ideas

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