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!