Quote:
Originally Posted by Belgian Anthias
It takes about 1 day for heterotrops to double there biomass. it takes about 15 days for autotrophs ( nitrifiers) to double there biomass. This means that at least 15 days are needed to double the nitrifying capacity when for some reason the heterotroph growth can not be maintained and longer to become normal.
|
Yes, the heterotrophs can grow quickly, even to the point that they serve as food in shrimp aquaculture.
Quote:
|
All recipes for carbohydrate dosing are based on the nitrate level. But it is not nitrate that triggers the bacterial growth, it is ammonia by priority..
|
I wondered about this. This is probably the explanation for the delay in nitrate reduction when dosing is started.
Quote:
In nature and in aquaria usable organic carbon is limited available. This way making it possible most organic material can be recycled and the nitrogen cycle can be completed. Nitrogen is send back were it came from and is not stored in biomass.
What happens when organic carbon is unlimited available?
|
A lot of carbon goes into energy requirements, production of CO2. I think something like more than 50% of the carbon consumed goes to CO2. This is one factor preventing aquaria from turning into sewage plants.