The nitrogen cycle

All sorts of living organisms need small amounts of nitrogen for survival. As do fish. We often ignore this particular aspect while keeping fish. Aquarists must manage the availability of nitrogen in their fish tank, to ensure that their fish are fit and healthy. All animals, including micro organisms excrete nitrogen in some form of the other which passes through the nitrogen cycle. Ammonia is also produced through the excretion of animals. This nitrogen and ammonia form the biomass in a fish tank, which is necessary for the survival of fish. Thus a balanced nitrogen content must be maintained, as under concentration or over concentration can be hazardous for the fish.