How long does it take for bacteria to break down nh4

[anewbie]

So it was mentioned that at very low ph a different type of bacteria forms to break down ammonia et all but is this something that happens after a few weeks or can it take years ?

 

[Mike Wise]

It really depends on the bacteria and the bacterial load in an aquarium. In an established tank it should only take less than a day depending on aeration. BTW NH4 (ammonium ion) is different from NH3 (ammonia).

 

[anewbie]

It really depends on the bacteria and the bacterial load in an aquarium. In an established tank it should only take less than a day depending on aeration. BTW NH4 (ammonium ion) is different from NH3 (ammonia).

Yea but my understanding is when the ph is very low say below 5.5 there is a lot more nh4 then nh3 though my understanding could be incorrect.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

So it was mentioned that at very low ph a different type of bacteria forms to break down ammonia et all but is this something that happens after a few weeks or can it take years ?

At UKAPS we've talked to some of the scientists involved with fundamental research on the microbial assemblage. I've link them in this post.
<"https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/tank-on-back-order-plans-going-a-bit-wrong.78790/#post-791777">.

I'll also link this current paper:
<"https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads...the-sequence-of-microbial-colonisation.79329/">.

Cheers Darrel

 

[anewbie]

Hi all,

At UKAPS we've talked to some of the scientists involved with fundamental research on the microbial assemblage. I've link them in this post.
<"https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads/tank-on-back-order-plans-going-a-bit-wrong.78790/#post-791777">.

I'll also link this current paper:
<"https://www.ukaps.org/forum/threads...the-sequence-of-microbial-colonisation.79329/">.

Cheers Darrel

I only skimmed the paper but i see nothing on low ph. I'm only asking about the case where the ph is very low.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all

Yea but my understanding is when the ph is very low say below 5.5 there is a lot more nh4 then nh3 though my understanding could be incorrect.

You are right, below pH7 TAN (total ammoniacal nitrogen) is nearly all ionized (NH4+). Temperature is also relevant, more TAN as NH3 at higher temperatures - <"https://www.researchgate.net/figure...m-of-ammonia-and-ammonium-ions_fig1_327598084">.

Cheers Darrel

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I only skimmed the paper but i see nothing on low ph. I'm only asking about the case where the ph is very low.

Basically there are assemblages of nitrifying microbes that across the whole range of pH levels and ammonia loadings that occur in freshwater.

In low pH situations Ammonia Oxidising Archaean (AOA) may be more important, but in our tanks comammox Nitrospira, which oxidise TAN directly to nitrate ((NO3-), are probably the most important nitrifying organisms.

Cheers Darrel

 

[Mike Wise]

Ammonium ions, as I understand it, are too large to cross the gill membrane. Thus they are more or less non-toxic below pH7.