Complete ammonia-oxidizing Nitrospira and ammonia-oxidizing archaea as biological supplements for freshwater aquaria
Biological filtration in newly established aquaria depends on the establishment of nitrifying microorganisms that prevent accumulation of toxic ammonia and nitrite. Many aquarists use commercial nitrifying supplements to accelerate biofilter establishment and reduce ammonia and nitrite accumulation. However, the microbial composition and in situ efficacy of these products remain poorly…
Ammonia-oxidizing Nitrospira and ammonia-oxidizing archaea, collectively known as comammox Nitrospira and Ca. Nitrosotenuis aquarius, have shown potential as biological supplements for freshwater aquaria. These microbes help establish biofilters and maintain low levels of toxic ammonia and nitrite. When tested alongside commercial nitrifying supplements containing ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, the CX and AQ-based supplements were found to be more effective in reducing peak ammonia and nitrite concentrations.
These supplements also provided long-term protection against nitrite accumulation following sudden ammonia loads. Upon removing the fish from the aquaria, biofilters treated with CX and AQ maintained low ammonia and nitrite levels, indicating their potential to improve biofilter establishment and maintain safe water quality in newly established freshwater aquaria.
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