Innovation against nitrite: sera Nitrite-minus

Immediate help in case of high nitrite levels

The newest result from sera research is a breakthrough in aquarium care: sera Nitrite-minus immediately removes up to 1.5 mg/l nitrite per dosage from the aquarium water and provides immediate help in case of acute pollution by nitrite (e.g. the dreaded new tank syndrome) this way. Nitrite-minus binds the toxic nitrite and converts it into harmless organic amines that can be utilized by the filter bacteria. Re-dissolution of nitrite is therefore not possible. Furthermore, Nitrite-minus can also be used preventively against accumulating nitrite. This is especially dangerous during the star phase of a new aquarium, after a disease treatment or after a filter change. The new product can even be dosed up to 5-fold in case of extremely high nitrite levels. Checking the water parameters is always advisable, but it is important especially during these dangerous stress situations for finding out which dosage is advisable and how the nitrite level changes. Ornamental fish, invertebrates and plants tolerate sera Nitrite-minus very well.

sera Nitrite-minus is available from now on in 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 2,500 ml and 5,000 ml package sizes.

Digression: New tank syndrome

Nitrite is among the substances that are toxic for fish and, in respective amounts, even endanger their life. Rising nitrite levels should therefore be treated as soon as possible. Usually, filter bacteria in already well functioning aquariums ensure nitrite is broken down to nitrate and thus rendered harmless. However, there are a few scenarios in which nitrite can build up becomes a threat for the aquarium inhabitants. There is a particularly critical period during the start phase of a new aquarium when checking the nitrite level is indispensable. The nitrite level in the water usually rises strongly between the 5^th and 15^th day – this is the so-called new tank syndrome. Especially aquarists who are just starting with this beautiful hobby, are often surprised by the new tank syndrome. Understanding the so-called nitrogen cycle – starting with the new tank syndrome – is thus important to successfully operate an aquarium in the long run.

Functioning vs. disturbed nitrogen cycle

Ammonia (NH₃) and ammonium (NH₄) are being formed in the aquarium from plant and food leftovers, fish waste and other organic substances. The first of which is highly toxic. The pH value decides how much ammonium is converted into ammonia: conversion of harmless ammonium into toxic ammonia takes place with pH values above 7. Both ammonia and ammonium are usually converted by, among others, Nitrosomonas filter bacteria into nitrite, which then is broken down, among others, by Nitrobacter filter bacteria into the plant nutrient nitrate. However, the bacteria breaking down nitrite require considerably more time for developing than the bacteria breaking down ammonium. Therefore the level of toxic nitrite especially rises during the start phase of a new aquarium.

But high nitrite levels can also occur in a biologically well established aquarium, if the filter bacteria are harmed are reduced strongly, e.g. by a disease treatment or too intense filter cleaning.