Conditioning time varies depending on the temperature of the water and the type and number of filtration units used. This period may take anywhere from three weeks to several months. The process will begin only after your starter fish have been introduced into the tank. A few hardy species, such as Guppies or a single Betta, should be added to the new aquarium to start the conditioning of the biological filter.
Ammonia levels begin to peak within seven to fourteen days, and eventually the helpful bacteria increase in numbers to detoxify the ammonia into nitrites. Next, the nitrites will accumulate to higher levels and other types of bacteria will begin to convert them to nitrates. Eventually, nitrite levels drop and the conditioning period ends. Nitrate levels will continue to slowly increase over time, but can be maintained at proper levels through frequent water changes.
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