a personal venture in the nitrogen cycle using algae

[saabtech]

correct me if im wrong and this can get complicated but the chemical makeup of decomposing organics and waste from other organisms in our saltwater aquariums produce ammonium (NH4) which is broken down by ammonia oxidizing bacteria and nitrifying organisms which converts ammonia to nitrites (NO2) Then other bacterial species are responsible for the oxidation of the nitrites into nitrates (NO3) then with the introduction of a macroalga or some macroalgae into the cycle the nitrates are assimilated (absorbed) into the algae to the form of glutamate (C5 H9 NO4) and is converted into complex amino acids, nucleic acids, chlorophyll and proteins. i have never studied this in a lab nor will i but from the biochemistry books and online resources I have studied the ammonia (NH3) ammonium (NH4) nitrites (NO4) and nitrates (NO3) do not stay in there chemical compound once assimilated into the algae, they are converted into other complex chemical compounds due to reactions with enzymes and protiens that provide a biocatalysis where the nitrogen source (ie.ammonia, ammonium, nitrites, nitrates) that has been assimilated into the algae is converted into usefull organic compounds like chlorophyll (C55 H70 O6 N4 Mg) and Amines (H2NCH (x) COOH).
the cycle will restart and you will get a spike of all the toxic nitrogeneous compounds like nitrates if the algae is allowed to die and decompose.
when the organism breaks down the the nitrogenious compounds can and will easily be converted back into the toxic compounds that we are constantly trying to remove. so only by harvesting the macroalgae would you be removing the nitrogenious compounds

[justahobby]

Or in laymen terms: Chemical reactions are reversible LOL

[Ping]

Basically you are correct. Plants take up N,P,K and other trace elements in minute quantities. The removal of metals is also of high importance.

The increased surface area also provides a home for many species micro-life as a new trophic level is formed. E.g. phytoplankton and zooplankton will take up nutrients as they cycle and feed the rest of the system with proper and suitable food sources in both size and nutrient quality.

[Mr Cob]

the cycle will restart and you will get a spike of all the toxic nitrogeneous compounds like nitrates if the algae is allowed to die and decompose.
when the organism breaks down the the nitrogenious compounds can and will easily be converted back into the toxic compounds that we are constantly trying to remove. so only by harvesting the macroalgae would you be removing the nitrogenious compounds

But...the cycle will NOT be reversed if the macro algae does NOT die and instead simply continues to thrive. When we harvest we pass it along....and dead sections should be disgarded as to not polute someone elses tank.

[corruption]

I think the biggest key of your flow diagram there is the end -- actual export. The wastes, while converted away from harmful forms, are not actually removed until the media capturing them is removed -- pruning your algaes, cleaning your filter pads, etc... until then, its just retaining the harmful portions.

-Corruption

[saabtech]

Or in laymen terms: Chemical reactions are reversible LOL

i guess that is the main point i was trying to make but i was also just tryin to post some of my brainstorming. i think learning about the supported ecosystems SOME OF US are maintaining is the funnest part.

Basically you are correct. Plants take up N,P,K and other trace elements in minute quantities. The removal of metals is also of high importance. The increased surface area also provides a home for many species micro-life as a new trophic level is formed. E.g. phytoplankton and zooplankton will take up nutrients as they cycle and feed the rest of the system with proper and suitable food sources in both size and nutrient quality.

+1 the addition of the macroalga is benificial in more ways than just the nitrogen cycle.

But...the cycle will NOT be reversed if the macro algae does NOT die and instead simply continues to thrive. When we harvest we pass it along....and dead sections should be disgarded as to not polute someone elses tank.

i like to think of it like this.....
instead of passing along a potentally toxic media, we are passing along a "growing" catalyst that removes toxic nitrogenious componds as it grows.

I think the biggest key of your flow diagram there is the end -- actual export. The wastes, while converted away from harmful forms, are not actually removed until the media capturing them is removed -- pruning your algaes, cleaning your filter pads, etc... until then, its just retaining the harmful portions.

-Corruption

+1 again. well said Corruption.
thanks for everyones comments and input.

[msmith619]

Use the macro algae. It 'stores' the waste and toxic materials. Frequently 'harvest' the macro and toos or pass it along as a started for someone elses tank. I tend to throw a handfull of macro away about every 2 weeks. Tossed macro = removed wastes.