[blair]

I am curious if anyone has an idea what species of bacteria we cultivate in our fish filters? I am trying to do a project on water clarification using a similar method, but I cannot locate specifics for the species one desires to cultivate. Any ideas? I only come up with the traits of 'food sources' to accelerate their growth.

Thanks!

 

[THaehn]

This sounds very interesting. I can't help you with that actual species though. Many municipal water treatment plants cultivate certain species of bacteria to eat all of the crud we flush down the toilet. I would be interested to know if they are similar to the species in our tanks. Sorry I can't be much help though.

 

[Left C]

Some searches on the nitrogen cycle may yield some bacterial information.

 

[KevinC]

There is actually some uncertainty about which bacterial species drive the nitrogen cycle. Even when stated, only the genus is given.

 

[johnnyboy2476]

You should look into hydroponics. I'm a little fuzzy but I know they make bacteria inoculant for both soil and hydroponics. There are various strains of different benefical bateria that are absolutely critial for sucessful plant growth, particually helping the root assimilate certain nuturients.

 

[legomaniac89]

I believe that Nitrosomonas breaks down NH3 into NO2, and then Nitrobacter turns NO2 into NO3, but like Kevin said, the true species isnt't known.

There are also many species (probably hundreds) that live in the substrate in aerobic and anaerobic conditions and help convert NO3 into oxygen and nitrogen gas and lots of other things.