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Cycle Chemistry
New Tank Syndrome
The predictable ammonia and nitrite spikes that kill fish added to un-cycled tanks - one of the most preventable disasters in aquarium keeping.
Unit: condition Code: NTS
📖 Overview
When fish are added to an un-cycled tank, ammonia rises with no bacteria to process it. Within 3-7 days, ammonia hits fatal levels. If fish survive, nitrite spikes next as Nitrosomonas begin working but Nitrobacter have not yet colonised. Only after both bacterial populations establish does nitrate accumulate and ammonia/nitrite reach zero.
❓ Why It Matters
The single most-preventable disaster in the hobby. Fishless cycling before stocking is the responsible standard.