The power of microorganisms in the aquarium

Microorganisms are irreplaceable helpers in aquaristics, a functioning aquarium would not be possible without these tiny creatures. They are needed for the decomposition of organic pollutants and protein compounds (we have described this process in detail in the article"The nitrogen cycle in the shrimp aquarium"), but they also break down mineral nutrients for the plants so that the roots can metabolize them in the first place, they ensure that there is less waste in the aquarium, but they can also cause a lot of trouble in case of imbalances.

What are biofilms?

Most microbes settle in what are called biofilms. We all know the slightly slippery transparent layer that settles on really all surfaces in the aquarium and which is so readily grazed by shrimp and snails. These are precisely the biofilms formed by bacteria and other microorganisms.

Thanks to wastewater technology, these microbial assemblages are relatively well studied because they are used to break down organic pollutants and clean wastewater.

How do biofilms work?

In biofilms, the microorganisms are relatively firmly attached to the surfaces; even strong currents cannot tear them out of the compound. The branched structure that virtually all biofilms exhibit provides an enormously large surface area for adsorption of nutrients. Substances that cannot be metabolized directly can be accumulated to a certain degree. They are then used up at times when less food is available. Biofilms are mainly home to bacteria that keep the nitrogen cycle going in the aquarium, i.e. they metabolize protein to ammonium (NH4), ammonium to nitrite (NO2) and finally nitrite to nitrate (NO3). In the deeper layers of the substrate, so-called nitrate respiration occurs - in the absence of oxygen, the bacteria separate the oxygen from the nitrate, and what remains is gaseous nitrogen (N2), which is released into the ambient air.

Incorrect colonization and shrimp mortality

However, microfilms are not only colonized by "good" bacteria. In case of imbalances in the aquarium, harmful germs can also settle here and in the worst case even gain the upper hand. This can lead to shrimp mortality - especially the youngest shrimp are affected because they come into direct and intensive contact with the biofilms and feed mainly on the microorganisms growing in them.

The problem of inoculation with filter sludge

Since in every aquarium a very individual microflora is formed, which is exactly adapted to the conditions in this mini biotope, it is not very effective to squeeze filter sponges from already running tanks into new aquariums and "inoculate" them in this way.  In the worst case, you will only introduce a very small spectrum of different species into the aquarium, and it is quite possible that the bacteria used in this way do not correspond to the optimum at all. This will lead to miscolonization and imbalances, which, as already mentioned above, can have very negative consequences for your invertebrates. It is completely pointless to fill an aquarium with water from another, running tank - the "good" bacteria are located in the biofilms anyway and not in the open water! An aquarium that does not get running properly, in which, for example, nitrite is permanently detectable, is obviously not a good environment for its inhabitants.

If shrimp offspring do not come up and the animals are unusually apathetic and quiet, this could be due to such faulty colonization. In the long run, shrimp and crayfish in an aquarium that is not running well are much more susceptible to disease, molting problems, and poor reproductive rates due to the constant stress than animals in a well-run tank with a stable bioflora.

When circumstances change

Also, if the conditions in the aquarium change (temperature changes, e.g. due to higher outside temperatures in summer, a different means of water care, a different planting, a new type of fertilizer, a major change in stocking, ...), it is possible that the bacteria already present in the biofilms do not react sufficiently well to the change and thus the system becomes unstable. You will notice this, for example, by an increase in the ammonium content or the nitrite value, by behavioral abnormalities of the shrimp (apathetic sitting still instead of cheerful activity) or even by animals becoming ill or even dying. At the latest then action must be taken! Remove as many pollutants as possible by one or more large water changes, thoroughly vacuum out mulm and clean the substrate - and inoculate again. To compensate for faulty colonization, "good" bacteria must be introduced into the tank!

Remedy is simple ..

It is a good idea to inoculate a freshly set-up aquarium with a suitable preparation containing a broad spectrum of microorganisms and biofilm-formers, so that the microflora can optimally adapt to the prevailing conditions. Also, already running aquariums should be regularly re-inoculated with such a preparation, so that the good microgranisms regularly displace the bad ones.

... with NatureHolic Bacter Liquid

With the 100% natural NatureHolic Bacter Liquid you get exactly the microorganisms in the form of bacteria, yeasts and fungi into your home biotope, which are perfectly tailored to the conditions in your aquarium. We deliberately use a huge spectrum of different GOOD organisms, from which then exactly the microflora can develop, which protects your aquarium from problems and displaces the BAD organisms.

How Bacter Liquid works

With Bacter Liquid you create a functioning basis for effectively working biofilms and high filter performance. This means that water change intervals are reduced because the water load of ammonium, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate decreases. This simultaneously curbs algae growth because less nitrogen is available to the algae. Pathogenic germs are pushed back. Mulm and dirt are broken down, and the biofilms working at full speed also create an extremely favorable climate for plant growth. An aquarium with a smoothly functioning bioflora smells pleasantly of forest soil, and the water does not emit any unpleasant odors.

Invertebrates that are allowed to live in such water tend to be healthier, and their immune system protects them better from harmful germs. The aquarium runs visibly more stable, and plants and animals look healthy and vital.