Glossary

Nitrosomonas

Genus of bacteria which reduces ammonia to nitrIte in an aquarium.

Related terms

ammonia
The chemical compound NH3, which is toxic to fish. The main source in aquaria is the breakdown of protein by a fish's metabolism.
bacteria
Large group of prokaryotic microorganisms representing one of the three domains of living organisms. Present in the majority of Earth's habitats as well as organic matter and the bodies of live animals. Most are harmless, some beneficial and others pathogenic.
nitrites
A salt or ester of nitrous acid. Produced in aquaria via metabolisation of ammonia by nitrifying bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas, and toxic to fishes if present in sufficient concentrations, but in a mature system is further converted into less-harmful nitrates by other bacteria of the genus Nitrospira.