Terms like nitrogen cycle or just cycling are well known to fish keepers all over the world but to be honest

are we really know how things "work"?

What is cycling in fact? 

The term cycling applied to the process which takes place as a new aquarium became to a "ready" one. 

All this refers to the build up of essential bacteria which break down wastes. 

The build up of essential bacteria is the top secret of maintaining healthy tank and healthy fish,

aquarium that has not matures properly will collapsing eventually. 

The process: 

Wastes (uneaten food, dead leafs, fish wastes) became ammonia, the bacteria convert ammonia

to nitrite that convert by the bacteria to nitrate the nitrate removed by water changes. 

In a new aquarium the bacteria is still  "young" and there are not enough of the bacteria to

cope with the waste,In such cases ammonia will rising to dangerous levels That can cause

to aquarium collapsing.  

This is why we should populate carefully, if we will be wise and we will do it by the book the bacteria

will get stronger and in high numbers.

When we populate carefully, the bacteria can cope the ammonia and converting it to

nitrite (less toxic compound), this process can take 2-3 weeks in freshwater and 1-2 month in saltwater. 

Tips to do cycle right: 

1- Don’t over populate specially at the beginning.

2- Never over feed, uneaten food will cause to ammonia rising.

3- Perform water changes at least once a week.

4- When Perform water changes don’t underestimate the value of sucking gravel.

5- Test water on weekly basis.  

At the time ammonia and nitrite reduced to zero and nitrate began to rise we know that the

aquarium is "ready" or "matured". 

In order to maintain our tank healthy we should continue with all the rules that we mention

before on a regular basis.