The Nitrogen Cycle Explained - Deep Science for Serious Aquarists

Do you think you know the Nitrogen Cycle? Perhaps there's more to it... In today’s episode of The Aquarist’s Edge, we unpack the full complexity of the nitrogen cycle — going far beyond the basics to explore the real science that powers your aquarium's biological stability. 

Learn how nitrifying bacteria actually work, why oxygen levels and substrate depth affect your biofiltration, and how nature handles nitrogen differently than most aquariums. We also explore why “cycled” doesn’t always mean “stable,” and what really causes crashes in systems that seem fine on the surface.

🎧 In this episode:

• The real microbes behind your biofilter (and why Nitrospira matters)

• What makes the nitrogen cycle stall — and how to troubleshoot it

• Why deep substrate zones and plant uptake help in long-term stability

Music: Back Of My Mind (Instrumental) - Melanie Bell (Epsidemic Sound - https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ItS8aIXVHb/)