Observations on the conditioning of filter bed in hypersaline aquaria

The nitrifying activity of the filter bed of aquaria was monitored in hypersaline conditions. Salinity was raised in 5 ppt steps from normal sea water to 126 ppt in a course of 35 and 41 days. Twenty grey mullet fry (Chelon labrosus and Mugil cephalus) were used in two 53 l aquaria. Daily monitoring of total ammonia–nitrogen (TAN), nitrite, nitrate ions, and pH was performed. After an initial peak of TAN (0.65 mg/l), total ammonia stabilized at safe low levels (0–0.2 mg/l). Nitrite exhibited more peaks at levels of about 10 mg/l, lasted for 3–8 days but they also subsided to almost zero afterwards. Nitrate finally stabilized at levels around 100 mg/l. The water was alkaline, with pH fluctuating in the region of 8.2–8.8. These findings indicate that the filter bed may be effectively conditioned for hypersalinity and that fish may be safely maintained in the aquaria.