ICSE Class 9 Answered

Will there be any bacteria in aquarium?

Asked by shanthiibhat | 25 Nov, 2014, 06:46: AM

Expert Answer

Yes, in an aquarium bacteria are present on every hard surface in the tank such as decorations, substrate and glass. Bacteria are even present in the filter where they break down the other toxic bacteria in water. There are nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria present in the aquarium which fix nitrogen and make it available for fishes for easy absorption. They also help to remove toxins like ammonia, nitrite and nitrate that kill the fishes in the aquarium. Bacteria are sticky as they exude protein coatings that allow them to build up into a slimy film called biofilm which attracts and binds fungi and algae. Snails, shrimps and fishes are seen grazing on these biofilms, feeding on the countless microscopic creatures and algae that live there.

Answered by Sheetal Kolte | 25 Nov, 2014, 10:16: AM