Mebbid
Aquarium Advice Addict
I've heard it stated many times that the denitrifying bacteria is anaerobic in nature and will die when exposed to air. It's pretty much accepted as fact within the community (or at least I've never heard contraindications to it) However, I was wondering about its origins if this is true.
If it does indeed die when exposed to air that would make it an obligate anaerobic bacteria. The only problem I have with this is that I see no method of transport for this bacteria to get into out live rock.
Instead, I see it as needing to be either a facultative anaerobic or aerotolerant bacteria instead. This would account for its ability to move into our live rock and sand through oxygenated areas as well as survive in the anaerobic recesses inside our live rock. The only problem I see with this is that it would mean that the tank crashes from a DSB aren't from bacterial die off but instead is just gunk and detritus that collects in the sand beds after months to years of not being disturbed. It would also mean that it's not really a big deal to disturb them if they are cleaned regularly.
I haven't seen any specific information on the type or name of bacteria that performs out denitrifying so I thought I would pose the question on the forum and see if anyone has any thoughts.
If it does indeed die when exposed to air that would make it an obligate anaerobic bacteria. The only problem I have with this is that I see no method of transport for this bacteria to get into out live rock.
Instead, I see it as needing to be either a facultative anaerobic or aerotolerant bacteria instead. This would account for its ability to move into our live rock and sand through oxygenated areas as well as survive in the anaerobic recesses inside our live rock. The only problem I see with this is that it would mean that the tank crashes from a DSB aren't from bacterial die off but instead is just gunk and detritus that collects in the sand beds after months to years of not being disturbed. It would also mean that it's not really a big deal to disturb them if they are cleaned regularly.
I haven't seen any specific information on the type or name of bacteria that performs out denitrifying so I thought I would pose the question on the forum and see if anyone has any thoughts.