Ammonia/Nitrites/Nitrates/Phosphates?

[roka64]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, but I figured it would possibly get the best responses.

My question is:
1. What causes the following in SW.
Ammonia - I know this is from waste (fish/die off)
Nitrites - Do they "eat" the ammonia?
Nitrates - Do they "eat" the nitrites?
Where do phosphates play into all of this? Are they from nitrates?

Thanks!
PS, if this needs to be moved please feel free.

 

[Jchillin]

I moved it to SW, definitely more info to be gleaned there.

 

[roka64]

Cool, thanks!

 

[Devilishturtles]

There is an article in the Articles section (link at top of the page) titled "How ammonia is converted to nitrate". Its a good read. To put it simply, nitrite and nitrate are byproducts of ammonia.

Phosphate (PO4) is not part of the nitrogen cycle at all and is not affected in any way by ammonia production. Its found as a trace element in sea salt mixes, but can also be introduced in higher than reccomended amounts by tap water, or feeding prepared foods such as flake foods.

HTH a little.

 

[roka64]

Cool, I just wanted a better understanding of where/how it is produced, and that hit the nail on the head! I wasn't 100% sure if it had anything to do with the others.

Thanks!