{"id":13337,"date":"2024-03-14T14:37:06","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T13:37:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/bacterioplankton-marine-bacteria\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T20:14:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:14:40","slug":"bacterioplankton-marine-bacteria","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/en\/bacterioplankton-marine-bacteria\/","title":{"rendered":"Bacterioplankton | marine bacteria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bacterioplankton, i.e., planktonic marine bacteria, encompasses all bacterial populations present in marine plankton<\/a>. It is made up of heterotrophic bacteria that feed on organic matter, but it may also include other types of bacteria, such as cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae). <\/p>\n\n

The role of bacterioplankton in a reef aquarium <\/h2>\n\n

In a reef aquarium, bacterioplankton plays a vital role<\/strong> in maintaining water quality and biological balance.<\/p>\n\n

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\"Bacterioplankton,<\/figure>
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Aerobic and anaerobic marine bacteria<\/a> are responsible for breaking down organic waste<\/strong> produced by fish, corals, and other living organisms in the aquarium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also take part in the nitrogen cycle by converting toxic nitrogenous waste, such as ammonia and nitrites, into less harmful nitrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are mainly found in the benthos: in Berlin-method aquariums, inside live rock and\/or seeded rock; and in Jaubert-method aquariums, in the sand.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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The nitrogen cycle <\/h3>\n\n

Planktonic marine bacteria<\/a> are essential for breaking down organic waste, such as fish waste, leftover food, and plant debris. They feed on the ammonia produced by this waste and convert it into nitrites. Then other bacteria (Nitrobacter) convert nitrites into nitrates, which are less toxic for the aquarium\u2019s inhabitants and are consumed by macroalgae and soft corals. <\/p>\n\n

Diagram of the nitrogen cycle<\/a> carried out by bacterioplankton<\/p>\n\n

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\"Reef<\/figure>\n\n
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The benefits of bacterioplankton \u2013 reef bacteria<\/h3>\n\n

Biological ecosystem balance<\/strong>: Bacterioplankton helps maintain a stable biological balance in the aquarium. By removing toxic substances, it helps create a healthy environment for fish, invertebrates, and corals. <\/p>\n\n

By taking part in the aquarium\u2019s biological cycle, bacterioplankton helps maintain the stability of the ecosystem as a whole. <\/p>\n\n

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An imbalance in the bacterial population will lead to an imbalance in chemical levels, which can harm the health of the aquarium.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Feeding:<\/strong> Some species of planktonic marine bacteria are consumed by corals and other filter-feeding organisms in the aquarium. They are therefore an important source of nutrition for these organisms. <\/p>\n\n

Crystal-clear water<\/strong>: An excess of organic matter causes water turbidity and promotes the growth of undesirable algae. Bacterioplankton helps keep the water clear by breaking down these organic substances. <\/p>\n\n

Bacterioplankton is an essential component of a reef aquarium ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining water quality, the health of its inhabitants, and the overall stability of the system.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n

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How do you maintain bacterioplankton?<\/h2>\n\n

Maintaining a bacterioplankton population is vital for the balance of a reef aquarium. Here are a few fundamental rules to help you with your day-to-day maintenance: <\/p>\n\n

The filtration system and feeding the aquarium\u2019s inhabitants:<\/h3>\n\n

Feed the tank\u2019s inhabitants sparingly and in a balanced way. Be careful not to add an excessive organic load to the aquarium, as this can stress planktonic bacteria and lead to imbalances in the ecosystem. <\/p>\n\n

To support denitrification, using mechanical or biological filtration will promote the growth and survival of bacterioplankton. These systems help remove organic waste and keep the water clean and clear. <\/p>\n\n

To date, there are three types of filtration:<\/p>\n\n