Autonomous nitrogen cycling in freshwater aquariums via carbon assimilation and food chains
Abstract
This paper proposes a system (Holobiont Aquarium Theory) that achieves zero water changes, zero feeding, zero CO₂ supplementation, and zero pH fluctuation in freshwater overflow aquariums by combining direct ammonia assimilation through carbon assimilation by heterotrophic bacteria with nitrogen cycling through food chains mediated by detritivorous organisms (benthos). One year of operational testing confirmed pH stability at 6.85±0.02, water quality maintenance with top-off water only, and autonomous feeding through benthos.
Fig.1. Overview of the demonstration tank. Stable at pH 6.87. No water changes, feeding, or CO₂ supplementation. Vallisneria and Eichhornia azurea growing naturally.
