Nitrifying bacteria thrive in lakes and rivers streams with high inputs and outputs of sewage and wastewater and freshwater because of the high ammonia content.

Do nitrifying bacteria live in water?

Nitrifying bacteria process dissolved nitrogenous waste products excreted by the aquatic organisms being cultured. ... Finfish excrete ammonia (NH3), mostly from their gills, and it dissolves in the water in which the fish must live.

Are nitrifying bacteria everywhere?

The desired species of nitrifying bacteria are present everywhere (e.g., in the air). Therefore, once you have an ammonia source in your tank, it's only a matter of time before the desired bacteria establish a colony in your filter bed.