But how do you then ensure the right amount and quantities of each entity within your waters?
Cycling.
No, not peddling the damn bicycle. I mean cycling the tank, or in some cases, the pond. Cycling is a process which introduces the right amount of beneficial bacteria prior to adding fishes into the media, stabilizing the amounts of bacteria (Nitrobacters and Nitrosomonas). This ensures that there will not be a sudden surge in ammonia when fishes have to go to the toilet to take a poo. Proper cycling ensures that there will be sufficient bacteria to process and convert the toxic ammonia into other forms of nitrogen such as nitrites and nitrates.
The correct understanding and application of the nitrogen cycle will help to create a better ecosystem for both your plants and animals within the pond or aquarium.
Stay happy, First Floor Family.