| The nitrifiers seem to still be able to function when they are swept off the attachment surface. Some French guys described a shrimp production system where the nitrifying bacteria population existed primarily as a suspended floc. The floc particles contained all sorts of living things besides bacteria and it was kept in suspension by heavy aeration and water flow. I do not think the nitrifying bacteria are lost or cease functioning until they settle out, are covered by other debris, and become surrounded by anoxic conditions.
When you turbo wash, you probably sweep the outer layer of bacteria off of the attachment surface and expose other nitrifiers which where living below them. This may result in more bacteria being exposed to the water for a short while and increased nitrification. |