A
M M O N I A
What is
Ammonia?
Ammonia is a toxic substance that is one of the major causes of
fish illness and death. Ammonia levels should always be 0.25 parts per
million or less.
What causes Ammonia?
Ammonia is produced by fish waste (adding too many fish too
quickly), uneaten fish food, decaying dead fish or ammonia based
cleaning products that come in contact with the aquarium water.
Ammonia is common in new aquariums and should be monitored closely the
first 6 weeks a tank is set up.
Why is Ammonia a problem?
Ammonia acts as a "stressor" to fish. When a fish's immune system
becomes "stressed", parasites and bacterial infections are able to
attack the fish. High levels of ammonia will disrupt the breathing of
fish and cause death.
How do I recognize Ammonia Problems?
There are many symptoms of possible ammonia problems: loss of
appetite, sluggishness, clamped fins, rapid breathing, redness near
the gills, illness or unexplained deaths. If you suspect you have an
ammonia problem have your water tested immediately (we
will do this for you, at no charge). If that is not possible do a 1/3
water change and have your water tested as soon as possible.
How do I test for Ammonia?
We have test kits available at our store which you can use to test
your aquarium periodically or when you first notice a possible
problem. Otherwise, you can bring a sample of your aquarium water (approx.
one cup) into our store and we will test it for you at no charge.
What do I do if I have Ammonia?
If your ammonia level is between 0.25 - 0.5 ppm do 1/3 water
change. Wait 1-2 days and have your water retested. If your
ammonia is above 1.0 ppm do a 1/3 water change every 48 hours until
your ammonia level is near zero. Reduce feeding to once every
other day or stop feeding during
this time.
Product Recommendations:
Ammo-Lock - will quickly detoxify ammonia.
Cycle - will add ammonia removing bacteria to your water.
How does pH affect ammonia?
If your pH is above 7.0, your ammonia will be 2-3 times more
harmful than if your pH was under 7.0. Since it is difficult to keep
your pH under 7.0, (Typically untreated water in Wabash, pH is between
7.8 and 8.4) we encourage our customers to be aware of this harmful
combination and always take steps to keep your ammonia low.
How do I prevent Ammonia problems?
1. Never overfeed! Uneaten food is the number one cause of
Ammonia build-up. Feed every other day if the tank is new and only
feed what they can eat in about 2 minutes.
2. Have proper filtration. We recommend
that you have a filter that pumps your water at least 5 times per
hour. (ex. if you have a 20 gallon aquarium, purchase a filter that
pumps at least 100 gallons per hour)
3. Do regular water changes. 25-33%
water change at least once a month with a gravel cleaner.
NOTE: The smaller the tank the
quicker ammonia accumulates. The younger the tank the less "good"
bacteria you have to break down ammonia.
