Ammonia poisoning in fish is a condition that occurs when the level of ammonia in the water is too high, causing damage to the fish’s gills, skin, and organs. Ammonia is a toxic waste product that is produced by fish and other aquatic organisms as they break down proteins. Ammonia can also come from decomposing organic matter, such as uneaten food, dead plants, or fish waste.
Ammonia poisoning is one of the most common and deadly problems that affect aquarium fish, especially in new or poorly maintained tanks. It can cause fish to become lethargic, lose their appetite, gasp for air at the surface, or exhibit red or inflamed gills. In severe cases, ammonia poisoning can lead to hemorrhaging, convulsions, or death.
In this article, we will explain the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of ammonia poisoning in fish. We will also provide some tips on how to maintain a healthy and balanced aquarium environment for your fish.
The main cause of ammonia poisoning in fish is the lack of a biological filter in the aquarium. A biological filter is a system that uses beneficial bacteria to convert ammonia into nitrite, and then nitrite into nitrate. Nitrate is less harmful than ammonia or nitrite, and can be removed by regular water changes or plants.
A biological filter takes time to establish, usually 4 to 6 weeks, during which the aquarium undergoes a nitrogen cycle. During this cycle, the ammonia level will spike, then drop as the nitrite level rises, and then drop again as the nitrate level rises. The nitrogen cycle is complete when the ammonia and nitrite levels are zero, and the nitrate level is below 40 ppm.
However, if the aquarium is overstocked, overfed, or under-filtered, the biological filter may not be able to cope with the amount of ammonia produced. This can lead to a sudden or chronic increase in ammonia, which can stress or kill the fish.
Other factors that can contribute to ammonia poisoning in fish include:
High pH: Ammonia becomes more toxic as the pH rises. At a pH of 7, ammonia is mostly in the form of ammonium, which is less harmful. At a pH of 8, ammonia is mostly in the form of ammonia, which is more harmful.
High temperature: Ammonia becomes more toxic as the temperature rises. Higher temperatures also increase the metabolic rate of fish, which means they produce more ammonia.
Low oxygen: Ammonia becomes more toxic as the oxygen level drops. Low oxygen can also impair the function of the gills, making it harder for fish to breathe.
Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics or antifungals, can kill the beneficial bacteria in the biological filter, disrupting the nitrogen cycle and causing ammonia spikes.
Ammonia poisoning in fish can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the severity and duration of exposure. Some of the common signs of ammonia poisoning in fish include:
Lethargy: Fish may become less active, swim slowly, or lie at the bottom of the tank.
Loss of appetite: Fish may stop eating or show less interest in food.
Gasping: Fish may breathe rapidly, open their mouths wide, or gulp air at the water surface.
Red or inflamed gills: Fish may have red, swollen, or bleeding gills, which indicate damage to the gill tissue.
Clamped fins: Fish may hold their fins close to their body, which indicate stress or discomfort.
Pale or dark coloration: Fish may lose their normal color or become darker, which indicate poor health or shock.
Cloudy eyes: Fish may have cloudy, milky, or bulging eyes, which indicate infection or injury.
Spots or lesions: Fish may have red, brown, or black spots or lesions on their skin, which indicate hemorrhaging or ulceration.
Erratic behavior: Fish may swim in circles, dart around, or twitch, which indicate neurological damage or convulsions.
Prevention of Ammonia Poisoning in Fish
The best way to prevent ammonia poisoning in fish is to maintain a healthy and balanced aquarium environment. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Cycle your tank: Before adding any fish to your aquarium, make sure to cycle your tank to establish a biological filter. You can do this by adding a source of ammonia, such as fish food, and monitoring the water parameters until the ammonia and nitrite levels are zero. You can also use a starter culture of beneficial bacteria to speed up the process.
Test your water: Regularly test your water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature. You can use a liquid test kit or test strips to measure these parameters. Ideally, the ammonia and nitrite levels should be zero, the nitrate level should be below 40 ppm, the pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0, and the temperature should be between 72 and 82°F.
Change your water: Perform partial water changes of 10 to 20% every week or two, depending on the size and stocking of your tank. This will help to remove excess ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and other pollutants from the water. Use a gravel vacuum to siphon out the water and any debris from the substrate. Make sure to use dechlorinated water that matches the temperature and pH of your tank.
Do not overstock: Avoid adding too many fish to your tank, as this will increase the bioload and the ammonia production. A general rule of thumb is to have one inch of fish per gallon of water, but this may vary depending on the species and behavior of the fish. Choose fish that are compatible with each other and with your tank size and conditions.
Do not overfeed: Feed your fish only as much as they can eat in a few minutes, once or twice a day. Remove any uneaten food after feeding, as it will decompose and produce ammonia. Choose a high-quality fish food that is suitable for your fish’s dietary needs and preferences.
Clean your filter: Rinse your filter media in old tank water every month or so, to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. Do not use tap water or soap, as this will kill the beneficial bacteria in the filter. Replace the filter media only when it is falling apart or clogged, as this will preserve the biological filter.
Add plants: Live plants can help to reduce ammonia levels by absorbing it as a nutrient. They can also provide oxygen, shelter, and natural beauty to your tank. Choose plants that are compatible with your fish and your tank conditions, such as lighting, substrate, and fertilization.
If you suspect that your fish are suffering from ammonia poisoning, you should act quickly to save them. Here are some steps you can take to treat ammonia poisoning in fish:
Test your water: The first thing you should do is to test your water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature. This will help you to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the problem. If the ammonia level is above 0.25 ppm, you should proceed to the next steps.
Change your water: The most effective way to lower the ammonia level is to perform a large water change of 50% or more. This will dilute the ammonia concentration and improve the water quality. Make sure to use dechlorinated water that matches the temperature and pH of your tank. You may need to repeat the water change several times until the ammonia level is zero.
Add a water conditioner: A water conditioner is a product that can neutralize ammonia and make it less toxic to fish. Some examples of water conditioners are Seachem Prime, API Ammo Lock, and Tetra AquaSafe. Follow the instructions on the label and add the appropriate amount of water conditioner to your tank. This will provide temporary relief to your fish, but it will not remove the ammonia from the water.
Add a filter booster: A filter booster is a product that can add beneficial bacteria to your tank and enhance the biological filter. Some examples of filter boosters are Seachem Stability, API Quick Start, and Tetra SafeStart. Follow the instructions on the label and add the appropriate amount of filter booster to your tank. This will help to speed up the nitrogen cycle and reduce the ammonia level.
Isolate the affected fish: If possible, move the affected fish to a separate quarantine tank that has clean water, a filter, a heater, and an air pump. This will prevent the spread of infection and allow the fish to recover in a stress-free environment. You can also add some aquarium salt, which can help to heal the gills and prevent osmotic shock. Use 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water, and dissolve it before adding it to the tank.
Monitor the fish: Keep an eye on the fish and watch for any signs of improvement or deterioration. Continue to test the water and perform water changes as needed. If the fish show no signs of recovery after a few days, you may need to consult a veterinarian or an expert for further advice.
Ammonia poisoning in fish is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect any aquarium. It is caused by high levels of ammonia in the water, which can damage the fish’s gills, skin, and organs. The symptoms of ammonia poisoning in fish include lethargy, loss of appetite, gasping, red or inflamed gills, clamped fins, pale or dark coloration, cloudy eyes, spots or lesions, and erratic behavior. The best way to prevent ammonia poisoning in fish is to maintain a healthy and balanced aquarium environment, by cycling the tank, testing the water, changing the water, not overstocking or overfeeding, cleaning the filter, and adding plants. The treatment of ammonia poisoning in fish involves lowering the ammonia level by performing large water changes, adding a water conditioner, adding a filter booster, isolating the affected fish, and monitoring the fish. Ammonia poisoning in fish is a preventable and treatable condition, but it requires prompt action and careful attention to save the fish and restore the aquarium.
