The signs of ammonia in fish tank are: gasping at the surface, red or inflamed gills, lethargy, loss of appetite, and death. Ammonia is a toxic waste product that accumulates in the water when fish excrete or when organic matter decomposes. It can cause serious harm to fish and other aquatic life if not controlled. In this article, we will explain what causes ammonia in fish tank, how to test for it, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
Ammonia is produced naturally in the fish tank as part of the nitrogen cycle. The nitrogen cycle is the process by which beneficial bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate, which are less harmful to fish. However, the nitrogen cycle can be disrupted by several factors, such as:
Overstocking: Having too many fish in the tank can increase the amount of waste and reduce the oxygen levels in the water, which can affect the bacteria’s ability to process ammonia.
Overfeeding: Feeding more food than the fish can consume can result in excess food rotting in the tank, which can also increase the ammonia levels.
Poor filtration: The filter is responsible for removing solid waste and providing a surface for the bacteria to grow. If the filter is clogged, dirty, or inadequate for the tank size, it can reduce the water quality and the bacteria’s efficiency.
Infrequent water changes: Water changes are essential for maintaining a healthy fish tank, as they help to remove excess nutrients, toxins, and pollutants from the water. If water changes are not done regularly or sufficiently, ammonia can build up in the tank.
New tank syndrome: This is a common problem for new fish tank owners, who may not have established a stable nitrogen cycle in their tank. Without enough bacteria to handle the ammonia, the levels can spike quickly and harm the fish.
The best way to test for ammonia in fish tank is to use a liquid test kit that measures the ammonia level in parts per million (ppm). Test kits are available at most pet stores and online, and they are easy to use. Simply follow the instructions on the package, which usually involve adding a few drops of reagent to a sample of water and comparing the color change to a color chart. The ideal ammonia level for a fish tank is zero, or as close to zero as possible. Anything above 0.25 ppm can be harmful to fish, and anything above 1 ppm can be lethal.
How to prevent ammonia in fish tank?
The best way to prevent ammonia in fish tank is to maintain a healthy and balanced aquarium environment. This involves:
Stocking the tank appropriately: Choose fish that are compatible with each other and with the tank size, and avoid overcrowding the tank. A general rule of thumb is to have one inch of fish per gallon of water, but this can vary depending on the species and the shape of the tank.
Feeding the fish properly: Feed the fish only as much as they can eat in a few minutes, and remove any uneaten food from the tank. Feed a high-quality and varied diet that meets the nutritional needs of the fish.
Cleaning the filter regularly: Rinse the filter media with dechlorinated water every month, and replace it as needed. Do not replace all the filter media at once, as this can remove the beneficial bacteria and disrupt the nitrogen cycle. Instead, replace only a portion of the media at a time, and alternate between different types of media.
Performing water changes frequently: Change 10 to 20 percent of the water every week, or more often if the ammonia level is high. Use a gravel vacuum to siphon out the water and any debris from the substrate. Replace the water with dechlorinated water that matches the temperature and pH of the tank.
Cycling the tank before adding fish: If you have a new tank, you need to cycle it before adding fish. Cycling is the process of establishing a stable nitrogen cycle in the tank, which can take several weeks. You can cycle the tank by adding a source of ammonia, such as fish food or pure ammonia, and monitoring the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels until they reach zero. You can also use bottled bacteria products to speed up the process.
If you have detected ammonia in fish tank, you need to act quickly to lower it and protect your fish. Here are some steps you can take to treat ammonia in fish tank:
Perform a large water change: Change 50 percent or more of the water, depending on the ammonia level. Use dechlorinated water that matches the temperature and pH of the tank. Repeat the water change every day until the ammonia level drops to zero.
Add a water conditioner: Use a product that neutralizes ammonia, such as Seachem Prime or API Ammo Lock. Follow the directions on the label, and dose the tank accordingly. These products do not remove ammonia, but they make it less toxic to fish.
Add more oxygen: Increase the aeration in the tank by adding an air pump, an air stone, or a powerhead. This will help the fish breathe better and the bacteria work faster.
Reduce the feeding: Feed the fish less or skip a few feedings until the ammonia level is under control. This will reduce the amount of waste and ammonia in the tank.
Remove any dead or dying fish: Check the tank for any casualties, and remove them promptly. Dead fish can decompose and release more ammonia into the water.
Test the water daily: Keep testing the water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate until the levels are stable and safe. If the ammonia level does not go down, you may need to take more drastic measures, such as relocating the fish to another tank or using a chemical filter media that absorbs ammonia, such as Seachem Purigen or API Nitra-Zorb.
Ammonia in fish tank is a serious problem that can endanger the health and life of your fish. It is important to know the signs of ammonia in fish tank, what causes it, how to test for it, how to prevent it, and how to treat it. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can keep your fish tank ammonia-free and your fish happy and healthy.
