The best way to reduce ammonia in your fish tank is to perform regular water changes, use a biological filter, and avoid overfeeding and overstocking your fish. Ammonia is a toxic waste product that can harm your fish and cause various health problems. In this article, we will explain what causes ammonia in fish tanks, how to test and monitor ammonia levels, and what to do if you have high ammonia in your aquarium.
Ammonia is produced by the breakdown of organic matter, such as fish waste, uneaten food, dead plants, and decaying algae. Ammonia is also present in tap water, so you should always use a water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine before adding water to your fish tank.
Ammonia is converted into nitrite and then nitrate by beneficial bacteria that live in your filter and substrate. This process is called the nitrogen cycle, and it is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced aquarium. Nitrate is less harmful than ammonia and nitrite, but it can still cause problems if it accumulates too much. Therefore, you should aim to keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, and nitrate below 20 ppm (parts per million).
How to test and monitor ammonia levels?
You can test and monitor ammonia levels in your fish tank using a liquid test kit or test strips. Liquid test kits are more accurate and reliable than test strips, but they are also more expensive and time-consuming. Test strips are cheaper and easier to use, but they can be inaccurate and expire quickly. You should test your water at least once a week, or more often if you have a new or unstable tank.
To use a liquid test kit, you need to fill a test tube with water from your fish tank, add a few drops of the reagent, and compare the color of the water with the color chart. To use a test strip, you need to dip the strip in the water for a few seconds, and then match the color of the pads with the color chart. The color will indicate the concentration of ammonia in your water, usually in ppm or mg/L (milligrams per liter).
What to do if you have high ammonia in your fish tank?
If you have high ammonia in your fish tank, you need to act quickly to lower it and prevent it from harming your fish. Here are some steps you can take to reduce ammonia in your aquarium:
Perform a partial water change. This is the most effective and immediate way to lower ammonia in your fish tank. You should change 25% to 50% of the water, depending on how high the ammonia level is. Make sure to use dechlorinated water that matches the temperature and pH of your tank water. You can also add some aquarium salt to help reduce stress and prevent infections in your fish.
Use a biological filter. A biological filter is a device that contains beneficial bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. You should have a filter that is suitable for the size and type of your fish tank, and you should never clean it with tap water, as this will kill the bacteria. You can also add some filter media, such as ceramic rings, bio balls, or sponge, to increase the surface area for the bacteria to grow.
Avoid overfeeding and overstocking your fish. Overfeeding and overstocking your fish can lead to more waste and organic matter in your fish tank, which will increase the ammonia level. You should feed your fish only as much as they can eat in a few minutes, and remove any leftover food. You should also avoid adding too many fish to your tank, and choose fish that are compatible and suitable for your tank size.
Add some live plants. Live plants can help reduce ammonia in your fish tank by absorbing some of it and using it as fertilizer. Plants can also provide oxygen, shade, and shelter for your fish. You should choose plants that are easy to care for and that match the lighting and substrate of your tank. Some examples of good plants for ammonia reduction are anubias, java fern, java moss, hornwort, and duckweed.
Use an ammonia remover. An ammonia remover is a chemical product that binds with ammonia and makes it harmless to your fish. You can use an ammonia remover as a temporary solution to lower ammonia in your fish tank, but you should not rely on it as a long-term fix. You should always follow the instructions on the label and use the correct dosage. Some examples of ammonia removers are Seachem Prime, API Ammo Lock, and Tetra AquaSafe.
Ammonia is a common and dangerous problem in fish tanks that can cause stress, disease, and death in your fish. You can prevent and reduce ammonia in your fish tank by performing regular water changes, using a biological filter, avoiding overfeeding and overstocking your fish, adding some live plants, and using an ammonia remover. You should also test and monitor ammonia levels in your fish tank regularly, and take action if they are too high. By following these tips, you can keep your fish healthy and happy in a low-ammonia environment.
