Ammonia in fish tank
is often misunderstood. There will always be
lower minute levels of ammonia in fish tanks that are mature. Although
there is always some ammonia in the fish tank it should never be at a
level detected by a test kit. It’s important to
monitor and
use test
kits regularly to make sure ammonia levels are safe. Levels
detected
by test kits can be deadly for your fish.
What Causes Ammonia
In Fish Tank?
The cause of ammonia
in fish tanks comes from food left uneaten,
fish waste, decaying particles, and plant matter. There are some
instances that you should take into consideration such as too many fish
in one fish tank or medications, overfeeding, and even failure to
maintain your tank. All these instances can cause dangerous
levels of
ammonia in fish tank. Remember, small amounts of ammonia in
fish
tanks
are fine because the bacteria in the tank will normally keep levels
safe.
Too much ammonia in
fish tank can be damaging at only 0.01 ppm and
not even be detected on a test kit. Ammonia usually starts to affect
the gills and can even make them look red. When you start a
new
fish
tank, colonies of beneficial bacteria have not yet had the chance to
grow. For a period of several weeks this can be hazardous to
fish. You
must gradually build up the source of ammonia (i.e., start with only
one or two small fish) to allow time for the beneficial bacteria to
grow. This is called ``cycling'' your tank.
Nitrites Similar to
Ammonia in Fish Tank
Remember, the
bacteria break down the ammonia into substances (first
nitrite, then eventually nitrate) that are less toxic, not non-toxic.
Many fish can withstand fairly high levels of nitrates, but over time
the nitrates will accumulate until they, too, become toxic. Also,
because nitrate is a fertilizer, high nitrate levels can lead to excess
algae growth.
Rapid gill movements
and gasps for air are more than likely a sign
of your nitrite levels. It is best to pay attention to your fish
because they can give you signs. Also regular maintenance and proper
feeding habits will help keep harmful levels of ammonia in the fish
tank at a safer level.
Nitrites should be
monitored but not quite as close. Nitrates can be
caused for the same reasons as ammonia. Although dangerous,
some
fish
can tolerate various levels of nitrites. It has been surveyed
that
most fish are perfect at a reading of 25 ppm or under.
All fish are
different. What some can handle others may not. It is
important to not over crowd a fish tank and even keep an extra
quarantine tank to monitor your new fish before adding them to your
regular fish. Sick or diseased fish can also cause you many
problems
even poisoning your healthy ones.
Although
ammonia in fish tank can be problematic, with proper care
and regular maintenance your tank should be fine. Just
don’t
overcrowd, over feed, or forget to change your
tank’s water.
