Aquarium BasicsAquariums for beginners
Your First Aquarium
Common MistakesLearn about some of the most common
fish keeping mistakes.
Aquarium AlgaeSmall AquariumA small aquarium has it's own unique
challenges. Here's what you need to know!
Is Bigger BetterStocking Aquarium FishFeeding Aquarium FishAquarium Fish FoodsNew Tank SyndromeFind out what new tank syndrome is and
how to prevent it in you aquarium!
Aquarium MaintenanceCaring for your aquariumMaintenance TipsDaily, weekly, monthly maintenance tips.
Algaecides & Algae ControlAlgae ControlOld Tank SyndromeCloudy Aquarium WaterWhite and green water is generally referred
to as cloudy water. What are they?
Testing Aquarium WaterAquarium Vacation TipsWater ChangesGreen Aquarium WaterGreen water is free floating algae caused
by high nitrates and poor water conditions
Aquarium FiltrationAll about filters and filtrationAquarium FiltersMechanical, biological, chemical filtration;
and aquarium filter types explained!
Ammonia in the AquariumNitrites in the AquariumNitrates in the AquariumThe Nitrogen CycleThe nitrogen cycle provides the aquarium
with essential biological filtration!
Biological FiltrationChemical FiltrationActivated CarbonNitrifying BacteriaNitrifying bacteria are natures gift to fish
keepers. They provide for biological balance
Fish HealthKeeping aquarium fish healthyChoosing Aquarium FishFish StressFish stress can be caused by poor water
conditions and incompatible tank mates.
Quarantine/Hospital TankAquarium Fish PopulationBacteria and AntibioticsMoving Your AquariumSalt in Freshwater TanksWorms in the AquariumFish Dips and BathsFish dips and baths are used to treat various
diseases and ailments. Here's our overview.
Power OutageKeeping Fish HealthyHow do you keep your fish healthy?
Some basic knowledge eases the task!
Aquarium Fish DiseasesToxic Water/Fish PoisoningIch and Your Aquarium FishPlanted AquariumCaring for aquatic plantsPlant EssentialsStarting with aquarium plants? Already
experienced? Let's review the essentials!
Fertilizing PlantsPlant Tank ChallengesPlant Health GuideDIY CO2 ReactorAquarium PlantsA review of some of the finer points
of growing live aquarium plants!
Saltwater AquariumSaltwater & reef informationSalinity & Specific GravityUnderstanding salinity and specific
gravity is essential for the saltwater enthusiast!
Coral BleachingCoralline AlgaeKalkwasserRed Slime - CyanobacteriaReverse Osmosis - R/OFrom Fresh to SaltwaterLive RockLive rock is a beautiful addition to any
saltwater aquarium. A must for the reef tank!
Soft CoralsProtein SkimmerThe protein skimmer in an essential piece
of equipment in saltwater & reef tanks.
UV SterilizationZooxanthellae & CoralsTechnical StuffTechnical ins & outs of aquaticsWater ParametersIt's all about the water! Learn about the
various parameters for healthy conditions!
Phosphates in the TankAquarium Energy UsageFishless CyclingOxygen in the AquariumOxygen in the aquarium. What role does play?
What are the impacts of inadequate supplies?
Substrate for AquariumsHistory of the AquariumBrackish AquariumLighting for the AquariumIt lets us see our fish but also has negative
consequences if set up improperly.
Freshwater HelpUse this form for freshwater and planted aquarium help.
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Saltwater HelpGet help with your saltwater and reef tanks.
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What is Algone?Enjoy a crystal clear aquarium.
Lower nitrates & ammonia, fewer water changes,
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Aquarium Articles // Aquarium Filtration // Ammonia in the Aquarium
Ammonia is the first stage of the nitrogen cycle
. Nitrifying bacteria break down organic waste into ammonia, nitrites and finally nitrates. Ammonia should never be detectable in the fish tank. Ammonia is highly toxic and prolonged exposure is lethal to fish.
Related Articles:
The Nitrogen Cycle, Water Parameters, Testing the Water, Water Changes
Ammonia buildup results from a breakdown of fish metabolism. Since ammonia (NH3) constantly converts to ammonium (NH4+) and vice versa, ammonia test kits usually measure both, resulting in a total ammonia (ammonia-N) concentration.
In an established tank, the reading of this test needs to show an undetectable level at all times. A detectable presence of 
total ammonia requires immediate action.
Ammonia is highly toxic in freshwater tanks, but even more toxic in reef and saltwater environments. This is due to a higher pH level that causes the presence of ammonia gas, which in turn is far more toxic and water soluble.
Even low concentrations of ammonia-N severely stress fish; this makes them vulnerable to diseases, thereby shorting their life span. Accumulating ammonia will not only be highly toxic and cause severe stress to the fish, but will be lethal!
Ammonia toxicity is significantly influenced by temperature and pH. The lower the temperature and pH, the more ammonia can be tolerated. For example, a fish tank kept at 68 degrees F can tolerate more than twice the amount of ammonia as a tank kept at 86 degrees F.
Lethal ammonia concentrations at a pH of 6.5 are 0.73 ppm, while at pH 8.5, only 0.17 ppm is considered lethal to inhabitants.
Clear cloudy water. Fixes "ugly" tanks
Remove unwanted nitrates & ammonia
Easier maintenance, less water changes
Significant improvement of fish health
