Test that quantifies ammonia for fresh water.

Occurrence of ammonia in the tank:
Leftover food, fish excretion products, plant remains and dead fish are broken down into ammonia by heterotrophic bacteria, in a process called ammonification. Much of the ammonia also originates directly from fish, mainly excreted through the gills. Following this process, ammonia, through the action of two groups of autotrophic nitrifying bacteria, is oxidized first to nitrite and then to nitrate.
In intact natural environments there is a complete balance between organisms and the compounds generated, making this cycle work perfectly. As tanks are limited environments, the desired balance is not naturally and spontaneously achieved.
It is necessary to intervene and this is where monitoring variables related to water quality come into play, such as ammonia, assembling the tank with an adequate biological filtration system and maintenance routines, such as partial water changes and cleaning the filters. .

Influence of ammonia on fish:
High levels of ammonia cause stress in fish, with a consequent decrease in immunological resistance, damage to the gills and destruction of the fins. Ammonia interferes with the transfer of oxygen from the gills to the blood and, in the medium term, causes damage to the gills themselves. Mucus-producing membranes can be destroyed, reducing the sliminess of the outer covering and damaging the intestinal surface.

Toxic ammonia:
Chemically speaking, ammonia in the aquatic environment can come in two forms, ionized (NH4+) and non-ionized (NH3). The balance between the two forms is determined mainly by pH, and to a lesser extent by temperature. With increasing pH, this balance changes towards the NH3 form, increasing its proportion exponentially. Only the NH3 form is important in terms of toxicity. The risk of poisoning, therefore, increases greatly in tanks with a characteristically higher pH.

Way of use:
1. Fill the beaker up to the mark with water from the tank to be analyzed;
2. Add 8 drops of reagent solution 1, cover the beaker and shake;
3. Add 4 drops of reagent solution 2, cover the beaker and shake;
4. After 3 minutes, compare the color developed in the test with the color scale presented, looking for the one that comes closest.

- Preferably read in natural light. For better comparison, place the open beaker against the white circle and observe from above.
- Once the total ammonia value has been defined, go to the NH3 (toxic ammonia) content reading table.

Care with ammonia:
Levels of the NH3 form below 0.02 ppm are considered safe for fish, while levels above 0.04 ppm require action.

Measures:
If NH3 values ​​above 0.04 ppm (red zone) are found, bottom siphoning must be carried out immediately with a partial water change. The pH of the water to be added to the tank must be analyzed and, if necessary, corrected. This should not have a higher pH than the water already in the tank, so as not to increase the toxic ammonia by raising the pH of the mixture. You should then check the functioning of the filtration system and reduce your usual diet for a few days.
Contact a professional to avoid any major problems.

Measures to prevent high ammonia levels:
- Do not exceed the recommended fish population;
- Be careful with the amount of food provided, avoiding leftovers;
- Monitor the operation and maintain the filtration system;
- Periodically carry out partial water changes and cleaning of filters.

Number of tests: 50 tests.

If you have any questions about the product, it will be a pleasure to help you.
∙ email: [email protected]
∙ Telephone: (11) 2021-2372.

Guarantee

Factory warranty against manufacturing defects, not guaranteeing misuse or installation.

Images are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent reality.