Test that quantifies ammonia for salt water.
Occurrence of ammonia in the tank:
Food scraps, 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, mostly excreted through the gills. Following this process, the ammonia, by the action of two groups of nitrifying autotrophic bacteria, is first oxidized nitrite and then nitrate.
In intact natural environments there is a complete balance between the organisms and the compounds generated, making this cycle work perfectly. Since tanks are limited environments, they do not have, in a natural and spontaneous way, the desired balance.
It is necessary to intervene and this is where the monitoring of variables related to water quality, such as ammonia, the assembly of the tank with an adequate biological filtration system and maintenance routines, such as partial water changes and cleaning of filters, come in.
Influence of ammonia on fish:
High levels of ammonia cause stress in fish, with consequent decrease in immune 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 slime 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. As pH increases, this balance changes in the direction of the NH3 form, exponentially increasing its proportion. Only the NH3 form is important in terms of toxicity. The risk of poisoning is therefore greatly increased in tanks with characteristically higher pH.
How to use:
1. Fill the beaker up to the mark with the water from the tank to be analyzed;
2. Drip 8 drops of reagent solution 1, cap the beaker and shake;
3. Drip 4 drops of reagent solution 2, cap 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 to it.
- Perform the reading, preferably in natural light. For better comparison, place the open beaker against the white circle and make the observation from above.
- Once the total ammonia value has been set, proceed to the NH3 (toxic ammonia) content reading table.
Ammonia Care:
Levels of the NH3 form below 0.02 ppm are considered safe for fish, while levels above 0.04 ppm require action
Arrangements:
If NH3 values above 0.04 ppm (red zone) are found, bottom siphonage should be immediately performed with partial water exchange. The pH of the water to be added to the tank should be analyzed and, if necessary, corrected. This should not have a pH higher than that of the water that is already in the tank, so as not to potentiate the toxic ammonia, by raising the pH of the mixture. Then you should check the operation of the filtration system and reduce the usual feeding for a few days.
Get in touch with a professional so you don't have any major problems.
Measures to prevent high ammonia levels:
- Do not exceed the recommended fish population;
- Take care of the amount of food provided, avoiding leftovers;
- Monitor the operation and maintenance of the filtration system;
- Periodically perform partial water changes and filter cleaning.
Number of tests: 50 tests.
If you have any questions about the product, we will be happy to assist you.
∙ Email: [email protected]
∙ Phone: (11) 2021-2372.
Warranty
Factory warranty against manufacturing defects, not guaranteeing misuse or installation.
These images are merely illustrative and may not represent reality.
