You should be aware that there has been an invisible murderer in your tank. You know who it is, don’t you? Yes, I’m referring to ammonia.
Ammonia in your tank
Ammonia is a major issue in tanks. It is extremely poisonous to any species in your aquarium. It quickly poisons fish and vegetation, eventually killing them. So, I’m here to assist you in determining how to reduce ammonia levels in your fish tank.
What is the source of excessive ammonia levels?
There are various reasons why ammonia levels in your fish tank are excessive. Any of the following factors could be causing high ammonia levels in your fish tank.
Uneaten Fish Food in the tank
One of the reasons that ammonia levels in the tanks are high is that fish food is not consumed on time. Excess fish food accumulates in the tank’s bottom and is eaten down by bacteria, resulting in excess ammonia.
If your tank is also troubled with ammonia, consider removing any excess fish food before changing the water and cleaning it out.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding, like overfeeding, directly increases the biological load in the water. It is advised that freshwater fish be given one inch (2.5 cm) of water every gallon (3.8 L).
More than that results in excessive waste and dissolved oxygen consumption, as more fish means less oxygen and more carbon dioxide.
Poor tank maintenance
Poor maintenance could also contribute to high ammonia levels in the water. In general, I will do a partial water change once a week at home, where “partial” refers to two-thirds. The garbage at the bottom of the tank is then vacuumed to prevent ammonia leakage.
Plants in Decline
Plants may also be a source of elevated ammonia levels in fish tanks. If your plants rot or decompose in the tank, they will begin creating and releasing ammonia, which might result in excessive nitrite levels.
Changing the water can assist, but the essential remedy is to clean them up or care for them before they decompose.
How can ammonia be reduced?
High ammonia levels in the tank can be fatal to your fish, therefore you should get rid of it as soon as possible.
Water Examination
First, we may avoid it by analysing the water for nitrite or ammonia levels, which should be as low as possible before adding your fish.
If they are already in your tank, the best thing to do at this point is to replace the water, changing it gradually over the next few days (50 percent of the water at a time, depending on the condition) until the ammonia level reaches 0 ppm.
Obtain a Filtration
A rise in ammonia levels in your tank might also be caused by poor filtering. If you don’t already have one, obtain one right away. A filter keeps the water in your tank pure and provides a home for healthy microorganisms to help lower ammonia levels.
Plants in Tanks
The living tank plant is a bio-filter in and of itself. Plants require a wide range of nutrients and chemicals in their physiological functions, including potentially toxic ammonia and nitrites. They will also assist in the absorption of certain nitrates, decreasing the need for frequent water changes.
As a result, many tank owners utilise plants to improve water quality and lower ammonia levels for aesthetics and tank oxygenation.
Bacteria Supplementation
Bacterial supplements are beneficial to hobbyists who struggle with water parameters or who need to quickly cycle their tank. They can immediately lower the ammonia nitrogen in the water, preventing poisoning of the fish.
Conclusions
Ammonia is necessary for a healthy and happy fish tank, but if your tank does not utilise up surplus ammonia in a timely manner, it can be fatal to the organisms inside.
Fortunately, most of the time you can repair it by changing the water, but if the situation is critical, you may need to use a chemical or a plant to alleviate the urgency.
