Ammonia is excreted by fish directly into the water, and is also released from the breakdown of solid waste and uneaten food. Ammonia is highly toxic to fish, but is usually removed from the water by the bacteria which live inside the filter. However, in new tanks, or if the filter bacteria are damaged, the ammonia level may become toxic. The only way to know what the ammonia level is, is by testing it with a Tetra Test Ammonia kit. Regular testing, especially in new aquariums, will prevent damage caused by ammonia poisoning.

The Tetra Ammonia test kit is liquid based and really easy to use. It is suitable for both marine and freshwater fish tanks.

Why Test for Ammonia?

Ammonia is toxic to our livestock and elevated levels of ammonia will inevitably lead to losses.

The level of ammonia within an aquarium should be as close to zero as possible especially in an established aquarium.

Ammonia is broken down by beneficial bacteria within your filter. When setting up a new tank, these bacteria will not have had time to become established. It is at this point that Ammonia levels will increase and it is imperative that you dont add livestock at this point or you will endanger them. When monitoring the Ammonia level over several weeks, youll notice that it subsides down to zero, as the bacteria become established. Its at this point youll notice that the Nitrite level within the fish tank will start to increase. When the Ammonia level is down to zero, youre nearly there you just need to wait for the Nitrite levels to subside.

Monitoring Ammonia levels in the long term will indicate if your filtration system is performing correctly, or if you have over stocked your fish tank. As such, its sensible to keep an eye on Ammonia levels regularly, because if they increase, you know to take action.

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