Ammonia is a chemical compound that can enter your aquarium. Ammonia can enter the aquarium through water from outside or decay from fish or other natural materials in the tank. Ammonia can be very harmful to fish. Therefore, it is important to keep the ammonia level as close to zero as possible. You can take steps to monitor ammonia levels and lower them if necessary.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Lowering Ammonia Levels
Step 1. Purchase a test kit
A test kit is the fastest, reliable way to determine if there is ammonia in your aquarium. There are many effective test kits that you can purchase. Ask the pet store clerk in your area to help choose the best one for your needs.
- The price of ammonia test kits is very affordable. Most of them range from IDR 65,000, 00-IDR 130,000, 00.
- The test kit can tell you if there is an increase in ammonia levels. Keep a test kit in case you encounter any symptoms.
- Follow the directions on the packaging. If the test indicates the presence of any high ammonia level, the ammonia level is already too high.
Step 2. Change the water
A safe and acceptable level of ammonia is zero. If your test kit detects any amount of ammonia, you will need to perform a water change. This process can take up to several days.
- Changing the water is the only safe way to lower ammonia levels. Products that remove ammonia can have negative side effects, so they should be avoided.
- A water change means you will be wasting 10-15% of the water in the tank. Use a clean bucket or jug to get rid of the water.
- Replace the water with new water. Use dechlorinated tap water.
- Continue changing the water after 2-3 days until there are no traces of ammonia. You don't need to move any fish or plants in the tank.
Step 3. Circulate the aquarium
The process of keeping the water in the aquarium healthy for the fish is known as "circulation". The main reason for circulating an aquarium is to ensure that ammonia and nitrate levels are at the right level. You can recirculate a new aquarium or an existing one.
- Full circulation will take 4-6 weeks to complete. Start by placing all of the new water into the aquarium.
- For new aquariums, start slowly. Leave the aquarium for at least a day before adding fish.
- Add the fish slowly. Do not add more than 3 new fish per week to any aquarium.
- Buy products to help circulation. You can ask for it at a pet store or fish supply store in your area. There are several brands that contain bacteria to supplement your aquarium.
- These products will help develop good bacteria in the aquarium. Follow the directions on the product packaging.
Step 4. Monitor water conditions
When setting up and circulating an aquarium, it is important to take note of the components of the aquarium water. Watch closely for ammonia, nitrate, and pH levels. Keeping detailed records can help you notice changes and fix them as quickly as possible.
- You can write down all the chemical levels in the water. You can also log factors such as temperature and population statistics.
- There are many websites and apps that can help you keep an eye on your aquarium. Some sites offer a basic membership for free.
- Other sites could be more up-to-date. You can purchase a membership if you need to monitor multiple aquariums at once.
Step 5. Choose the right filter
The filtration system is the key to lowering and regulating ammonia levels. A good filter will regulate and neutralize ammonia and nitrates. This filter will also remove any floating debris from the aquarium.
- Buy the best filter for your aquarium. Filters come in a variety of sizes and prices, so study them first.
- Read reviews on the internet. You should also consult with experienced staff at a pet store in your area.
- Powered filters are typically used for aquariums up to 208 liters in size. This filter is used to increase biological filtration, which means you can keep more fish in the tank.
- If your tank is larger than 208 liters, consider purchasing a Canister filter. This filter is very powerful and effective for large aquariums.
Method 2 of 3: Keeping Ammonia Levels At Zero
Step 1. Slowly add the new fish
Ammonia can be toxic to tropical fish. For this reason, it is important to regularly monitor the quality of the aquarium water. You should also only gradually add new fish to the tank.
- Fish are responsible for some of the ammonia that will inevitably end up in your aquarium. When you install a new aquarium, slowly introduce the fish.
- Add tropical fish to the aquarium in small groups. Watch the water to make sure the ammonia level doesn't change.
- Ammonia is lethal, so try to keep ammonia levels as close to zero as possible. Zero is the ideal level of ammonia in a fish aquarium.
Step 2. Recognize the signs of a problem
In addition to testing the water, you may observe other symptoms that tell you that your ammonia level is high. The main symptom is the death of new fish. When you add new fish to a previously healthy tank, they may react to ammonia unexpectedly.
- Fish suffering from ammonia poisoning have problems getting the oxygen they need from the water. Ammonia causes fish gills to stick together and fish can't breathe.
- In most tropical fish, you can see the gills moving. If you can no longer see the gills moving, the fish may be suffering.
- Non-lethal ammonia levels can still be a problem. Fish exposed to ammonia will experience stress and behave differently than usual. The fish may be swimming faster than usual or their movements may appear erratic.
Step 3. Protect your fish
Remember to always keep the fish safe and healthy. If you find your ammonia level is too high, take steps to lower it as soon as possible. You also need to take steps to prevent the increase in ammonia levels.
- Protect your fish by keeping a close eye on the fish population. If a fish dies, this can be a sign of a problem with the water.
- Be sure to remove the fish if the filter is damaged. Consider having a spare tank so the fish have a safe haven.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Aquarium
Step 1. Set up a water conservancy schedule
Beyond monitoring and regulating ammonia levels, there are several things you can do to keep your aquarium healthy. Make it a habit to treat the aquarium water regularly. For example, you need to check the temperature of the water every day.
- Every week, replace 10% of the water with dechlorinated water. You should also test the water for nitrates and ammonia every week.
- Every month, change 25% of the water. You should also perform any necessary filter maintenance.
- Every month, scrub algae from the aquarium. Prune live plants if you have them.
- Record the maintenance schedule on a calendar so you can keep an eye on every step.
Step 2. Perform regular maintenance
Part of maintaining a healthy aquarium is providing the right lighting. Most fish need 8-10 hours per day. Make sure the fish are getting the right amount of light.
- You can purchase a lamp with a timer for your aquarium. This will ensure that you don't over-light or under-glow the fish.
- Take precautions after a power failure. Even the slightest loss of electricity can cause stress to the fish.
- After a power failure, check to make sure all your equipment is working properly.
Step 3. Feed the fish properly
To have healthy and happy fish, you need to provide the right diet. The food you give will depend on the type of fish you have. Make sure to buy the right food for your aquarium.
- Make sure you don't overfeed the fish. This can cause the aquarium to become contaminated.
- Experiment to find the right amount of food. Your fish should eat the entire meal in 5 minutes.
- If the fish takes longer than 5 minutes, reduce the amount of food. If it runs out too quickly, increase the amount.
- Try to feed the fish at the same time each day. Doing it on a schedule will help you keep tabs on your feeding.
Step 4. Create a healthy home for your fish
An important part of keeping fish healthy is controlling the population. As you increase the population, it is best to increase the number of fish gradually. Do not add more than 3 fish at a time.
- Buy healthy fish. The best way to do this is to buy it from a reputable supplier. Read reviews from other customers.
- Be sure to let the new fish acclimate. Keep the fish in the plastic for their first 15-20 minutes in the tank.
- If you must treat your fish, take extra precautions to keep other fish healthy. Perform more frequent water changes to ensure you remove all traces of treatment.
