Ammonia in Aquariums

Ammonia in the aquarium is dangerous for fish. It can even cause the death of fish. Aquariums accumulate a level of ammonia from the breakdown of organic matter and uneaten fish food although the majority is from fish themselves as they excrete ammonia through their gills, and obviously a small amount from fish feces.

Ammonia removal from aquariums is essential for fish health. The excess level of ammonia as mentioned is detrimental to life in the aquarium.

Filtration

Mechanical, Biological & Chemical in this order to work correctly. The ratio of each section should be correct from the filter manufacture. Water volume filtered per hour combined with surface agitation to draw oxygen into the aquarium water and to release harmful gas is imperative, therefore the positioning of the filter is extremely important. Once in place the filter should generate a circular flow around the aquarium and back to the vicinity of the filter, enabling the filter to remove waste. The Mechanical section should hold physical waste giving the appearance of clean water. The biological section is where the beneficial bacteria lives which performs the nitrogen cycle. (conversion of Ammonia to Nitrite to Nitrate to healthy water, if you have a full cycle) To grow a colony of bacteria within the filter is a slow process, therefore when purchasing a filter its always best to ask the aquatic store to provide you with a product that will help Safeguard your aquarium through this process. The safest way for the fish is to add live bacteria over a given period, then add your fish slowly over a number of weeks or months, this allows the colony of bacteria to grow alongside your stock levels. If you add to little live bacteria or add the fish to quickly you will create an ammonia spike. If you add to much bacteria and not enough fish you can create a bacteria bloom, cloudy or milky water effect.

The other way is to use Ammonia Block. This is chemical filtration therefore goes after the biological section. Ammonia Block allows your filter to grow its colony of bacteria slowly as you add your fish without allowing ammonia past the chemical area, preventing an ammonia spike. Through this unique process the mechanical section holds waste, as it breaks down in the filter flow it produces ammonia which intern feeds the biological section, allowing bacteria growth. Any excess ammonia will be removed by the Ammonia Block, safeguarding your aquarium. This Product comes in a unique round pod designed by RP Aquatics in the UK.