Ammonia poisoning is generally a pervasive kind of disease found in fishes. At a lower level, this ammonia may not be that harmful. However, if the ammonia level in the fish tank increases, it eventually can cause a severe threat to the fish’s organs and brains. It can even cause hemorrhage in the fish or even breakdown the central nervous system of the fish. While it becomes challenging to remove or prevent ammonia in the fish tank and cure the disease caused by it, the ammonia test is necessary as a preventive method of ammonia check. Initially, it is crucial to learn about the various symptoms of the presence of ammonia in the fish tank.
Symptoms Of Ammonia In Fish Tank
The primary signs of the presence of ammonia in the fish tank can be evident as one differentiates the ordinary circumstances of the fish living in the tank from an unusual condition present.
Firstly, we can see the fish moving towards the top of the tank to get fresh air or ammonia rid air.
Then the fish might appear dark in color, or its gills will turn purple, red or lilac and even bleed or appear to be bleeding. Also, its fins develop red streaks, and its tissues get damaged. A prolonged period of ammonia intake can damage the organs and brain parts.
Now, the fish also becomes weak and, thus, stays at the bottom of the tank, not moving upwards.
Therefore, one needs to have an understanding of the primary symptoms of ammonia in a fish tank. Knowing the signs helps to lower ammonia in the fish tank. We have already learned about the basic symptoms of ammonia present in water. We can now learn what causes ammonia to have a better understanding of how to fix ammonia in a fish tank.
What Causes Ammonia In Fish Tank
The ammonia may develop in the fish tank due to a myriad of reasons. The new tank, which has till then not developed an established nitrogen cycle may increase ammonia in the fish tank.
While in an old tank, there may be a situation when the purifier may not be working and thus unable to clear the ammonia level in the fish tank. Also, too many fishes in a tank can lead to a substantial increase in the amount of ammonia.
Now, we can trace ammonia when the pH level of the tank increases. Generally, the pH level should be 7, and anything above it can prove to be very detrimental for the fish in the tank.
Moreover, the tap water is chemically treated before being accessible as the city water. It can be harmful to the fish in the tank as it increases the chances of ammonia present in the tank.
Further, too many fishes in the tank increase the decomposed matter in the tank, which thus, increases bacteria residing in ammonia water. Also, overfeeding can cause ammonia in fish’s blood, and this seeps out into the water through its gills.
The above reasons may cause ammonia to develop in the tank. So now, one needs to know how to get rid of ammonia in the fish tank fast.
How To Fix Ammonia In Fish Tank
One can follow several ways to get rid of ammonia in the fish tank fast.
Firstly, one can use gravel from an old and well established, clean tank. Since this gravel contains anaerobic bacteria, it can be beneficial in reducing ammonia in the fish tank. One can take a handful of gravel and place it at the very end of the tank.
Secondly, it is essential to note that one should add only two fishes in the tank at once. Placing too many fishes can be dangerous. Initially, the nitrogen cycle is not well established. The tank will not be able to maintain more than two fishes and clear the ammonia.
Thirdly, it becomes necessary to make sure one does not overfeed the fish. Also, one should immediately clean up the leftover food from the tank as it may lead to an increase in a decomposed matter, causing a higher level of ammonia.
Also, partially clear the water once or twice a week. Test water frequently to check ammonia development. In case the ammonia level reaches an extreme level, one can be an ammonia detoxifier.
Aqueon Ammonia Cartridge Mini Pads are available at Amazon and can be used to remove harmful and toxic ammonia from the tank. It generally promotes a healthy environment for the fish in the tank.
Thus, we get an idea of how to prevent ammonia in the fish tank and avoid any unpleasant situations.
However, in the case of ammonia had already developed in the tank and had poisoned the fish, it becomes very disastrous for the fish’s body. In such a case, one needs to take immediate steps to control the poison.
Ammonia Poison In-Tank Treatment
As the level of ammonia had already reached an extreme level, it has started to poison the fish. One needs to take specific preventive measures to control it.
As soon as the ammonia level crosses one ppm, one needs to check the tank immediately. Ammonia over one ppm can be deadly for the fish. Thus, lowering pH can control the ammonia poison.
Furthermore, one can use a chemically treated pH control product to neutralize the ammonia level in the fish tank. Also, during the ongoing process of treatment, stop feeding the fish. Stop feeding the fish until ammonia clears in the tank. This way, we can control ammonia poison in the fish body.
One should also keep in mind that one should not add new fish in the fish tank unless the ammonia clears completely. Adding fresh fishes may affect the new fish with ammonia poison present in the tank. It can also increase the ammonia level in the tank. Thus, reversing the whole treatment process and making it even more deadly situation for the fishes in the tank to survive.
Thus, these steps are essential to control ammonia poisoning in the fish. If not treated immediately, it can kill the fishes or can cause internal and external hemorrhage in the fish. Therefore, one must follow the steps mentioned above to prevent ammonia from developing in the fish tank. Thus, preventing death or other fatal diseases from occurring in the fish.
Hence, we now know how to prevent ammonia in a fish tank. We can now fix the issue of ammonia in the fish tank. It will, therefore, result in saving the fishes from dying and from any other kind of disease.
To know more about different Saltwater and Freshwater Aquarium Fish Diseases, click this article “Aquarium Fish Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments“.
