Ammonia is a silent, invisible killer in aquariums. Because it is clear and dissolves easily in water, even a clean, beautiful tank could be full of ammonia, and even low levels of this toxic byproduct are harmful, even fatal to fish. Unfortunately, by the time signs of ammonia stress are noticeable in fish – lethargy, appetite loss, gasping, inflammation of the gills, eyes or fins – it may be too late to take corrective action that can save the fish. So how can you safely monitor the ammonia levels in your tank to keep fish healthy? Sources of Ammonia Understanding where ammonia comes from in your tank can help you be sure it isnt being introduced to your aquatic environment. If you are aware of subtle changes that can lead to ammonia buildup, you can safely keep the levels down in your tank. Ammonia comes from… Tap Water: Ammonia bonded to chlorine is a common additive in municipal water sources to disinfect the water. If you must add tap water to your tank, use a water conditioner specifically formulated to break down ammonia to treat the water first. Decomposition: Organic material such as dead plant leaves, leftover food and dead fish quickly decay, and that decomposition produces high levels of ammonia. Avoid overfeeding your fish, remove any dead fish immediately and prune aquatic plants to minimize decomposition.
