Ammonia – NH3 Can develop into 2 forms in water:
1. Free ammonia
2. Ammonium ion NH4
NH3 + H = NH4
Ammonia is an ion considered to have high toxicity. So, it is important to be sure not to have high levels of Ammonia in our Aquarium. The NH3/NH4 ion is very dependent on pH levels. A low pH level means we will have more NH4 (NH4 is not as toxic as NH3). If the pH rises to a level between 8.0 and 8.4 then NH3 will become the majority.
The Royal Nature Ammonia Test Kit will measure both the level of NH3 and NH4 present in your aquarium.
In your aquarium, certain things are the source of the rise in the level of Ammonia:
1. Fresh water.
2. Impurities of excess elements such as Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg). When using inexpensive, non-certified minerals such as Ca and Mg, the immediate effect that results is a significant increase in ammonia levels.
3. Impurities in salt mixes often found in cheaper versions based on Ca and Mg or other elements with high ammonia content.
In seawater, NH3/NH4 levels should be below 0.04 mg/l and should not be detectable by the test.
The new Royal Nature Ammonia test kit can be used for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. This kit makes it possible to determine the concentration of Ammonia in a range of values going from 0.01 to 5 mg/L with a very precise color scale. The kit allows you to perform 100 tests.
Attention
When performing a water change to lower the Ammonia level, be sure to test the pH level first. At low pH values, the Ammonia present in the aquarium will very often be in the NH4+ form which is very weakly toxic. A large water change will raise the pH to normal values of 8.0 to 8.4. However, at these pH values, the NH4+ which will not have been evacuated will be transformed into NH3 which is highly toxic.
Safety instructions
1. Keep the test away from children.
2. Ammonia reagents can cause severe burns.
3. In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
In case of accident or infection, consult your doctor immediately.
