Ammonia poisoning is generally caused by two common occurrences in aquarium chemistry. First, it’s the buildup of toxic ammonia and nitrite in the water. And second, it’s the displacement of oxygen in the water by the ammonia. This means that there is more ammonia in the water and less oxygen available for your fish and your biological filter.
Too much ammonia stresses the fish and poses a risk of organ failure and suffocation. The best way to prevent ammonia poisoning is to follow these simple steps: Preventing ammonia poisoning:
- Test the water: To detect problems before they become serious, monitor the water for ammonia at least twice a month. Pet Supermarket carries a variety of home test kits and we will gladly test your aquarium’s water at no charge in the store.
- Adding new fish: Always stock new tanks slowly. Add only a couple of fish initially and wait until the tank has completely cycled before adding more.
- Feed in moderation: Feed fish small quantities of foods, and remove any food not consumed as soon as possible.
- Change water regularly: Clean the tank every week and perform a partial water change at least every other week.
The best cure is always prevention. A clean tank and prompt removal of uneaten food are the best ways to maintain a healthy environment for your fish. At Pet Supermarket we have everything you’ll need to keep your aquarium in top shape. Come in today!
