What is ammonia in aquariums?
Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺) is produced from fish waste, uneaten food, and decaying organic material.
Why ammonia is dangerous
Ammonia damages fish gills and internal organs and can quickly cause death.
Safe level:
- 0 ppm at all times
Ammonia in the nitrogen cycle
Beneficial bacteria convert:
This process is essential for a healthy aquarium.
What increases ammonia
- Overfeeding
- Overstocking
- Dead fish or plants
- New or uncycled tanks
Testing ammonia is critical, especially during aquarium cycling.