Ammonia and Nitrate Tests

In order to conduct an Ammonia test, first hook the thermometer onto the tank and record the temperature. Draw 5mm of water from the aquarium into a test tube. With the two Ammonia bottles, take the first bottle and add 8 drops to the test tube sample. Then take the second bottle and add 8 drops into the test tube sample as well. Put cap on the test tube, and gently swirl the mixture. Next let the solution sit for 5 minutes, then compare the water’s color to the color-coded sheet. The desired color is a yellow and .25ppm is acceptable. If the water is not up to standards, add more bacteria supplement to the aquarium.

            To complete a Nitrate test, first check the water temperature of the aquarium with a thermometer, and record. Then draw 5mm of water into a test tube from the aquarium. Using the two Nitrate bottles, take the first bottle and add 10 drops to the sample and swirl in the chemicals. Next, take the second bottle and shake it for 30 seconds, and then add 10 drops into the water sample. Swirl the mixture for a minute, and then compare the water’s color to the card. The color should be a yellow-orange color and have a level of 40 or below. If the water is not acceptable, add plants to the aquarium or clean the rocks.

            Ammonia can enter the aquarium through three different ways. The first way for ammonia to enter the water is through tap water that has been treated with chloramine. The second way is though the decomposition of organisms inside the aquarium causing a build up of proteins and ammonia. The third and final way that ammonia enters the aquarium is through the digestion of protein in fish, which is later released into the water through the gills. Ammonia is a toxin and therefore harmful to the fish if the levels are not kept at zero. The ammonia irritates the gills of the fish, causing the gills to thicken and clump together, resulting in less oxygen intake.

            One main cause of high nitrate levels in an aquarium is due to the overfeeding of fish. This is due to the fact that if the fish does not digest the food within ten minutes, the uneaten food will begin to decay at the bottom of the tank and release nitrate. Another cause of high nitrate is the nitrate already in the tap water while changing the water. The third increase in nitrate levels is the use of plant fertilizer, and finally the decay of organisms. With increase in nitrate levels, the fish will become sick and start to die. The fish will become sick because of stress and the immune system will become weaker overtime if the water is not changed.