What is the difference between NH3 and NH4. NH4 (ammonium) is supposed to be non toxic; is it true or is it just less toxic ?
NH3/NH4 ; what is the difference
- Thread starter tableau
- Start date
yes, it is true that Ammonia (NH3) when in lower pH waters (below 7) is protonated (a Hydrogen molecule is added) to form the non toxic NH4 (ammonium).
the lower the pH the higher the proportion of non toxic NH4 molecules floating around. but there will always be some NH3 present, as it exists in a ratio. but at more acidic pH's the contribution of the toxic form will be neglible as far as fish goes.
for the chemistry buffs out there, the equilbrium is as follows:
H30+ + NH3 ___> H20 + NH4
in low pH water, there is more H30+ ions, so the equilbrium shifts to the right creating more non toxic NH4 molecules.
the lower the pH the higher the proportion of non toxic NH4 molecules floating around. but there will always be some NH3 present, as it exists in a ratio. but at more acidic pH's the contribution of the toxic form will be neglible as far as fish goes.
for the chemistry buffs out there, the equilbrium is as follows:
H30+ + NH3 ___> H20 + NH4
in low pH water, there is more H30+ ions, so the equilbrium shifts to the right creating more non toxic NH4 molecules.
yes. if you have a readable ammonia level at a pH of above 7 it can stress your fish.
you want your ammonia level to be undetectable on a normal test kit at all times unless the tank is brand new with fish, in which case it is cycling and this is to be expected at first.
do a water change ASAP. is the tank new or has it been setup a while?
you want your ammonia level to be undetectable on a normal test kit at all times unless the tank is brand new with fish, in which case it is cycling and this is to be expected at first.
do a water change ASAP. is the tank new or has it been setup a while?
The tank is now ok. It was a little amonia peak that happened after i changed a part of my gravel. I taugh the BB in my filter could support it and I learned it couldn't. A eheim 2213 in a 30 gals.
You are confirming what i was observing : even if my test kit says my NH3 level (0,01) was safe, my fish were still a little stressed.
Thanks
You are confirming what i was observing : even if my test kit says my NH3 level (0,01) was safe, my fish were still a little stressed.
Thanks
ammonia makes it hard for them to take in oxygen as it tends to burn their gills. so at small doses, they tend to gasp and breathe a little harder.
glad to hear your tank is back on track.
glad to hear your tank is back on track.