What Should I Do About Amonia?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Ideally, an established tank should always have zero ammonia If the ammonia is 0.5 ppm or less, continue to test frequently and do regular partial water changes and the problem will probably correct itself in time. Be aware that most waterworks in the U.S. now sanitize tap water with chloramine, which is a mixture of chlorine and ammonia. You must use a product that specifically removes chloramines (not just chlorine). If not, water changes will actually be adding ammonia to your tank.



But GET A TEST KIT !!!!!!!!!!!! its a must have item:thumbsup:
 
i agree... get a test kit and check. once everything is zero then you're safe. what i did was, when everything was zero i just didn't mind on the water chemistry and just did my routine 25% water change every 3 days. i do my water change straight from my garden house with drip type flow and titrate the stress zyme that takes care of the chlorine and chloramine. I feed my dats every 2 days with 54 feeders (they are monster eaters):WHOA: . it keeps my water crystal clear and free of anything else not needed. i do a have an established canister filter that helps a lot. and canister filter is cleaned every 2-3 months. works for me. :D but that's me.:)
 
Wild darters are often used a water quality indicaters during stream studys because they a very sensitive to pollution. With that said, of the darters, Johny Darters are the most hardy. Thet are a stream fish so be sure to have good water flow in your tank. When I had Ichthyology a number of my class mates kept darters we caught in class, and I balieve the Johnys faired the best.
 
Wild darters are often used a water quality indicaters during stream studys because they a very sensitive to pollution. With that said, of the darters, Johny Darters are the most hardy. Thet are a stream fish so be sure to have good water flow in your tank. When I had Ichthyology a number of my class mates kept darters we caught in class, and I balieve the Johnys faired the best.
My science teacher is really wanting this river to be nice and heathy so I told her that and showed her a picture of the fish. I orderd a amonnia tast kit from the link http://www.petsolutions.com/Default.aspx?CategoryID=46 just scrolldown and click on "last" and you should see a product that is titled "LiveAmmonia Test Meter" I also got the "LivepH Test Meter". They are kept in the tank to constantly measure the NH3 and pH levels. Also does anybody know what the pH should be at for my darter. I hope my test kits get here soon.
 
E-mail me at d_lots_99@yahoo.com and I'll scan and mail you the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves water quality assessment tool. It uses macro invertabrates to asses stream quality. It may be a little advanced fof a gerneral science class, but your teacher may be able to modifie it. If I can find it I'll also include the EPA's water quality assesment tool. Or just suggest to your teacher that she talks to your states Department of Natural Resources, I'm sure they would be more than happy to assist her. Feel free to give her my e-mail adress and I'll do what I can to help her, I am a Conservation Worker with the ODNR Division of Natural Resources and Preserves.

As for the pH for your darter, I would suggest testing the pH of the stream and try to keep your tanks pH similar.
 
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