Ammonium results from the mineralization of nitrogen during which the reserves of nitrogen present in food residues and excrement are transformed into NH 4 + by bacteria. Due to the pH value, the ratio between ammonium ions NH 4 + and ammonia NH 3 is balanced in the water. At pH values below 7, harmless ammonium ions largely dominate, while at pH values above 7, ammonia is formed proportionally. Ammonia is very dangerous as it interferes with the breathing of living beings. It easily penetrates into the cells, which leads to an increase in the pH value and blocks vital functions. In a healthy, well-established pool, ammonium ions are quickly oxidized by nitrifying bacteria from nitrite to nitrate. Any disruption of this chain of processes can lead to a sudden increase in the ammonium concentration. Therefore, it is essential to check the ammonium/ammonia concentration, especially in new pools.
With the Tropic Marin ® Ammonium/Ammonia Test , the total ammonium/ammonia concentration can be determined from a fine color matched range which includes a concentration range from 0.02 to 3 mg/l. Pure ammonia concentration depends on temperature and pH value and can be calculated from total ammonium/ammonia concentration as shown in this test.
Advantages :
| • | Measuring range: 0.02 – 3.0 mg/l |
| • | Accuracy: 0.03mg/l |
| • | For the determination of the total concentration of ammonium and ammonia in aquaria |
| • | Total NH 3 values are shown in a table |
| • | Sufficient for about 50 applications |
How to use :
Determination of total ammonium / ammonia concentration:
| 1. | Before use, shake the dropper bottles well! |
| 2. | Rinse the glass bowl several times with tap water, then with aquarium water. |
| 3. | Using the dosing syringe, precisely pour 5 ml of aquarium water into the glass bowl. |
| 4. | Now add 10 drops of reagent A to the sample, close the glass cuvette with the stopper and briefly shake the solution. |
| 5. | Then add 5 drops of reagent B to the sample, briefly shake the glass cuvette again and set aside. |
| 6. | After approx. 1 minute development time, add 1 scoop of reagent C (powder) to the sample, briefly shake the glass cuvette and then set aside. |
| 7. | After 5 minutes of development time, place the glass cuvette on the white inner circles of the color chart and compare with the surrounding colored area. To do this, observe from above the inside of the open bowl. Move the sample on the color chart until the cuvette and the colored area show the same color. A slight darkening in the case of seawater samples does not affect the test results. |
| 8. | Read the total concentration value under the corresponding colored area. If the colors do not match exactly, deduce an intermediate value. |
| 9. | After the measuring process is complete, rinse the glass cuvette and measuring spoon thoroughly with tap water. |
Determination of ammonia:
Once the total ammonium/ammonia concentration has been measured, if the pH value and the temperature of the water are known, it is possible to determine the ammonia concentration of the water in the table .
From approx. 0.075 mg/l ammonia: possible damage
From approx. 0.1 mg/l ammonia: probable fatal damage, especially in the case of young fish
From approx. 0.23 mg/l of ammonia: fatal damage for all fish
Actions to take
If the total ammonium/ammonia concentration of the water is too high, here are our recommendations:
| • | Addition of bacteria, for example, Tropic Marin ® NITRIBIOTIC ; |
| • | Partial water change 10-40% with water from the same pH value as the aquarium, depending on the load; |
| • | If necessary, cleaning of the basin and elimination of dead organisms; |
| • | Control and if necessary reduction of the quantities of food. |
Durability and storage6 months after start. Store in a dark and cool place.
The complete instruction manual in PDF format can be found here: Ammonium/ammonia test
