Ammonia
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Introduction
Ammonia is a compound with the formula NH3. It is naturally created by the decomposition of food by micro-organisms in water and is also eliminated by the gills and in the urine of fish. Ammonia is toxic to fish and understanding it is critical to setting up a healthy tank.
Ammonia can either be in the form of ammonium or ammonia depending on water pH. Below a pH of 7 there is a higher ratio of ammonium to ammonia. Ammonium is less toxic to fish than ammonia.
Ammonification
When a plant or animal dies, or an animal excretes, the initial form of nitrogen is organic in the form of peptides and amino acids. Bacteria convert the organic nitrogen within the remains back into ammonia, a process called ammonification.
Nitrification
Ammonia is converted to Nitrites by nitrifying bacteria in the environment. Ammonia is the first step in the Nitrogen Cycle in a fish tank. Without ammonia nitrifying bacteria do not have the nutrients to grow.
FAQ
Commonly-asked questions regarding Ammonia.
