For determining the ammonium and ammonia concentration
Ammonium is the product of nitrogen mineralisation in which bonded nitrogen from food remains and excrement is converted to NH4+ by bacteria. Depending on the pH value, there is an equilibrium between ammonium ions NH4+ and ammonia NH3 in the water. If the pH value is less than 7, the largely harmless ammonium ions are dominant, while the presence of ammonia grows if the pH value is above 7. Ammonia is very dangerous as it impairs the breathing capability of living beings. It penetrates the cells easily, causing the pH value to rise and inhibiting vital functions. In a healthy and well-established tank, ammonium ions are quickly oxidised by nitrifying bacteria into nitrite and, in turn, into nitrate. If this chain of events is disrupted, the concentration of ammonium can suddenly rise. Therefore, the concentration of ammonium/ammonia should be tested, especially in new tanks.
With the Tropic Marin® Ammonium/Ammonia-Test the ammonium/ammonia total concentration can be determined with the help of a finely tuned colour chart which includes a concentration range from 0.02-3 mg/l. Crucial is the total ammonia concentration which is the result of the ammonia/ammonium total concentration depending on the temperature and the pH-value.
Benefits:
- Measurement range: 0.02 – 3.0 mg/l (ppm)
- Accuracy: 0.05 mg/l (ppm)
- For determining the ammonium/ammonia total concentration in aquaria
- The total NH3 values are shown in a chart
- Sufficient for approximately 50 applications
How to use:
Determining the total concentration of ammonium / ammonia:
1. Shake the dropper bottles before use!
2. Rinse out the glass cuvette with tap water and then several times with aquarium water.
3. Fill the glass cuvette with exactly 5 ml of aquarium water using the dosing syringe.
4. Now add 10 drops of test reagent A to the water sample, close the glass cuvette using the stopper and briefly shake the solution.
5. Then add 5 drops of test reagent B to the test cuvette; shake the glass cuvette briefly again and set it aside.
6. After approx. 1 minute of development time, add 1 spoonful of test reagent C (powder), shake the glass cuvette briefly and then set it aside.
7. After 5 minutes of development time, place the glass cuvette on the white inner circles of the colour card and compare it to the surrounding colour field. To do this, look into the open cuvette from above. Move the sample on the colour card until the cuvette and the colour field match exactly. A slight cloudiness in the salt water sample will not affect the result of the test.
8. Take note of the measured total concentration value under the relevant colour field. If the colours do not match exactly, an intermediate value can be estimated.
9. Rinse out the glass cuvette and the measuring spoon thoroughly with tap water after the measurement process.
Determining the ammonia level:
If the pH value and water temperature are known, the ammonia concentration in the water can be determined using the table after the total concentration of ammonium/ammonia has been measured.
Starting at approx. 0.075 mg/l ammonia: damage possible
Starting at approx. 0.1 mg/l ammonia: life-threatening damage likely, especially in the case of young fish
Starting at approx. 0.23 mg/l ammonia: life-threatening damage to all fish
How to correct unfavourable values
If the total ammonium/ammonia concentration in the water is too high, we recommend:
• adding bacteria, e.g. Tropic Marin® NITRIBIOTIC;
• a partial water change of 10 - 40 % with water of equal pH value like the tank water, depending on the contamination;
• cleaning the tank and removing dead organisms, where necessary;
• assessing and, where necessary, reducing the feeding quantities.
Safety information:
DANGER
Solution A: Causes serious eye irritation. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Solution B contains: Sodium hydroxide. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. IF SWALLOWED: rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for
several minutes.
Keep out of reach of children.
