Ammonia Toxicity And The Ph Relationship

[ShinySideUp]

I know there are many references to this particular subject but I have come across a website that might reduce the concern some, including me, may have about ammonia levels and the cost (with a water meter installed) of doing massive water changes to get the ammonia down.

I knew that the temperature of the water and the pH would affect the ammount of free ammonia in a tank but did realise to what extent. Since introducing my fish to their new larger tank I have had no problems with them, they are, to all intents and purposes fine and healthy.

Now my ammonia is measured today at 0.5 ppm which may be causing some stress but there is none. My nitrites are zero, nitrates are between 5 and 10 ppm. My pH is 6.4 and falls quickly to this level because of soft water I believe.

I have found that with temperature at 82 degrees (28C) and a pH of 6.4 the total free ammonia is almost negligible and therefore need not continously change large quantities of water to prevent fish death.

The website is at Ammonia and pH

So am I right? Are my fish at almost no risk from ammonia poisoning?

Cheers

Martin

 

[soybean]

"Now my ammonia is measured today at 0.5 ppm which may be causing some stress but there is none"

None you can see. The damage may become apparent down the line, such as from damage to the gills.

A properly cycled tank shouldn't be showing 0.5 ammonia. This is too high in my book.

 

[ShinySideUp]

"Now my ammonia is measured today at 0.5 ppm which may be causing some stress but there is none"

None you can see. The damage may become apparent down the line, such as from damage to the gills.

A properly cycled tank shouldn't be showing 0.5 ammonia. This is too high in my book.

Yes, I'm aware it is too high but I introduced the fish too early and am having to deal with the fallout. Changing 150 litres of water every two days is not an option and my post is aimed at a discussion of whether or not it is really necessary given how the reduced pH massively reduces ammonia toxicity.


Cheers

Martin