Solutions To Remove Ammonia

galatea · Dec 17, 2006

I found some bottled solutions in my lfs that removes ammonia. Is this safe and effective??

I know cycling is the best way but I'm just curious...... :fun:

I still have a lot to learn about this hobby.

Tolak · Dec 17, 2006

It doesn't remove ammonia, it converts it to ammonium, which is not toxic to fish at levels found in an aquarium, but still treated like ammonia by your bio filtration & processes the same. Ammo-Lock is one of the better known products, it does help relieve the stress fish experience with exposure to ammonia.

Rugby · Dec 17, 2006

never use chemicals to get rid of ammonia. like Tolak said, it converts it to ammonium, but you can never get rid of it. and it messes up your tests as well. ammo-lock will help in the short run, but in the long, itll just cause you trouble.

Bignose · Dec 18, 2006

Chemicals like that are good to have in an emergency. I use them sometimes when I set up a quaratine tank that it only going to house the fish for 3-4 weeks and then is going to be torn down again -- there is no chance to cycle.

But, the better alternative usually is just water changes. That dilutes the concentration, plus in almost every single case, the fish really appreciate fresh water. By the way, if you are cycling with fish, do frequent water changes to keep the pollution levels low -- the dilution will not slow down the cycling process at all. And, of course, you keep your fish safe in the process, too.