How to Test Aquarium Water Ammonia

If you are a fish lover interested in keeping a tank it's imperative you check the ammonia levels regularly. It's easy to do--just test for ammonia when you check the aquarium for other chemicals. Neglecting this critical step, though, can be hazardous to your fish. Read on to learn how to test aquarium water ammonia.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ammonia test kit

1. Buy a strip test. The kit comes with small strips and all you will have to do is place the correct end of the strip into the fish tank. You'll have a reading on the ammonia levels in seconds.

2. Purchase a powder test. Here you pour water from your aquarium into test tubes. You then add powder to the tubes to get a reading on the ammonia levels in the tank.

3. Get a liquid test. This is similar to the powder test but you add liquid drops instead of powder.

4. Compare colors. With any of the above kits, you'll get a color chart. Compare the color of the water or test strip to the chart to determine the ammonia levels in your fish tank.

Tips & Warnings

• You won't need all three types of test kits—one will do. The strips are the easiest to use but are also the most expensive. Powder is the cheapest but it's also the messiest. Find one that works for you and stick with it.
• Some experts recommend testing the water in your fish tank daily or at least every other day. If you can't test that often do it at least once a week to keep your fish healthy.
• If you have an established fish tank and get anything other than a 0 reading, the ammonia levels are too high. Change the water immediately and locate the source of the problem. Act quickly to keep your fish alive.

Resources

• Ammonia Test Kit for Your Fish Tank at That Pet Place Website

[dfburgin]

on 5/27/2008 i have a 25 gallon fresh water aquarium in my office. I want to test for ammonia and have a Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Test Kit but the directions got wet and I cannot read them. Can anyone tell me how to perform this test? This kit has bottle one and bottle two -- don't know if you use the two bottles together or separate. thanks

[putnamj2]

on 5/14/2008 If you want a faster, easier, way to check your ammonia try these guys: Pacific Sentry LLC
They offer a constant water ammonia monitor

http://www.sentry-sensors.com/

They make it really easy:)