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Ammonia burn

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Travis G, Jun 18, 2014.

  1. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I was pointed in that direction after losing my coral beauty and onyx clown looking rough. I did a Google search and came up with the conclusion that, that's what is wrong. Did a big rescape and musta had a big cycle. Did a biiig water change and things are lookin a little better. Has anyone else had ammonia burn problems?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  2. Zach Well-Known ReefKeeper

    605
    Coralville, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +21 / 0 / -0
    In terms of skin conditions?

    Free ammonia is highly toxic to aquatic life. It kills in aquariums at very low amounts. Any level above 0.02 mg/l (ppm) is considered harmful.

    Ammonium may be toxic to marine fish, especially if the pH differs significantly from natural seawater (e.g. during shipping)

    Free ammonia causes gill damage, internal organ damage and eventually skin damage and death. Typical symptoms include:
    ragged or frayed fins
    cloudy eyes
    rapid gilling
    lack of appetite
    more susceptible to disease

    In general, ammonia is more toxic at higher alkaline pH values and as the temperature of the water increases.

    Ammonia is not toxic to plants in levels that would cause distress to fish, indeed of those plants tested, most preferred ammonia or ammonium as a food to nitrate.

    Rough guide to toxic levels of free ammonia:
    0.020 to 0.049 (ppm) is considered 'tolerated' but will cause long term harm to its growth, immune system, health, etc. especially to eggs or very young animals.
    0.050 to 0.199 (ppm) is perhaps tolerated for only a few days and is very harmful.
    0.200 to 0.499 (ppm) is perhaps tolerated for a day or two and will probably kill.
    0.500+ (ppm) is deadly and will probably kill within a day.
    Individual species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates etc. vary enormously on their tolerances of low levels of ammonia and the issue is made further complicated as young are far more susceptible to ammonia than older animals.
    In nitrogen sensitive fish like Trout, ammonia is about 6x more toxic than nitrite and about 13,300x more toxic than nitrate

    ---------------------

    One thing you should check is if you are dealing with An ammonia burn or with velvet developing from a previous infection of ick or similar infection that can lead to stress.
     
  3. xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    La Porte City, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,014 / 6 / -0
    Did you test for ammonia, or are you just guessing?
     
  4. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    I tested with my cheap kit and it was way high. Thats when I did a couple water changes
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  5. xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    La Porte City, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,014 / 6 / -0
    There is your answer.

    How long has it been set up, what kind of filtration is on it?
     
  6. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    29 biocube. Up for about 10 months. Running carbon, chemepure and filter floss
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 24, 2015
  7. Saddoris(DSMpunk)

    Saddoris(DSMpunk)

    84
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Go get yourself some Seachem Prime asap. It wont remove the ammonia but it will help mitigate the toxic effects.
     

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