Where Does Ammonia Come From?
Ammonia is produced in the aquarium from quite a number of sources, respiration by-products, urination and from fecal matter as well. As soon as fish are added to a newly established aquarium system, ammonia is being produced as fish pass water over their gills to obtain oxygen and pass off many toxic compounds in the fish. Ammonia is one of these. The most dangerous source is often when anything is left over after the feeding process. As soon as it hits the bottom, it will start to decay. The decay process of any organic material will rapidly produce ammonia as a normal by-product. The tragedy here is that this major potential source of ammonia is strictly under the control of the aquarist,. These toxins are introduced by the person in charge, often without understanding that they can be the source of such a major problem. Proper feeding techniques are vital for the aquarium at all times, but of the utmost importance when a tank is becoming established and the system is still essentia
