The levels of ammonia
and toxicity of ammonia are never constant. A
few hours after feeding, the ammonia levels will rise as nitrogen wastes of the fish are excreted.
This can actually be measured. A measurement just before feeding
should produce the lowest or no ammonia level. However, an hour or
two after feeding a high ammonia level will be recorded as the fish are
now excreting their metabolic waste products. Interesting, a corresponding
drop in oxygen levels at this time have also been measured in ponds as Koi consume more oxygen for the
metabolizing their food.
Ammonia is also a by-product of decaying vegetation or any live critters such as
frogs that have expired in the water. With sufficient bio-filtration and a
monthly bottom of the pond clean out schedule, your pond should be able to
handle the conversion of
ammonia to the more safe nitrate in short order. If Ammonia reading persist for
more than 2 days, adding Zeolite will absorb the
ammonia, as will substantial water changes, but the cause of the problem should
be located at once to prevent further deterioration of water quality.
The levels of ammonia
and toxicity of ammonia are never constant. A
few hours after feeding, the ammonia levels will rise as nitrogen wastes of the fish are excreted.
This can actually be measured. A measurement just before feeding
should produce the lowest or no ammonia level. However, an hour or
two after feeding a high ammonia level will be recorded as the fish are
now excreting their metabolic waste products. Interesting, a corresponding
drop in oxygen levels at this time have also been measured in ponds as Koi consume more oxygen for the
metabolizing their food.
