Tropic Marin Ammonium Ammonia Test

For determining the ammonium and ammonia concentration

Ammonium is the product of nitrogen mineralisation in which bonded nitrogen from food remains and excrement is converted to NH₄⁺ by bacteria. Depending on the pH value, there is an equilibrium between ammonium ions NH₄⁺ and ammonia NH₃ in the water. If the pH value is less than 7, the largely harmless ammonium ions are dominant, while the presence of ammonia grows if the pH value is above 7. Ammonia is very dangerous as it impairs the breathing capability of living beings. It penetrates the cells easily, causing the pH value to rise and inhibiting vital functions. In a healthy and well-established tank, ammonium ions are quickly oxidised by nitrifying bacteria into nitrite and, in turn, into nitrate. If this chain of events is disrupted, the concentration of ammonium can suddenly rise. Therefore, the concentration of ammonium/ammonia should be tested, especially in new tanks.

With the Tropic Marin Ammonium Ammonia-Test the ammonium/ammonia total concentration can be determined with the help of a finely tuned colour chart which includes a concentration range from 0.02 – 3 mg/l. Crucial is the total ammonia concentration which is the result of the ammonia/ammonium total concentration depending on the temperature and the pH-value.