Introduction on Chlorine & Chloramine

Dealing with Chlorine and Chloramine in Aquarium Tanks

Chlorine and chloramine are chemicals which are commonly added to tap water by water companies to make it safe for drinking.

Chlorine has been used for many years as a water disinfectant however recently many drinking water suppliers have chosen to replace chlorine with chloramine for two important reasons---first, chloramine lasts longer than chlorine, and second, it does not react with organic molecules as readily as chlorine does. The products produced by the reaction of chlorine with organic matter can be toxic to people thus using chloramines can reduce this possibility of toxicity.

Keeping Your Fish Tank Ammonia-Free

Keeping Your Fish Tank Ammonia-Free

The presence of ammonia in your aquarium can pose a big risk for your fish population. Delicate fish species can easily get killed when exposed to ammonia in water. Hardy fish species can suffer permanent physical damage and die a slow, painful death when exposed to ammonia for a considerable period of time. For an aquatic environment to remain healthy and disease-free, the level of ammonia has to remain zero at all times.

Nitrogen Cycle – Biological Filtration inside Aquarium Tanks

Nitrogen Cycle – Biological Filtration inside Aquarium Tanks

Ammonia in aquarium tank water is a by-product of waste breakdown. It is a chemical compound which is highly toxic to fish and aquatic plants. Since any tank is vulnerable to an accumulation of significant amounts of fish and plant waste, uneaten food, bacteria and algae, there is a need to ensure that your tank remains free of ammonia at all times.

To keep your fish population and tank environment safe and healthy, you need to understand the basic components of water chemistry inside the aquarium.