Heavy Metals in Aquarium Tanks

Heavy metals
Source: php.med.unsw.edu.au

What are heavy metals?

Some of the most common heavy metals include lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium. These are chemical elements that readily dissolve in water and are dangerous to aquatic life when present in abnormally large quantities.

Dealing with Toxic Effects of Chlorine and Chloramine

Dealing with Toxic Effects of Chlorine and Chloramine

Both saltwater fish and freshwater fish are affected by chlorine and chloramines. Chlorine is classified as an oxidizer and can burn fishes’ gills. On the other hand, Chloramines pass across the gills and into the blood where the molecule attaches to the hemoglobin to induce methemoglobinemia. The fish then suffer from anoxia, a condition which is characterized by low levels of oxygen in the tissues. This is associated with the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Hemoglobin functions as a carrier of oxygen in the blood. Fish suffering from chloramines poisoning appear to respire heavily and are sluggish.