Ammonia Problems
Fish Health
HELP! My fish are dying!
Firstly, don’t panic, especially if your fish aren't dying… But if they are, then we must find the source of the problem before we can fix it.
Have you done anything different with your pond recently??
Filled it up with tap water, without using chlorine neutraliser? QUICK, get some neutraliser from your local aquarium or our shop, and dose asap.
Had someone else not familiar with your pond feed the fish? Ask them how much food they put in, test for ammonia and treat accordingly
Sprayed pesticides near the pond etc? Big waterchange is required, dont forget to de-chlorinate new water entering pond
Test the water’s pH and Ammonia levels. pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, Ammonia should be zero.
pH can be altered using pH up or pH down. Dose according to the instructions on the packet.
If you have ammonia in the pond, click here..
Look at the fish carefully… Are there any small white spots on them? Sores? Fungus?
If you notice any of the above, or the pH and ammonia levels are fine, and fish are still dying, medication is required.. Call our shop on 9986 2000 for assistance in choosing the correct medication.
AMMONIA IN POND
Ammonia is a waste chemical from the fish that is normally removed by good bacteria in your pond filter.
If Ammonia is present in any concentration, action must be taken to get it back down to zero where is should be at all times.
Step 1: Stop feeding the fish for at least one week. I know this sounds mean, but trust me, it is essential in bringing the fish back to health by reducing the ammonia levels.. (ie, it’s not mean!)
Step 2: Do a 40% water change. Don’t forget to use the right amount of chlorine neutralizer… This will dilute the ammonia present to safer levels.
Step 3: Add a dose of Ammonia Remover. This will turn any ammonia present into a non toxic version
Step 4: You’re not feeding the fish, are you?? Check pond thoroughly for any dead fish every day, as they release massive amounts of ammonia if left there for any period of time..
Step 5: Check Ammonia levels in 2 days. If Ammonia levels are still high, do a smaller water change, and use another dose of ammonia remover.
Repeat until ammonia is gone.
Note: The chemical that ammonia remover changes ammonia to will show up in the test, so readings are not 100% accurate initially after the ammonia remover has been added, though after 2 days, you should notice a reduction in ammonia present..
BUY AMMONIA REMOVER AND OTHER POND CHEMICALS HERE!!
You may want to think about why the ammonia levels got high in the first place..
It can be from a variety of reasons, such as
Putting too many fish into a new pond
Too many/Too big fish in the pond
Inadequate filtration
Inadequate maintenance of filter
Dead fish rotting in the pond
Too much food
Fish breeding season?
All of these, except for the last, can be improved or fixed to avoid having to deal with ammonia in the future.. Call our shop to find out more.. 9986 2000