High
Excess Ammonia
Ammonia is the primary waste product of fish and the main reason biofilters exist. At high temperature and high pH, more ammonia exists in the toxic un-ionized (NH₃) form. Test kits that read total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) are essential in any stocked system.
Symptoms & Signs
- Fish lethargy and reduced feeding
- Gill damage and red, inflamed gills
- New fish dying shortly after introduction
Common Causes
- Overfeeding produces more waste than biofilter can process
- New system biofilter has not fully cycled
- Overstocking overwhelms existing biofiltration
Species & Temperature Context
Water-quality parameters vary significantly by species, water temperature, production system, and local regulations. The ranges shown throughout this site are general guides based on common aquaculture species (tilapia, catfish, shrimp, trout). Always verify parameters for your specific species with a local aquaculture extension service or research institution before making management decisions.
Recommended Tools
Top Products for This Problem
| Check Price | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMMONIA-KIT-DELUXE | 0.0–8.0 mg/L TAN | Color chart comparison | N/A (colorimetric reagent kit) | N/A (lab kit) | $ | Check Price |
| MULTIPARAMETER-PRO-900 | pH 0–14; DO 0–20 mg/L; Cond 0–200 mS/cm; Temp −5–80°C | Multi-point auto-recognition per parameter | Integrated quad-sensor probe head | IP67 (handheld), IP68 (probe) | $$$ | Check Price |