Ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates (continued)
Nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia are also removed through the weekly water changes. Because high levels of ammonia and nitrite are lethal for fish, it is critical that these products be efficiently removed or converted to nitrate.
Maintaining a population of bacteria that can convert ammonia and nitrite is an important part of the water chemistry, and the process is known as biological filtration. Biological filtration will occur naturally in most tanks that have been up and running for a couple of months. The better filters often contain a special area or wheel that is made specifically for providing an optimal habitat for growing these bacteria. While the bacteria will live in a traditional filter and on rocks etc. in the aquarium, the new filters harbor a much higher number and can therefore do a better job of removing ammonia and nitrites.
If a fish tank is over crowded, or the waste level gets too high through overfeeding or dead fish etc., even a properly functioning biological filter can be overwhelmed and toxic conditions can result. Periodically checking the ammonia and nitrite levels in your tank with a test kit will ensure that your biological filter is working correctly. Tanks that have a healthy plant population will also aid in the removal of nitrates. Because it takes weeks to months for a tank to grow a healthy population of bacteria, it is important that a tank be allowed to age before fish are added. After the tank ages several weeks with only a few hardy fish, more fish can be slowly added over a couple of months to make sure the biological filter is not overloaded.
Copper
Copper is not found in any significant levels in most water supplies, but it can be toxic to fish if it is present in larger amounts. In homes that have uncoated copper plumbing and soft water, a small amount of copper may leach into the water supply. In addition, some parts of the country will also have a small percentage of copper in their water source. There are commercial test kits available for copper if you feel that your water may contain copper. Reverse osmosis, chemical copper removers, or an alternate water source is the current recommendation for eliminating copper.
Nitrate
High levels of nitrate can be present in the water of wells contaminated from fertilizer, agricultural run off, or sewage. These nitrates are dangerous to humans as well as livestock. Nitrates can be removed by reverse osmosis or specialized nitrate removing chemicals.
Chlorine
Chlorine is commonly added to water supplies to disinfect the water and can be harmful to fish. It can be removed with chemical chlorine eliminators or by aerating the water in a bucket over night.
Chloramine
Some municipal water treatment companies use chloramine in place of chlorine. It is a combination of chlorine and ammonia and is harmful to fish and must be removed. Standard dechlorinating agents will not remove chloramine. Special chemical agents that are made to remove chloramine must be used to treat this water.
Understanding water chemistry does not have to be difficult, and because of the completely enclosed environment of a fish tank, it is very important. Even small changes in water hardness, pH, and ammonia can be stressful or harmful to your fish. By knowing exactly what type of water your fish require and then maintaining that water quality, you can greatly enhance the health and longevity of your fish.
