How Often Should You Add Ammonia Remover in a Goldfish Tank?

Ammonia is a toxic chemical that can kill fish if it is present in high quantities. Several tank chemistry issues can cause ammonia buildup, which will result in a high pH reading. However, the most common cause of excessive ammonia is overfeeding and infrequent water changes. While an ammonia remover will eliminate excess ammonia, making the tank safer for your goldfish, it is only a temporary solution.

  1. Ammonia Treatments

    • Ammonia treatments are chemical solutions added directly to the fish tank that temporarily lower ammonia. These treatments will not remedy ongoing chemistry problems that caused excessive ammonia, so there is no set schedule for how often a fish tank should be treated with ammonia remover. Instead, goldfish keepers should aim for a healthy tank environment. When your tank's pH reading rises, the cause is often excessive ammonia, so treat for ammonia at this time. If you continue to get high ammonia readings, take a sample of your water to a fish supply store. The store employees can do a chemical analysis and tell you what's causing the ammonia problem.

    Excessive Treatments

    • Many fish keepers, in a misguided effort to keep their tank healthy, treat the tank frequently with antibiotics, tank clarifiers and other medicated treatments. While these treatments can be helpful on a short-term basis, excessive use can destroy the delicate chemical balance in the aquarium, resulting in high ammonia. If your tank water is constantly cloudy, avoid treating the water until you know the cause of the cloudiness.

    Proper Tank Maintenance

    • Proper tank maintenance can reduce ammonia. You should drain 10 to 15 percent of the water in the tank weekly, and replace with fresh water. Treat the new water for chlorine prior to adding it to the tank by using a dechlorinator or allowing the water to sit for 24 hours. If you use a dechlorinator, make sure it contains no other medications. Avoid overfeeding your fish. This is a common cause of excessive ammonia buildup. You should give your goldfish as much food as they can eat in 10 to 15 minutes. If you see excess food particles, you're feeding too much. Tank crowding and insufficient filtration can also increase ammonia.

    Natural Ammonia Reduction

    • Ammonia reduction agents can alter the chemistry of your aquarium and may actually increase ammonia over time by eliminating helpful bacteria. There are several natural, safe ways to reduce ammonia. Try using biological filters, which promote the growth of good bacteria. Some aquarium plants, such as Java fern and Java moss, can also reduce ammonia levels.