How to Reduce Ammonia Levels in a Fish Tank

Aquariums, filled with fish, coral, invertebrates and even live plants are popular in many households for the low-maintenance pet lover. Said to reduce stress, encourage responsibility, and provide hours of relaxing entertainment, an aquarium can provide a peaceful element to a home. One common difficulty for a fish lover is an excess of ammonia, which can poison the creatures in the aquarium. While dangerous, this problem is easily remedied.

Things You'll Need

  • Ammonia test kit
  • Gravel siphon
  • Bucket
  • Conditioned water
  • Ammonia stabilization drops
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Instructions

  1. Reducing Ammonia in an Aquarium

    • 1

      Test the water in the tank, using an ammonia test kit. Compare the reading to the instructions. If the tank shows an excess of ammonia, move forward with the techniques for reducing ammonia.

    • 2

      Clean the gravel thoroughly and remove approximately half the water in the aquarium with a gravel siphon and draining bucket. Watch the level of water in your draining bucket to avoid a messy spill on your floors.

    • 3

      Refill the aquarium with fresh, conditioned water at the same temperature as the water currently in the tank. Pour this fresh water in slowly to avoid damaging any living creatures or further disturbing the gravel.

    • 4

      Add ammonia stabilization drops which, when applied to tanks with high levels of ammonia, help to stabilize the ammonia levels in the water.

    • 5

      Maintain the aquarium. One of the most common causes of an ammonia spike is overfeeding the fish. Feed them less food, and continue to perform water tests and water changes.