How to Get Rid of Ammonia in Saltwater Tanks With Green Spotted Puffer Fish

Ammonia, a chemical compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, is a tissue irritant for fish. It often causes gill hemorrhages, which reduce the fish's ability to absorb oxygen from the water. The presence of ammonia in saltwater aquariums is largely due to the decomposition of organic matter, including fish food, fish excrement and aquatic plants. Tetraodon nirgroviridis, or green spotted puffer fish, do not have gill covers or scales, making them more sensitive to ammonia levels in the water. The careful monitoring of water quality is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy green spotted puffer fish population.

Things You'll Need

  • Ammonia testing kit
  • Small aquarium net
  • Ammonia-removal water treatment product
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stop feeding the fish immediately upon recognizing the presence of ammonia in the tank water.

    • 2

      Aerate the aquarium vigorously by increasing the water flow through the filter or by increasing the air flow to the air stones.

    • 3

      Remove any trapped decaying matter from the filter or the aquarium using the net.

    • 4

      Complete a partial water change, replacing the water with only tap water that has been properly treated with the ammonia-removal product. Test the water using the ammonia testing kit to ensure a near-zero reading.

    • 5

      Re-test the water for ammonia levels using the testing kit. If the ammonia levels of the tank water are not near-zero, repeat steps 1 through 3; do not feed the fish for approximately 48 hours. If the ammonia levels are sufficiently low, begin to feed the fish sparingly.

    • 6

      Monitor the ammonia levels of the water regularly to ensure that the aquarium filter is properly coping with the decaying matter.