How to Test Aquarium Water Ammonia

If you are a fish lover interested in keeping a tank it's imperative you check the ammonia levels regularly. It's easy to do--just test for ammonia when you check the aquarium for other chemicals. Neglecting this critical step, though, can be hazardous to your fish. Read on to learn how to test aquarium water ammonia.

Things You'll Need

  • Ammonia test kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a strip test. The kit comes with small strips and all you will have to do is place the correct end of the strip into the fish tank. You'll have a reading on the ammonia levels in seconds.

    • 2

      Purchase a powder test. Here you pour water from your aquarium into test tubes. You then add powder to the tubes to get a reading on the ammonia levels in the tank.

    • 3

      Get a liquid test. This is similar to the powder test but you add liquid drops instead of powder.

    • 4

      Compare colors. With any of the above kits, you'll get a color chart. Compare the color of the water or test strip to the chart to determine the ammonia levels in your fish tank.