Is .5 ammonia bad for the water in your fish tank?

Ammonia, even in small amounts, is toxic to fish and most aquatic life. .5 ppm (parts per million) of ammonia is considered unsafe for fish and can cause health problems in the long term, such as gill damage, reduced immune function, and growth inhibition. It is crucial to maintain ammonia levels at zero parts per million in freshwater aquariums and very low levels (close to zero) in saltwater aquariums to ensure the well-being of your fish. Regular water changes, a well-established biological filter, and appropriate stocking levels (not overcrowding the tank) are ways to control ammonia levels. If the .5 ppm of ammonia in your water source or tap water, consider using a quality water conditioner that removes or detoxifies ammonia during water changes before adding water to your aquarium.